The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Ositelu launches book at 65

    Ositelu launches book at 65

    Primate of the Church of The Lord Worldwide, Most Rev Dr Rufus Ositelu, has presented a book to mark his 65th birthday.

    Titled Christianity: Inside story from an African perspective, the book was presented at the 6th Rufus Okikiola Ositelu Foundation (ROOF) annual colloquium.

    It was held at the Church headquarters, Ogere, Ogun State, under the chairmanship of Rev Dr Benebo Fubara-Manuel, President  of the Christian Council of Nigeria(CCN) with the theme “Economic recession: The way forward.”

    Ositelu in his lecture attributed the recession to lack of planning and bad governance.

    He said: “Crude oil sales account for 70 per cent of government income.

    “The price of oil has fallen from highs of about $112 a barrel in 2014 to below $50 at the moment.

    “The country is so reliant on oil precisely because its leaders haven’t diversified the economy enough.”

    The guest lecturer, Prof Sheriffideen Tella of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, said recession is not new in Nigeria and globally.

    To beat recession, he said Nigeria must fight corruption by prosecuting proven cases of corruption, confiscation of properties of corrupt officials, stigmatisation of same and change of attitude by non-political elite, among others.

  • Engaging the mysteries in the word!(2)

    Engaging the mysteries in the word!(2)

    Last week, we began this teaching series by exploring the Mystery of the Communion as one of the Kingdom mystery in the Word of God that helps us to command mastery over the issues of life. This week, we will explore the components of the Communion and how it impacts on our spirit, soul and body realms. First, It is important to note that the Holy Communion is made up of the Flesh and the Blood of Jesus Christ (John 6:53-56).

    Let’s examine the wonders in the Flesh

    • The flesh quickens our mortal bodies to live like Christ: The flesh in the Communion carries quickening virtues that quicken our systems into fullness of life. These virtues are also available to keep us alive and well (John 6:48-58).
    • It is the miracle rod that swallows every poison in our bodies: The Communion swallows every poison and arrow of the wicked in our bodies. For instance, we saw from scriptures how the Rod of Aaron swallowed up the rod of the magicians. We also understand from scriptures that Jesus is the Rod that came out of the stem of Jesse.

    The flesh of Jesus in the Communion is the miracle Rod that swallows every arrow of the enemy tormenting any aspect of our lives or bodies. Thus, when we partake of the Communion, those arrows are swallowed up in victory (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 4:38-41).

    • It opens our spiritual eyes: The Communion bread, which symbolizes the flesh of Jesus, contains eye-opening virtue that heals and quickens our minds and intellects. The Bible records: And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight (Luke 24:30-31; see also Romans 12:1-2).
    • It infuses divine energy into our bodies: When we partake of the Communion, we are empowered to live like Christ and according to scriptures, whoever sees us has seen Christ (1 Kings 19:5-8).

    What are the wonders in the Blood?

    • The Blood establishes our spiritual union with Christ: For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:11; see also John 6:54-56).
    • We share the same immunity with Christ by partaking of His blood: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53).
    • The Communion is a spiritual transfusion of the pure blood of Christ (white corpuscles) that fights against every attack on our health: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11).
    • The Blood of Christ purges our conscience and sanctifies our lives: The Bible says: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14; see also 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

    However, it is important to also understand that the Holy Communion has a three-dimensional impact on man. Remember, man is a spirit, he has a soul, and he lives in a body. The Communion impacts on these three realms by sanctifying our spirit, soul and body, thereby making us whole. As it is written: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23; see also 3 John 1:2).

    How, then, does the Communion impact on these three realms?

    • It enhances a healthy spirit: Sin is a sickness of the spirit. However, the Blood of Christ, shed for the remission of our sins, is its spiritual cure. Moreover, the Blood is God’s last card in our battle against sin and it has the power to terminate every bad habit. The Blood comes in through the Communion to purge our conscience of every dead works and empower us to serve the Living God (Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 26:26-28; Hebrews 9:13-14, 12:22-24).
    • A healthy mind: And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight (Luke 24:30-31; see also 2 Corinthians 4:4).

    The mind is the eye of the body and the Communion impacts on our minds by opening our eyes to know, understand and comprehend. When we partake of the Communion, we are empowered to think like Jesus because according to scriptures, we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 1:17-18).

    • A healthy body: The Communion impacts our bodies with divine energy, health and vitality (Proverbs 4:20-22; Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Hebrews 10:5).

    In conclusion, all our inheritance in Christ and everything that gives meaning to our redemption are packaged in mysteries. However, how much access we have to these mysteries from scriptures determines our level of command. Remember, you cannot engage what you have not found. That is why we must have a revelation of the Word to access the mysteries that will empower us to gain mastery over life situations. Therefore, I decree that God will open your eyes of understanding to access the mysteries that will terminate the struggles of your life 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: Miracle Meal, The Blood Triumph, Breaking The Curses Of Life, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness and satan Get Lost.

