The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Expect new things, Ademowo assures

    The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. (Dr) Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, has hailed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

    The move, he said, is a great move to end system corrupt practices of contract inflation, mismanagement and non-implementation of policies in the public service.

    In his New Year message, Ademowo advised government to take further steps and ensure inclusive framework with extensive inputs from society to achieve development.

     In 2017, the Bishop challenged Nigerians to remain steadfast in anticipation of new things.

    He called on elected leaders to enact sound economic frameworks to cushion the effects of inflation and recession.

  • How 2017 can be fruitful, by Bamgbola

    Chairman, Lagos chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of the New Year.

    He called for collective fasting and prayer to take the nation to a new height in 2017.

    Bamgbola, in his New Year message, said: “I urge all to create more time for prayers and fasting in the New Year.”

    He said it is only through prayers that the nation can overcome its challenges.

    The professor of leadership challenged all to embrace love, appreciating and forgiving one another.

    He commended Lagos governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and called on God to enable him discharge more responsibilities to the state.

  • Embrace love, shun sin, kumuyi tells Nigerians

    Embrace love, shun sin, kumuyi tells Nigerians

    The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi has charged Nigerians to embrace the virtue of love, neigbourliness and eschew all forms of bitterness if they expect something great from God in the New Year.

    Kumuyi said this last week at the Watch Night Service of the church held at the International Bible Training Centre, Ayobo, Lagos.

    In his message tagged: Key to close and open significant doors, Kumuyi said that unforgiveness, hidden sin and hatred will lock the doors of blessings against many in the New Year.

    He said that God is still in the business of doing wonders and blessing his people if they can only shun sin and allow his words to guide them in their daily activities.

    He stressed that human effort or disposition without acknowledging the place of God would always bring depression, heartache and despair.

    That God does not work by earthly calendar. There is no magical thing in the calendar of God or about the New Year. If we regard iniquity in our heart, God will not hear our prayers.

    Kumuyi said “no matter the socio-economic changes in our world today, God will never change his standards to suit any individual or church because he is a holy God and he requires that his people be holy and without blemish.

    He added that no matter our prayers, without prompt obedience to God’s word, it would also amount to mere religion that does not add any value.

    He posited that we must not allow the New Year to deceive us as God remains the same and his words, principles, and demands remain the same.

    Kumuyi continued: “the world may want to control our conviction, life and soul but we will need to always draw the line so that we can keep ourselves unspotted in these perilous world.”

    Kumuyi assured Nigerians of victory over every foe, dominion and rest when we remain in the very centre of God’s will.

    He assured everyone that God will wipe away all tears from their eyes this year,  Stating that believers trust in God guarantees total victory over sin, enemies, sickness, evil powers, evil personalities.

  • Engaging the power of sanctification for fulfilment of destiny! (2)

    Last week, we discovered from scriptures that iniquity (sin) is a mystery, but godliness is a ‘great mystery’ that has the capacity to swallow it up (2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:16). Furthermore, we established that if Jesus, the Holy Child of God, still needed the Spirit of Holiness to live a sanctified life, then we need Him (the Spirit of Holiness) much more (Luke 1: 30-35; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 1:4).

    In this week’s teaching, we will be looking at what is the Spirit of Holiness?

    First, let’s recognise that the mystery of Godliness or Holiness lies in the ministry of the Holy Ghost. This is because there are diversities of operation, but by the same Spirit, and holiness is one of His diverse operations (Corinthians 12: 4).

    For instance, the Bible says: And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of …the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).

    The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord is the Spirit of Holiness. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Holiness, and the Spirit of Sanctification that empowers us to live sanctified lives. He also purifies us from sin because He is the Refiner’s Fire and the Fullers’ soap (Malachi 3:1-4; Romans 1:4, 8:13; John 6:63; Acts 2:1-3).

