The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Harvests of healing at Lagos church

    American-based Pastor Niyi Obakin was confined to a wheel chair with serious bouts of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

    For 20 years, he bore the brunt of multiple illnesses with choking medical bills.

    But at one of the vigils during the April edition of Feast of Jesus Passover, he was all smiles as he testified to supernatural healing after prayers by General Overseer of The Saints’ Gospel Church of Christ AKA Hand of Fire, Pastor Jacob Sodeinde.

    The relieved cleric, who was carrying sack of prescribed drugs around, said: “In fact, I have spent money that could build four flats in five places on drugs and hospital bills.

    “The demons had taken me in and out of hospitals both in Nigeria and abroad.

    “My condition was so terrible that I would not be okay if I didn’t  inject between 150- 200 units of insulin into my system in a day. Not this alone, I was confined into the wheel chair.”

    He said he was healed after prayers.

    24 pregnant women also testified to rectification of their medical cases after prayers during the programme.

    Mrs.Adenike Rowland explained how she attended the programme after the scan result of her eight- month-old foetus showed it was in a sitting position.

    She could not afford the N300, 000 required to correct it at the hospital.

    She said her joy knew no bounds when she went for another scan on the third day after prayers and the result showed the child was in a normal position.

    Mrs. Yemi Madamidola, Idowu Omolayo, Temitope

    Dayo, Titilayo Afunto, Busuratu Akanbi, Mrs. Akinjiyan

    Esther, FunmiAgboola, Victoria Olukosi, Olatunji Bunmi, Iyabo Johnson and Esther Joel, shared similar testimony.

    They claimed the fetuses in their wombs were corrected through aggressive prayers.

    For Mrs. Joy Ogundare, Temi Odunuga, Mary Bakenu, Comfort Omolara, Nike Anifowose and Famakinwa Sunkanmi, the fetuses in their wombs were lying vertically according to the result of the scan.

    They said their stories changed after prayers during the feast.

    The cases of IyaboAdeyemi and Esther Ibukun were different as medical reports showed the foetus were too big for their wombs.

    They needed surgical operation, which would cost them N350, 000 and N400, 000 respectively.

    They testified their circumstances changed after prayers during the programme.

  • Archbishop laments poor wealth distribution

    Nigerian-born Archbishop of Christian Community Ministries International Sao Paulo Brazil, Emmanuel Chukwu Emmanuel, has faulted the nation’s wealth distribution system.

    The faulty system, according to him, is responsible for Nigeria’s economic crisis.

    Emmanuel said: “A situation where one man is richer than the country is wrong and that is because of wrong distribution of wealth.

    “There is no magic to advance the economy if our leaders do not know how to distribute the wealth through investments in the country.”

    The cleric also reasoned that the lack of fear of God was also to blame for the woeful economic condition of the country.

    “There is hardship in the land because of the lack of fear of God. Africa is the richest continent in the world but does not know how to manage its wealth because the leaders are not God-fearing.

    “They do not believe in the wisdom and knowledge of the distribution of wealth,” he stated.

    Emmanuel frowned at the preponderance of greed among the nation’s political leaders.

    “When we stop being greedy and think about our brothers, infrastructure will be better than what we have presently.

    “There is no need taking money to Switzerland that cannot be accessed by your children when you die,” he stressed.

    However, he believes all hope is not lost though, especially for those whose trust in God.

    “We serve a God of miracles. God provides our needs. We are not led by the economy of this country but by God’s financial supply, as God says.

    “When you believe in God, He supplies all your needs; He is not a man that lies.

    “He has been supplying my needs; there is no lack. Supernaturally, God has been seeing members of my church and me through.

    “We have number of testimonies. He makes dreams and goals come true. I know it that God is not a man that lies.”

  • ‘The kind of gospel that will save Nigeria’

    ‘The kind of gospel that will save Nigeria’

    Senior Pastor of The Stone Church Ibadan, Pastor Alex Adegboye, speaks with Sunday Oguntola on recent happenings in the church as well as how the gospel can transform Nigeria. Excerpts: 

    What has been happening lately in the church?

