The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Church celebrates at 21

    St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Apapa GRA Lagos last week held a special service tagged: “21stChurch Anniversary Service & Musical Concert” to commemorate its 21stanniversary.

    The musical concert was performed in English, Yoruba and Igbo languages to promote unity among members of the church.

    Addressing the congregation, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof Dayo Ejiwunmi identified injustice, corruption, lack of courage to speak the truth and inaccurate population figures, as the banes of Nigeria.

    Ejiwunmi, who called on Christians to serve God by providing solutions to economic recession, also challenged youths to rise to the occasion.

    He urged them to speak against corruption and injustice in the society.

    “The best way we can serve God under this circumstance is to make intelligent answers, contributions and solutions to the current socio-economic challenges we are facing.

    “We as Christians need to be sensitive to the needs of the poor.

  • Why we need to praise God-Olagunju

    The Senior Pastor, Kingdom Light Christian Centre, Pastor Jummy Olagunju, has charged Nigerians to cultivate the act of praising God no matter the situation around them.

    Olagunju stated this in an interview with The Nation, ahead of the church Christmas Praise Arena programme holding on the 30th of December, 2016 at Le-real Hotel, VGC, Lagos. The praise night will feature praise and worship, prayer, word impartation and prophetic ministration.

    He said that praising God is more than entertainment; it’s connecting to God for uncommon breakthrough and success.

    The minister of the gospel declared that the present economic hardship in Nigeria is only a temporary setback for greater harvest if we do not lose hope in God.

    Said he: “The devil’s strategy is for believers to disbelieve or doubt God because of their problems. Praising God has enormous power and potency to turn defeat to victory, scarcity to abundance, and setback to breakthrough.”

    He enthused that many nations have gone through economic recession and came out victorious, adding that Nigeria is not an exception as God will take it out of this recession gloriously.

    Olagunju asserted that the wall of Jericho fell down flat in the scripture because the children of Israel obeyed and praised God, who proved himself faithful.

    He added that many people do not understand the grace we enjoy through Jesus Christ as a result of which they laboriously struggle and go through several activities in the name of praying to God, “whereas prayer is meant to be more of praises leveraging the finished work of Christ on the Cross, through which uncommon victory and answers to every needs can be received.”

    While we praise God at this Christmas season, he said, “let us strive to lift up others, promote tolerance and inclusiveness, fairness and justice and give praises for the happiness and love that bind all of us.”

    He said many civil servants are being owned salaries for months, but no governor or law maker has complained of non-payment of their own allowances.

    “Nigerians will be willing to sacrifice for the greater good if political leaders put the interest of the people first in all their dealings,” he declared.

  • Any Christian who plays MMM or Lotto needs deliverance – Suleman

    Any Christian who plays MMM or Lotto needs deliverance – Suleman

    Apostle Johnson Suleman, General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries International, has condemned the Ponzi Scheme – MMM -which is fast gaining ground in the country, reports Adetutu Audu.

    The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International (OFM), Apostle Johnson Suleman, has asked members of the public and his congregation to dissociate themselves from anything that has to do with Mavrodi Mondial Movement, an investment scheme popularly called MMM, and any other get-rich-quick schemes, saying they are satanic ventures aimed at further impoverishing the poor and stealing from the rich to enrich some other people.
    Suleman, giving a sermon at the maiden edition of his ministry’s International Amazing Grace 2016 programme, said “MMM is Satanic and those involved in it are demonic.”
    “MMM is an agenda set to bring limitations and restrictions into your life, it is meant to make poorer the poor and take away from the rich,” said the clergyman, adding that if you want to know more about MMM, “go and check the founder. He was a fraudster in America, who defrauded a lot of people. And that’s what you are involving yourself in and you are a Christian, looking for easy way out.”
    Many Christians have gotten involved, he said, “but if you are already involved in MMM, you need prayer. I have to pray for you today. MMM and its likes are not of God. Any quick fix way for money is not of God because some people are being defrauded to enrich some other people.”
    The clergyman warned further that any quick-rich scheme is wrong, saying that “even kings can be stranded. Anyone can be. You may be stranded but you can’t be strangled.
    “In life, everything you get, if it’s not favour from a particular individual. If it’s quick favour through a process, you will pay for it later. If it’s a person you know that walked up to you and blesses you, take it. That’s favour. But a quick business transaction that can bring a return of over 200 persons, is not of God. That is why we take it upon ourselves to do charity works, help the needy and feed them with the Word. When you give, your greatness is not in your properties but in how many lives you have sustained,” he pointed out.
    Fresh in Suleman’s charity activities is the support given to a popular Nollywood actor, Leo Mezie, who was down with a kidney infection. At the point of soliciting funds from the public, it got to the hearing of Apostle Suleman. In his uniqueness, the troubled actor was advised to stop raising funds but to seek proper medical check up to identify what was really wrong with his health. On getting to England, he found out that it was just an infection not that his kidney malfunctioned. The man of God took it up from there, paid for the cleansing and treatment, according to the actor himself while giving public testimony of his miraculous survival. “Apostle Suleman took over all my medical bills, I mean every of it through my stay in the UK. I did not lack anything. I thank God for using Apostle Suleman to save me from death.”
    Meanwhile, the Amazing Grace night was a powerful evening of miracles, impartation and divine restoration which held at the headquarters of the Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide (OFM), Auchi, Edo State. The first-of-its-kind programme, among fantastic gospel music makers listed for the praise night was Austine, an amazing worshipper and song leader. Also, there was the emerging Gospel R n B Sensation, Collins Kings. Collins whose debut single, “Before your throne”, has been enjoying massive airplays from around the globe. ‘Eshe Baba’ crooner, Nancy Grace, 3JWYZ, a celebrated gospel music minister with several amazing hit songs to his credit; The Triumphant Sisters, a group of beautiful voices, among others.