    Our golden destiny can never be realised, without the Refiner’s Fire ministry of the Holy Ghost. Just like gold cannot be refined, except through fire, no destiny of the believer can be sanctified without passing through the fire of the Holy Ghost.

    WHY DO WE NEED SANCTIFICATION?

       It is required for answered prayers: It is important for us to know that we need sanctification to qualify for answered prayers. The Bible says: Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear (Isaiah 59:1-2).

    The scriptures further say: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: (Psalm 66:18). However, one interesting thing about our God is that, any time we repent of our sins, He forgives us as if we never did it (Psalm 66:19-20).

    It enhances our access to revelations: Revelation is buying into the heart of God on the issues of the hour. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant (Psalm 25:14).

    For instance, Joseph had access to the secrets of God and it was said of him: forasmuch as God has shown you all these things, you are in another class (Genesis 41:37-40). At another time, Joseph said, ‘But I fear God’ (Genesis 39: 7-9; 42:18). Thus, access to revelation requires sanctification; otherwise, we will be limited to information that anybody can get.

    For next-levels of anointing: Not every anointed man is impactful. It takes fresh oil to command fresh impact (Psalm 92:10; Luke 5:37-38). For instance, when we don’t change the oil in our car, the engine will soon knock down. Similarly, it is walking in the newness of life (sanctification) that guarantees access to fresh oil (Proverbs 1: 23; Psalm 45:7).

    Security of Posterity: Our uprightness is the security of our generation (Psalm 112:1-2). Our walk today, determines the blessings of our children tomorrow (Proverbs 20:7). Therefore, stop playing games!

    To Secure Eternity with Christ: We need sanctification, so we can make heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

    In addition, it is important to recognise that being born again is the first step to living a sanctified life. Are you born again? If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, 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: Dynamics of Holiness, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness, Conquering Controlling Powers, The Blood Triumph, The Forces of Freedom, Breaking the Curses of Life, Walking in Dominion, Winning Invisible Battles, Walking in Newness of Life 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

  • Cleric urges FG to deploy military to southern Kaduna

    For there to be lasting peace in southern Kaduna, a sustained military effort to calm the senseless killings is very germane, the Assistant General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Johnson Odesola, has said.

    Odesola’s position was made this known in an interview with journalists last Sunday at the Special New Year Prayer and Thanksgiving Service of RCCG, Headquarters, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebutte-Metta, Lagos.

    The programme featured the inauguration of a new 1000-seater prayer foyer.

    Odesola lamented the incessant killings in southern Kaduna that has gone unabated, saying, “I believe that most of the people perpetrating these acts are not Nigerians, they must be people that have alternatives.”

    He said that most Nigerians would have to work hard to make this nation good. “Somebody who is an alien can cause trouble here and run to other country, but as Nigerians, we do not have anywhere else to go except Nigeria. I am sure those causing problems are not Nigerians,” enthused the clergyman.

    He noted that Boko Haram started small and became a menace for the whole of West African region because the government did not address the menace on time.

    Odesola also berated the insecurity in the nation, especially the Biafran agitation in the south East and the Niger Delta militancy which, according to him, should be addressed through dialogue.

    “The Niger Delta and the Biafra agitators have consistently raised their concerns which we must put on the table and a genuine consensus reached for peace. Let us give them our ears, what they want and how do we meet at a middle point should be our priority,” he said.

    On the killings in southern Kaduna, he said that it is hard to place the reasons for the herd men’s continuous raid on people’s farm lands, houses, churches, and innocent lives, adding that military action against the senseless killings must be used against them.

    He stated that it is obvious that certain parts of the country are not fair to some others.

    “People migrate to the south part of Nigeria and get everything including land, but other tribes do not give the same level of support and cooperation to southerners,” Odesola said.

    He stressed that Nigerians should be fair to one another, saying neighbourliness and love for our neighbours should be the watch word.

  • HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!
    I’m just as excited as everyone else to be witnessing another New Year -2017, hale and hearty. Many people want to know what the New Year will hold for them and their loved ones; they want it to be a better year for them, much better than year 2016. I also care to know God’s mind about the New Year.