    During our 20th anniversary in 2013, we moved into a new 3,000-seater auditorium. We have also tried to restructure the ministry in a way that we now have a youth church.

    Autonomous youth church?

    Yes, independent. They use the main auditorium we were using before.

    But some church leaders don’t want the youth church. Why did you choose to go that direction?

    I want it because I believe as I watch succession from generation to generation, I discovered a lot of young people can’t fully settle into the adult church. Their culture is kind of different and Christianity not deep enough. I realised we were not really communicating to them.

    So, I thought of a way to find somebody who can communicate to them in their languages at their level to motivate them. My vision actually is what we used to have on campuses. The campus fellowship is headed by one of them of their ages with similar challenges and they form the core that reach out to other fellow students.

    What we do in the church now, we have what we call the children’s church, which includes teenagers’ church. Then we have the youth church and adult church. Once in a year, we graduate from children church to the youth church.

    The pastor of the junior church hands over to the youth church while the pastor of the youth church hands over to the main pastor. I meet with these three pastors three times in a year where we talk about what is going on.

    This has helped a lot because a lot of these young ones would have usually disappeared. So, we make sure they graduate formally and are planted in various departments and ministries. They do very well and become work force of the adult church.

    Are you thinking of retirement?

    Not immediately, but my role definitely will change in the next 10 years.

    To what?

    I will not be pastoring the local church again. I expect that by that time, I will be more into strengthening the leadership.

    Apostolic ministry?

    More apostolic and strengthening leadership of all the churches we have planted around the world. By then, I will not be bothered by all the daily running of the local church. But I want to have people in place who have the spirit of the ministry. It will even move from church to church.

    My desire is to hand over to people who won’t move from one place to the other but people groomed in the system, more solid in the long run.

    How autonomous are your local branches?

    They are fully autonomous to the extent that they remit only 20 percent of their tithes and offerings.

    Why just 20 percent?

    Because I think that is fair considering they have their programmes too. I know some churches do a lot more but I just say bring 20 percent and use the rest for the local assemblies. They have special offerings that are not remitted at all

    You don’t ask for special offerings?

    No, we put it into special account to plant other churches. It goes into other branches, which are financed from the headquarters.

    But the branches are not financed?

    They are financed two years into their take-off.

    You get them the facilities?

    We do everything, including salaries for pastors and bills for two years. After two years, they become autonomous.

    Why?

    I want them to be autonomous because I don’t believe in transferring pastors.

    You don’t transfer?

    No.

    Why?

    I believe every church you pastor is your ministry.

    And you need time

    And you need time. So, if you are there and you do it well, it will survive. If you don’t do it well, it is left to you.

    The danger is that people will say those pastor will become more powerful.

    I don’t mind.

    Why won’t you mind when you are the GO?

    I believe that everyone that comes under my leadership has come so that I can help him to be what God wants him to be, not to put him under me. I actually expect they should be bigger than me and I encourage them to write books, go on television and radio of their own.

    People will say you are not clipping their wings but allowing them to fly

    I don’t believe in clipping anybody’s wing.

    But has that helped? Haven’t you lost out in a way?

    No, I have not, up to date.

    No break away?

    There was one that left but he returned on his own. He said he found out it was better he stayed back so he came back. But I said ‘you can’t pastor any branch again. Come and stay with me here.’

    When he left, did you commission him off?

    No, he said he was going and I said bye. So, we took another person. He launched the ministry and I went to help him launch it. I preached at the launching. There was no animosity at all.

    So what do you gain in allowing them to thrive?

    Some of them really thrive and become more effective ministers.

    What is in it for you operating that way?

    A sense of fulfillment. I feel when I help somebody and at the end of the day I am better off for it because they will never speak ill of me. I am fulfilled doing it.

    What’s this year convention all about?