    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

  • Bishop calls for sacrificial leadership

    Bishop calls for sacrificial leadership

    The Methodist Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos Central, Rt. Rev Olugbenga Fayeyiwa, has urged leaders to sacrifice selves for the good of the country.

    He said sacrifice precedes blessings and promotion, which comes from God alone.

    Fafeyiwa spoke in his sermon at the Williams’ Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago Ijaiye, where he was enthroned as Bishop of Lagos Central.

    He said such sacrifice is crucial to the understanding of what God can do.

    Using the example of Abraham, who almost sacrificed his son, Isaac, he urged those in leadership positions not to be afraid of being tested.

    He warned against indulging in self promotion or promotion by others.

  • Arojah opens digital studio

    Arojah opens digital studio

    •Unveils volume 2 Hymnal 

    Primate of St Peters Cherubim and Seraphim Band Nigeria and Overseas, Rev Apostle Albert Arojah, has inaugurated a multi-million audio visual digital studio in Lagos.

    The studio located at Alapere Lagos is open for commercial recording and production.

    It was opened last Thursday by Arojah, who also unveiled the volume 2 of hymns he personally composed.

    The volume 2 brings to 412 the number of hymns the multi-talented preacher has composed.

    The hymns, he hinted, will soon be translated into English and other major international languages.

    The volume 2 comes with tonic sulfa, which he said will enable music professionals sing and play them effortlessly.

    Speaking on the importance of hymns, he said: “It is a deep spiritual exercise, which should be encouraged in the church today.

    “Hymns are spiritually universal; they speak to the spirit realm of the spirits of men and the church needs to re-cultivate the singing of hymns.”

    He declared that Arojah choruses and divine eulogies are also in the pipeline.

    On how he receives inspiration, Arojah said: “I always set myself apart. For example, I have not listened to any music in over 20 years so that I won’t be polluted.

    “God gives me these songs in direct revelations and I take them seriously because I know they carry life and inspiration.”

    The studio, he said, will be available for music producers, singers, learners and the general public at highly subsidised rates.

  • Walk the talk, James charges church leaders

    General Overseer of Glory Christian Ministry (GCM) Lagos, Pastor Iruofagha James, has charged church leaders to live what they preach so that they don’t make Christianity a laughing stock.

    Speaking at the closing session of the 25th anniversary of the church in Lagos, he said: “My charge to Christians has always been in the centrality of what I preach and that is practical and responsible Christianity.

    “The Bible calls us the salt and light of the world. When you accept to be a Christian, put all of your two feet in it, not one foot in and one in the church. When you do things like that you make Christianity a laughing stock.”

    He called on Christians not to compromise their standards but be committed to whatsoever they are doing.

    “It is one thing to be 25 years in existence as a church; it is another to build on what we have learnt within the 25 years of existence.

    “Now, things will be done quicker and better. We are going to teach our children to be better Christians, see themselves as leaders of tomorrow and walk in the way of God.”

    Expressing the joy of clocking 25 years in the ministry, James said: ”l feel proud and humbled, especially when one realises that such feat cannot be achieved by any human strength or endeavour and listening to the testimonies of people whose lives have been transformed makes me happy as these only can be done by God and not man.”

    Using the characteristics of Eagles, he admonished Christians to learn to face their challenges.

    God, he said, has given assurance He will not allow any crisis that can drown or overtake Christians.

    “Meaning if He allows any crisis to come our way, He knows we can handle it and such crisis will strengthen our faith, give us experience and build stamina in us with good Christian characters, so why run away from crisis?”

    He affirmed God teaches Christians to be pure, neat, blameless and clean, but there are reasons some people don’t place priority on these things.

  • Southern Kaduna: Christians must shun revenge, says cleric

    Founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) the Power of God Saves, Pastor Moses Olagunju, has called on Christians to shun any form of revenge no matter the level of provocation against them in Southern Kaduna.

    Rather than revenge, Christians, he said, should look up to God for defence regardless of the killings targeted against them.

    Olagunju spoke at the just-concluded annual three-day men revival service at the church’s headquarters in Egbeda, Lagos.

    According to him, persecutions against Christians have been on across the nation since 1970, pointing out that God has always come to the rescue of the church when Christians look up to him.

    He regretted some church leaders were inciting Christians to retaliate the attacks against them, contrary to divine instructions.

    Quoting the scriptures copiously, Olagunju said the strength of the church is not in fighting back but resorting to prayers for demolition of forces against Christians.

    He appealed for support for the ongoing anti-corruption war by Christians, lamenting previous governments have milked the nation’s resources dry.

    “Our ministry is concerned about the state of the country and if God’s people can unite and be patient with the government, better days are coming.

    “I can assure that the present government will make this country great again. This country is in the midst of troubling seas and it requires patience to make it work,” he said.

    He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to be deterred by the socio-economic challenges facing the country, urging him to “please remain resolute in your quest for a better Nigeria and God will see you through.”

  • Nigeria needs prayers, says Aluko

    Nigeria needs prayers, says Aluko

    Primate of The Saviours Ministries C&S Worldwide, Dr Solomon Aluko, has called for ceaseless prayers for Nigeria among Christians.