    The truth remains that God does not change, the New Year cannot change God, His word remains the same. Yes, it’s a new year but it’s still the same Bible we have; God’s word doesn’t change despite the changes in times. To have the understanding of the times that we are in, we need to read/study the Bible; all that the times hold for us has been written in the word of God if you care to study it.

    Above all let us be reminded of the second coming of our Lord Jesus which will mark the end of all things and the events that will precede His coming.

    God’s Word about the Signs of the Times and the End of the Age:
    Jesus’ disciples asked Him to tell them the sign of His coming, and of the end of the age?”
    And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
    “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come”.
    Jesus Christ is coming again to judge the whole world and in His mercy He has graciously given you and me this admonition: “…Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
    As we approach the end of age, things will become tougher, Sin and lawlessness will be on the increase just to make our love for God to grow cold but God has promised His ever abiding presence and help to those who put their trust in Him and remain steadfast. Many will be persecuted for His name sake just as His word made us to know but we are not to give up but to be strong and courageous to live righteous despite every opposition to the truth.

    You need to put on THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD to be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan to make your love for God grow cold.

    PRAYER: Lord please help me to trust You with ALL of my heart and never to lean on my own understanding, that in ALL my ways I will acknowledge and honour You, direct my paths through year 2017 and beyond in Jesus name- Amen.

    TEXT: Matthew 24:3-14, Luke 21:8-36.

    FROM: Faith Nwachukwu

  • 2017: Be positive, Akinadewo charges

    The Prelate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW), Elder (Dr) Israel Akinadewo (Omoeri), has called for optimism among Nigerians in the New Year.

    Nigerians, he said, should be positive in their thoughts and actions in 2017 despite the ongoing recession.

    The recession, according to him, is a temporary challenge that will soon go away.

    Akinadewo, in his New Year message, said: “There is no achievement that does not have its own associated pains and challenges.

    “We should look at the recession that has faced the nation, as a visitor that will soon evaporate into a thin air.

    “We should see it as one of the challenges that must come our way for the country to be able to attain the position of a developed nation.”

    He called Nigerians to allow God drive the nation in 2017 while also praying for religious and political leaders.

    “On behalf of Motailatu Church Cherubim & Seraphim Worldwide, we pray for President Buhari, Senators, House of Representative members, governors and other political leaders that God should grant them the wisdom, energy and other relative enablement to govern effectively well, for the growth of our beloved country in 2017,” he stated.

     

  • NTA holds Christmas Carol of nine lessons

    As part of the activity marking the Christmas celebration, the Christian community of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Network centre, last week, held its annual Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol at the Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos office.

     With the theme, ‘Fear not, for Behold I bring good tidings of great joy which be to all people’ the carol brought together staff and management of NTA stations.

    Speaking at the event, The Zonal Director, NTA 2, Lagos, Mr. Chidi Uluka, called on Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ who came to rescue the world from perishing.

    He said that the purpose of Christmas is to show love to the needy and put in mind the need to do good and be kind to our neigbours.

    “We need to be good to whoever comes our way because this is one of the basic reasons for living. We should also re-dedicate ourselves to the tenets of Christianity.

    Uluka noted that Christians should also take it easy because whatever is difficult today will surely be easier tomorrow. “My prayer is that may we have victory over victory and success after success.”

    He stated that the birth of Jesus Christ calls for a sober reflection.

    The Presiding Pastor of NTA 2 Network Centre, Pastor Olujimi Gansallo, called on Nigerians to move closer to God and should remember that it is what is needed now to move the nation forward with total dedication from all angles.

    Highlight of the event were the Service of Nine Lessons taken by different readers, musical renditions and testimony by a female staff.

  • Nigeria will experience a turnaround, says Abina,

    Nigeria will experience a turnaround, says Abina,

    The General Overseer of the Gospel Faith Mission, Pastor Elijah Abina, has assured Nigerians that there will be a turnaround of the economy this year.