    The theme is greater works. What we want to do is to focus on greater works of the kingdom. I believe this nation will not be saved by political associations, parties, economic policies or any political leaders. It will be saved through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and not just gospel of words.

    It is the gospel of power. I expect God will demonstrate His power. I think if we have the kind of works that we should have in the church, which Jesus calls greater works, this nation would have been saved long ago. But we have lots of talks, a lot of motivational stuff, which have their own place. But to save the nation, we need solid demonstration of God’s power.

    But you have been known for word ministration

    Yes. If it is real word, it produces signs and wonder.

    Some people will say you are trying to veer off

    I am a word person, but the word that is not producing power is not a complete word.

    So the word is not powerless?

    No, the word, actually, is the power of God.

    Something must have trigged off this dimension. Was it an experience, inspiration, revelation?

    I never believed in the gospel without power. Word doesn’t mean there is no power. If it was just word, I wouldn’t be saved. I have never been impressed by well-crafted, smooth-talking preachers. I needed an experience because I grew up in the palace. I grew up among powers of darkness, witches and wizards everywhere and I knew that if a witch encounters you, you had better have power.

    If not, they will kill you. I saw my parents die in very embarrassing circumstances when we were absolutely powerless, and we believed very strongly that it was witches and wizards that killed them.

    Up till now?

    We have no reason to change that view because they died mysteriously. Of course, doctors will tell you there were certain diseases and I knew there must be something supernatural about their deaths. We lost them at very young ages. My mother died when I was 10 years. My dad when I was 17.

    So, I knew there must be something supernatural in this world beyond word. And as I read the bible, I found out that Jesus Christ was very supernatural. He didn’t do just words; He is a great teacher that did a lot of great works. So, I have always believed in the gospel of power.

    So you don’t believe economic policies, government policies or any other thing will save Nigeria but the gospel?

    The gospel has two prongs: demonstrating of power and wisdom. Supernatural wisdom, which is what I think many of the motivational speakers get across to us. But where they fall short is that they do not have supernatural wisdom. They just have the wisdom of this world.

    I tell people that all these inventions like I-phones and Microsoft that changed our lives are supernatural. They came by inspirations. The founder of Microsoft just imagined everyone having a computer on the table. Such supernatural wisdom is also part of God’s power.

    If we embrace the gospel, such inspiration comes from it. Everybody will not be a preacher. People will be in the marketplace. If we have the wisdom of God, we’d have better journalists and medical doctors with supernatural insights into solutions.

    And that is the kind of gospel we need in Nigeria?

    Absolutely.

  • Cleric seeks counselling centres for depressed 

    Resident Pastor of the Elevation Church Mainland Centre, Lagos, Pastor Debo Omotunde, has called on the body of Christ to build structures and centres that will provide counselling and support to people going through depression.

    Omotunde spoke with our correspondent last week at the launch of a marketplace evangelism group, Manifesting Jesus by Babatunde Adebola, in commemoration of his birthday.

    He stated churches must be deliberate in efforts at keeping the congregation’s hope alive in Jesus Christ as the pressure around them keeps draining their hope.

    He said that there are increasing numbers of unemployed youths, homeless, destitute and orphans going through physical, emotional and social problems needing someone to talk to.

    Omotunde asserted that many immature Christians are lost in the crowd and they could be possessed of the devil if they are not helped and trained to act like Jesus in every situation.

    ‘’We can also refer cases that cannot be handled by just attending church services promptly to the counselling centre as depression does not set in in a day,’’ he advised.

    He challenged Christians to focus more on God and be sure that no matter the situation that comes their way, He will not leave them.

    ‘’We should never get to a point when we think our lives are our own as the Bible says we will one day give account of our lives and therefore we must be faithful stewards of our lives,’’ he said.

    “Let’s do everything to receive help. We should fight until there is no more breath in us. We should be faithful and responsible stewards of our life,” Omotunde charged.

    He lamented that many Christians are concerned about economic recession in the country, which, according to him, is wrong.