    In a chat with newsmen at the Pro-Cathedral Church, Alausa Lagos, Aluko said the nation needs divine intervention based on the telling suffering of the masses.

    He appealed to government to review unpopular economic policies to make life more meaningful for Nigerians.

    Aluko also commended the anti-corruption drive of the Buhari administration as well as the peace initiatives in the Niger Delta.

    He praised Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his giant strides in the areas of road construction and street light projects.

    He noted Lagos state has been on a progressive ascension since former Governor Bola Tinubu took over in 1999.

    He cautioned Christian leaders against celebrating corrupt individuals, saying their sermons should focus on soul-winning and preparing people for heaven.

    Aluko said only discipled Christians will become better citizens in the society.

    He appealed to church leaders not to relent in trainng members for better living and empowerment.

    He pointed out that the church is sponsoring not less than 80 members on pilgrimage by April.

  • Seek God during Lenten, Nigerians told

    Vicar of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, Venerable Emmanuel Adekoya, has called on Nigerians to put Jesus Christ at the centre of all their daily endeavours.

    Adekoya spoke during a sermon at the special Lenten service.

    He appealed to every Nigerian to allow Jesus Christ have a place at the centre of the nation’s activities.

    He noted that for a greater nation, Nigerians should make judicious use of the ongoing Lenten period to move closer to God, thereby building a strong and sustainable spiritual life through fasting, praying and giving.

    The cleric, who bemoaned the increasing spate of kidnapping, assassinations, devastation and widespread corruption in the country, explained the only solution was for Nigerians to turn to God in prayers and fasting for His intercession.

    Adekoya described the ongoing 40 days of fasting and prayer as a period of sober reflection and the appropriate time for Nigerians to seek the face of God.

    He pleaded with Christians all over the world to use the Lenten period to pray more for one another, for the Church of God and the family.

  • ‘How to access the miraculous’

    The Pastor of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) Region 8 Lagos, Clement Abe, has stated strong faith and determination are required to move the hands of God.

    He spoke at the March edition of the monthly interdenominational service of the church tagged a unique encounter with Jesus.

    The special service, which has been growing in leaps and bound, has attracted thousands with testimonies of deliverance and breakthroughs.

    Addressing participants, Abe said: “God is moved by faith and determination. Those who trust Him never go unrewarded and empty.

    “He always shows up for the faithful and determined. Once our faith is strong and we are determined, we can be sure God will reach out to us.”

    A woman testified of how she got married for five years without any issue until she attended the service.

    “I went to several medical doctors and hospitals. I tried local herbal practice but I couldn’t get pregnant. I came to encounter with Jesus and now I am two- month pregnant,” she shared.

    Abe said General Overseer of the church, Pastor Dr Elijah Abina, was the brain behind the service.

    He said participants are told to come fasting because of the needs to concentrate for divine attention.

  • Hundreds graduate from RCCG’s vocational training

    Hundreds graduate from RCCG’s vocational training

    No fewer than 200 youths have graduated from a two-week intensive vocational training under the auspices of Redeemed Initiative for Skills and Empowerment (RISE).

    At the 13th graduation ceremony at the Redemption Camp, KM 46 Lagos-Ibadan expressways, last week, the students had the opportunity to showcase different vocational skills they acquired.

    RISE was organised by the Redeemed National Youth and Young Adult in collaboration with Freesia Foundation.

    Some of the skills learnt include arts and crafts, web designing, photography, fish farming, baking, interior decoration, wooding crafts, desktop publishing and driving, among others.

    The chief facilitator, Femi Ariyo, explained that the programme was impressed by the enthusiasm of the students.

    He said the training was targeted at salvaging the challenges of youth unemployment, poverty and practical application.

    “Each of the students is engaged to be a problem solver, not just to leave here and still be waiting for what they can get instead of what they can give,” he said.

    He praised the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Assistant General Overseer Young Adults and Youth Affairs, Pastor Peter Amenkhienan, for their support that has been very encouraging about the RISE programme, which is why it has always been a success.

    Michael Obians, 24, who came from Rivers State, said the programme has brought changes to his life.

    “Before I came here, I was into different types of businesses but I learnt ankara craft here.

    “I have passion for fashion because I was a tailor. I want to kick start my own fashion industry.

    “Fashion never ends; it also rebrands itself, so I believe that with my knowledge of fashion I will make it big.”

    Mary Isaac, a 200 level student of the Taraba State University, said:  “It has been inspiring. I learnt ankara craft. When I get back to Taraba I will start my hand work and get better in it.”

    Emelis Onisofien from Rivers State learnt web designing.

    He said though it was tasking, the training was also interesting and adventurous.

    The Chemistry teacher said he learnt web designing because it is what any person can do as long as they have passion and interest in it.

    A Yoruba Language student, Gabriel Grace from Ondo State, said she can now handle the camera and take good shots.

    She said: “I have learnt how to go into the world and market myself and how to relate with my clients.”