     He said this at the 50th anniversary of the Gospel Faith Mission, Divine Favour Assembly, Ayantuga, Mushin, Lagos.

    According to him, “Nigerians must seek God. I know that there will be a turnaround of our economy for good. We must depend on God and repent of our sins.”

    In his message, themed keeps the fire burning, the clergyman charged the church to remain focused on the true gospel of Jesus as it has the power and the efficacy to change lives and turn the vilest of sinners to a heaven-bound saint.

    He lamented the wide spate of corruption in Nigeria as disturbing because the country has been painted dark among the nations of the world.

    Abina, who is the founding pastor of the local church, said that Mushin was a hub of criminals and miscreants but the gospel has changed lives and turned criminals in that area to God’s mouthpieces.

    He noted that when the church started at Mushin, there was spiritual darkness, vandalism and ungodliness. He said: “We laboured, prayed and sought after the lost and God proved himself mighty in this community.”

     He asserted that the church can assist the government in its fight against corruption by preaching the gospel of Jesus to the whole world.

    Abina noted that the gospel is more than social rehabilitation as it does not only save lives but provides holistic transformation for the lives of the people.

     “The gospel of Jesus remains the answer to human problems and it brings social, economic and spiritual transformation to any society,” he said.

     He appealed to Nigerians especially in hard-to-reach communities to embrace the gospel as testimonies abound of men who were fed up, but accepted the gospel and their lives were changed.

  • Engaging the power of sanctification for fulfilment of destiny!

    Compliments of the season to you in Jesus’ name! As prophetically declared, 2017 is our year of My Case is Different! This shall be our testimony all through this glorious year in the name of Jesus Christ!

    Let’s begin the year with this understanding: every child of God is ordained a mountaintop global citizen. It is written: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16; see also Genesis 28:14; Deuteronomy 28:1; Galatians 3:29).

    That means we are ordained to bless our world, and not to be a burden. However, to fulfil that glorious, colourful and enviable destiny, certain things must be in place. Among these is sanctification—living to please God. Let’s understand that sanctification is a spiritual catalyst for the fulfilment of destiny. The Bible says:

    Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34). That means it takes sanctification to go up and to stay up. Samson went up by sanctification; but he came down by desecration (Judges 13: 3-5; 16: 1-30). Also, think of Solomon: he loved many strange women and he ended up in a shrine (1 Kings 11:1-6). That establishes the fact that, destiny is at risk without sanctification.

    Sanctification is the will of God

    For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour (1Thessalonians 4:3-4).

    From the above scripture, we understand that sanctification is the will of God. That means there must be a way to live a sanctified life, and we must know the way to possess our vessels in sanctification and honour.

    Jesus said, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” (John 8:46).  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21). If Jesus knew no sin, but became sin for us; how then did He have dominion over sin?

    First, we must understand that iniquity is a mystery; but, godliness is a ‘great mystery.’ For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7).

    Again, the Bible says:…Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16).

    Thus, we have the mystery of iniquity that can only be swallowed up by the great mystery of godliness just like in the case of Aaron’s Rod, swallowing up the rods of the magicians (Exodus 7: 10-12). Jesus had the Spirit of Holiness or Godliness on His life; that was what empowered Him to have dominion over sin (Romans 1:4). Furthermore, we discover from scriptures that Jesus, the Holy Child of God, still needed the Spirit of Holiness to live a sanctified life (Luke 1: 30-35). That means the Spirit of Holiness is the only way to live a sanctified life (1 Corinthians 6:11).

    Moreover, it is important to know that the Spirit of Holiness is only available to individuals who are born again. Are you born again? If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, 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: Dynamics of Holiness, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness, Conquering Controlling Powers, The Blood Triumph, The Forces of Freedom, Breaking the Curses of Life, Walking in Dominion, Winning Invisible Battles, Walking in Newness of Life 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