  • Get soft skills, Adeboye tells youths

    Get soft skills, Adeboye tells youths

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church, (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye has appealed to youth to learn practical and soft skills needed for employment and self-sustenance.
    Adeboye made this known at a special prayer and thanksgiving service for firstborns held recently at the National Headquarters RCCG, Throne of Grace, Ebutte-Metta, Lagos.
    The programme brought together thousands of businessmen and artisans from across the country.
    He said that staying above board in this time of recession is not dependent on the number of certificates acquired but on the grace of God and soft skills acquired.
    He said, “every youth needs basic education and industry-related skills and knowledge for employment.”
    Adeboye said that there are immense opportunities and possibilities for a youth who can think outside of the box and create an impact within their immediate environment.
    Adeboye, who spoke through his Assistant General Overseer, Pastor Johnson Odesola, submitted that employment in today’s world needs soft skills that would attract potential employers and build customer’s service expectations.
    He noted that research has shown that entry worker level requires soft skills such as problems solving, conflict management, effective communication, creativity and innovation to survive at the work place.
    Adeboye stated that the challenges in the work place have made it imperative for today’s youth to be well prepared, informed and resourceful.

  • Godliness: God’s condition for greatness (2)

    Godliness: God’s condition for greatness (2)

    Last week, we discover that every child of God is ordained for “trans-generational” and a global greatness after the order of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).
    We, also, established that Paul’s greatness was a product of God’s grace, which is anchored on holiness. This implies that wherever sin thrives, grace is absent (Romans 6:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:10).
    In this week’s teaching, we shall be looking at how demonic agents orchestrate the fall of men from grace. It is written: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
    For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears (Hebrews 12:15-17). That means we can drop off the flow of His grace; and it is a disconnection from His grace that results in disgrace.
    Let’s examine how demonic agents orchestrate the fall of men from grace.
    First, we must understand that our greatest battles in life are against the spirit of the world. The Bible says: Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (1 Corinthians 2:12). The spirit of the world is the engine room for worldliness, and that is the exact opposite of godliness. This is because we cannot be worldly and godly at the same time; it is like darkness and light.
    Furthermore, the above scripture gives a vivid definition to the spirits identified in the following verses: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (1 John 2:15-17). Therefore, we must overcome the spirit of the world in order to abide in God forever and walk in the greatness He has ordained for us. Again, we discover from this scripture that the spirit of this world operates through three main channels:
    • The lust of the eyes: wanting everything at any cost.
    • The lust of the flesh: sexual perversion of all kinds.
    • The pride of life: a destroyer of destiny, for pride goeth before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). The Bibles also says, If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (1 Corinthians 3:17).
    In addition, it is important to know that only born again children of God can overcome the spirit of the world through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 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: Walking in the Newness of Life, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness, Walking in Dominion, Conquering Controlling Powers, Winning Invisible Battles and Force of Freedom.
    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

  • Follow in His Steps (7)

    FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS (7)
    In the last edition, we got to know the need to hear and obey the voice of the good shepherd-JESUS, to be able to be His follower. Only His word has the power to transform us and make us like Him as we obey Him through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