    ‘’This is not consistent with the Spirit of God, as we operate under a covenant that secures our prosperity, peace, joy, health and our capacity to resource for heaven so we can fulfil God’s plan,” he noted.

    He added:  “There is a direction and instruction for the now that will enable you to do what God will have you to do.

    “Jesus said that the Gentiles are worried about material things of this world but He enjoins us to seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto us.”

    Convener of the programme, Babatunde Adebola, said the ministry is predicated on Roman 8: 19.

  • Martins to Nigerians: Don’t give in to despair

    Lagos Catholic Archbishop Adewale Martins has advised Nigerians not to despair, despite the harsh economic realities.

    He told them to persevere and keep their hope in God for a better future.

    Martins spoke with newsmen after the prism mass in Festac Lagos last week.

    He condemned the resort to suicides by Nigerians, saying it was a bad way to respond to the economic downturns.

    According to him: “We can’t see a government that is so sure with a policy that can bring us out of economic recession.

    “It looks like trial and error. So we are hoping that the new policy that the government is working on will take the country out of recession as expected.

    “And before the economic policy takes root, there should be palliative measures to ensure that people don’t die.”

    Martins expressed displeasure with the recent discoveries of cash in private residences and ware houses.

    Such stashed funds, he said, were ill-gotten and products of corruption.

    He advised priests to be faithful irrespective of their strong points and short falls, pointing out that parishioners should also support them to succeed.

    The Archbishop expressed satisfaction with the growth of the archdiocese under his watch, attributing it to God’s grace.

    He pledged more commitment to evangelisation to increase the estimated three million-strong Catholic in Lagos.

  • Engaging vital keys to operating in the supernatural! (2)

    Last week, we began this teaching with the understanding that by redemption, every child of God is ordained to operate naturally in the supernatural. However, there are certain vital keys that guarantee our access to operating in the supernatural, and we examined one of them last week. This week, we shall explore two other vital keys, which include:

    • Be Committed to growing in power: We recognise from scriptures that spiritual empowerment is in levels. In an encounter with God, Prophet Ezekiel narrates: Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over (Ezekiel 47:1-5).

    ‘Water’ in the above scripture represents the Holy Spirit and its various levels of empowerment¯ankle level, knee level, loin’s level and levels that could not be passed over, which is where Jesus operated. The Bible says: For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (John 3:34). However, it is important to understand that though empowerment is in levels, it is always at a cost. The cost of growing in power is prayer and fasting, which is a non-negotiable requirement and the purchasing power for empowerment. It is written: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6; see also Matthew 25:8-9; 2 Corinthians 11:27).

    It is impossible for anyone to walk in power consistently without subscribing to the demands of prayer and fasting. The Psalmist said: O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee (Psalms 63:1-3).  The “thirst of the soul” is the expression of our desires on the prayer altar and the “longing of the flesh” is the fast that it is coupled with.

    However, it is important to understand that it is the combination of power and authority that gives us command over any issue of life. Jesus called His disciples and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases; yet, they could not cast out the devil out of a demon possessed man. When Jesus’ disciples asked Him why it was so, He replied: Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you (Matthew 17:19-20; see also Luke 4:36, 9:1).

    As believers, we must understand that though faith confers us with authority, it must be coupled with power for delivery. Authority has no relevance without power. When the Apostles were empowered by the Holy Ghost, they prayed and great power manifested. We also understand from scriptures that when Jesus fasted, He returned in the power of the Spirit and the people saw the mighty power of God. That means our change of level in the school of power will lead to our change of level in our command of the supernatural (Luke 4:14, 9:43; Acts 1:8, 2:1-5, 4:30-33, 5:12, 15).

    • Be committed to giving towards Kingdom advancement endeavours: Our commitment to giving towards Kingdom advancement empowers us for supernatural prosperity. As it is written: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33; see also Haggai 1:5-13; Malachi 3:17-18).

    ‘God first’ does not only apply to soul-winning and follow-up of new converts, it also applies to our finances. Everyone who is genuinely committed to Kingdom promotions with his or her finances, naturally commands financial abundance and supernatural breakthroughs (Genesis 22:16-18).

    It is important to understand that commitment to giving towards Kingdom advancement endeavours empowers the saints for supernatural prosperity. However, supernatural prosperity is an entrustment, not an achievement. That means God only entrusts it to those He can trust. Our capacity to promote God’s Kingdom determines the level of His wealth that He can entrust to us. Therefore, the bigger our hearts for God’s Kingdom, the greater our access to His resources. All we need is the giving grace, which can be accessed through prayers, because the altar of prayer is the altar of grace (Psalms 35:27; Haggai 2:3-9; Zechariah 1:17; Luke 16:11; 2 Corinthians 8:3, 7; Hebrews 4:16). As you engage these vital keys, I decree that you will begin to command dominion, naturally, over life’s situations and circumstances in Jesus’ name! Remain ever blessed!

    Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of 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: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural, Commanding the Supernatural and All you need to have all your needs met.

    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

  • Winners celebrated at MFM essay competition

    Winners celebrated at MFM essay competition

    The 2016 winners of the annual essay competition of Pastor Lawrence Olasehinde Youths Development Foundation (PLOYDEF) have emerged.

    The competition had over five hundred students across the twelve regions of MFM in north central Nigeria.

    In the secondary category of the essay competition with the topic “The danger of joining a cult group in the school”, Olawumi Michael from North central region 1 Utako took the first position.

    Three of the contestants Akoji Joel Victor MFM North central region 6, Karu, Tamunoko Stephen from Lugbe region and Goodluck Olajumoke from Utako region won the second position.

    Deborah Oparinde from Kuje region came third.

    Four of the contestants Esther Bolaji, Usiena Meseh, Usman Godwin and Adeda Deborah came fourth.

    In the junior secondary category, Ayomide Lambe from MFM North central region 33 Byazhin was the overall winner.

    The second position went to Efedayo Emmanuel from Bwari region and the third position was shared by Qkolo Joshua from MFM Dakwo region and Idera Abasi from MFM Utako.

    First prize winners in the categories got HP Laptops while all second prize winners got iPads.

    The third prize winners went home with DVD players.

    54 consolation prizes were also given out.

    Chairman of the board of PLOYDEF, Dr. Etim Amba, stated the competition is in honour of Pastor Lawrence Olasehinde, one of the pioneer pastors that started MFM Abuja branch in 1995.

    He added that the recognition accorded pastor Lawrence Olasehinde is meant to awaken the spirit of sacrifice and commitment in young pastors in the church and drive them to maintain focus remain in the work of God.

  • Keep hope alive, Ademowo charges

    The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend (Dr) Ephraim Ademowo has called on Nigerians to keep hope alive despite the nagging economic downturns.

    Ademowo, in his Easter message, said the nation will bounce back from recession with collective will and zeal.

    He called on government to explore viable options that will take the nation out of the wood, calling for political will to fight corruption.

    Extolling the importance of Easter, the cleric said it is very clear that no accomplishment can ever rival the victory of Easter.

    He urged Christians to remain steadfast in their service to Christ with the assurance that death is not the end.

    “Christ resurrection is the model and source of our future resurrection because Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Christ resurrection is our resurrection,” Ademowo said.

    The Ademowo also advised government to douse tension on the re-occurring xenophobic attacks to Nigerians in on all fronts.

    According to him: “The failure of governance to create an inclusive economy in Nigeria should be blamed for the fate of economic migrants to South Africa and other countries from where they are being deported and victimised every day.

    “The primary assignment of the government is to provide welfare and security of its citizenry.”

    The cleric, who urged Nigerians and Christians as we celebrate Easter to accede to the principles of which Christ died, rose and ascended.

    “The victory of Easter should lead us to the face of perplexities of life with fortitude holding up our banner with the assurance that because Christ lives, we too shall live,” said Ademowo.

  • Engaging vital keys to operating in the supernatural!

    By redemption, every child of God is ordained to operate naturally in the supernatural. The Bible says: The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:8).

    However, until we engage the keys that unlock the supernatural, we cannot be in command of same. For instance, when we have the key to a door we desire to access, we have dominion over that door. Likewise, when we have the keys to walking in the supernatural, we operate in the supernatural, naturally.

    What, then, are some of the vital keys to operating in the supernatural?

    v           We must be committed to developing our faith: We are empowered to command the supernatural by faith. Jesus said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12).

    We secure the hand of God that provokes the supernatural through faith. As it is written: Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? (Isaiah 53:1; see also 1 Kings 18:44-45).

    We must understand that faith naturally puts us in command of the supernatural. This is why it is wisdom to commit to building our faith because it is our strength of faith that defines our level of command of the supernatural. Concerning the heroes of faith, the Bible records: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens (Hebrews 11:33-34; see also Daniel 6:23; John 14:12).

    Thus, the stronger our faith, the higher our level of command. However, we do not wait for our faith to be built; rather, we must take personal responsibility to build it. Just like a sportsman must be committed to building his muscles if he must win continuously, we must be committed to building our faith in order to operate in the supernatural, naturally. For instance, building our physical muscles requires good nutrition and exercise; similarly, we must build our faith muscles by feeding strong on the Word, which is the principal source of faith. We must also feed on anointed books, which enlarge our understanding of the word of faith. Daniel said: …I Daniel understood by books…, and as a result, he was among the most gifted men in Bible history. Anointed faith books are boosters of faith because faith is a direct product of spiritual understanding of the truth (Daniel 9:2; Acts 8:30-35).

    Remember the Bible says: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

    The second ‘hearing’ in the above scripture connotes understanding, which simply means being able to see what God is saying. Every time we see the truth, faith rises and the brighter the truth, the stronger our faith; the stronger our faith, the higher our level of command of the supernatural.

    Paul said: The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. No doubt, he became a most gifted apostle and he flowed in abundance of revelation. He came to a point that he could boldly say: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith (Philippians 1:21-25; see also 2 Corinthians 12:7; 2 Timothy 4:13).

    That is, his dominion over death was demonstrated. Furthermore, he confidently declared: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

    This stemmed from his addiction to the Word, which built his faith because revelation is the mother of faith. We cannot be committed to the Word and not grow in revelation; and we cannot grow in revelation and not grow in faith. Moreover, we cannot grow in faith without growing in the command of the supernatural. It’s all a function of committing ourselves to the study of the Word and the practice of same and then, we start changing level from glory to glory. We must also understand that faith has unlimited capacity for growth and as we grow from one level of faith to another, we go from glory to glory. The Bible says: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).

    It is also written: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18; see also John 11:40).

    Therefore, it is time to take responsibility for building our faith to enhance our level of command of the supernatural. Remember, the level to which we develop our faith determines our level of command of the supernatural. Remain ever blessed!

    Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of 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: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural, Commanding the Supernatural and All you need to have all your needs met.

    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

  • How to fight corruption, by Meduoye

    Corruption will continue to thwart developmental agenda until it is stopped at all costs, the general overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Felix Meduoye, has stated.

    He spoke last week at the Yaba headquarters of the church, ahead of the International Conference for Ministers and Leaders (ICML), which commences tomorrow.

    The conference with the theme “The mind of Christ” holds at the Foursquare Camp, Kilometre 75 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ajebo, Ogun State.

    To tackle corruption, Meduoye said there must be consistent reorientation of the public mindset to national governance and resource management.

    He said the church and government must also collaborate to restore the lost moral values of the society.

    He also told Christians not to shy away from politics as well as other decision-making arena of governance.

    “Politics in the real sense of it is the policy of taking care of the populace. But our politics has not been that way.

    “It has been the policy of taking care of you. But if it’s what it is to be, it is something that a Christian should go into.

    “There is nothing wrong in our people going into politics. If you want to go into politics, you must know God is actually calling you into that place.”