    To fully understand the scriptures one must first believe in Jesus Christ, He is God’s plan to take away the veil of misunderstanding of the word of God. Some people’s hearts and minds are still covered with thick veil making it impossible for them to understand the word of God- the scriptures. This veil was taken away by the death of Jesus on the cross. So for anyone to understand fully THE WORD OF GOD and His ways, such MUST believe in Jesus Christ- as the Son of God who died to save us from the power and bondage of sin, making us a light of the world and giving us the hope and assurance of making heaven at last. Without believing in Jesus one’s understanding remains dulled.
    For a believer in Christ Jesus, we have no veil covering our hearts and minds so we are to reflect God’s glory as the Spirit of the Lord works within us to become more like Christ.

    In the last edition, I also wrote about how God took me to a remote village for my NYSC just to get my full attention and how He taught me to practice QUIET TIME.
    What is Quiet Time and how is it practiced: As the name implies Quiet Time is a time which is QUIET, devoid of distractions and disturbances; a time set aside to hear the good shepherd and also relate with Him intimately. This builds in us a live long, ever abiding loving relationship with God. Quiet Time should be a daily practice.
    What you will need/How of Quiet Time:
    • Prayer: Ask for God’s grace for without Him it will be very impossible. For we are weak bodily but He is strong- only Him will help you wake at your chosen time and empower you to study, revealing deep truths in His word to you.
    When God was asking me to make my Quiet time earlier than it used to be, at first, it was quite difficult for me to accept mentally. I had so many excuses and reasons I couldn’t do it; waking at such early time. As long as I didn’t accept it mentally and believe in God’s strength to make it possible I couldn’t do it and I was going to miss out of a great opportunity of deeper intimacy with God. The truth remains that for every one who desires to be used to do great things on earth, thereby fulfilling purpose, such cannot do without his/her time alone with God. Until I accepted it and began to pray for God’s help was I able to do it and for years now, God has remained faithful.
    One fateful day, prior to my dad’s demise, we had an emergency; we had to transfer him from the hospital he was in to another one, because he needed to be in the intensive care unit- that night we got back home very late after a very hectic day. I didn’t have up to 2hours to sleep before my quiet time but when it was time, God woke me up very strong, after which I started another round of a hectic day. God’s grace makes it possible, not by might or power. For we are weak but He is ever strong and His power will be at work in you if you believe.
    • To create a regular time- a time you will not be disturbed or distracted. Most ideally, early/ wee hours of the morning; set aside at least one hour daily.
    • A quiet place: where you will not be disturbed.
    What kept Jesus strong to finish His assignment on earth and end well was His intimacy with His Father; His quiet time habit- continually Jesus withdrew from the crowd, daily life activities and the demands of His ministry to be alone with His Father and communicate with Him.
    Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35. To be like Him, u must find it important too.
    • A Bible: in a simple translation you can understand. It will be nice to have other translations to compare readings for better understanding.
    • A notebook: where you write down lessons learnt from your study and also your daily dealings with God.
    • Pen and ruler: I usually divide my note book by ruling 2 lines in the middle of the page; on the right I write the lessons learnt and God’s word for me for that day while on the left I write down fully the Bible passage that ministered to me most from the text read. In the middle of the lines, I write the verse of the Bible that ministered most to me.
    Date: Text:
    Sample:

    • Your reading note/devotional booklet: refer to your booklet for more insight on the text. There are a lot in circulation but prayerfully seek the best for you; one that will help you read/study the Bible daily, systematically and deeply. I’ve found DAILY GUIDE to be very good for adults, DAILY POWER for youths and DAILY MILK for children. There are other good ones you can choose from. NOTE: Your devotional booklet should NEVER replace your Bible, it’s meant to help refer you to the text to read from the Bible as systematically arranged for full and better understanding of God’s word, it’s wrong to read only the booklet.

    Aside quiet time, we need to study God’s word always. God’s word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

    TEXT: I Corinthians 3, John 10, Mark 1:35, Psalm 119:105.

  • Martins charges couples on forgiveness, love

    The Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace Alfred Martins, has appealed to couples to embrace mercy and forgiveness for homes to stands.

    He spoke at the 38th convention of the ladies of St Mulumba in Lagos last week.

    According to him: ’’There is no healthy marriage or healthy family without the exercise of forgiveness.

    “Forgiveness is vital to our emotional healthy and spiritual survival .Without forgiveness, the family becomes a theater of conflict and a bastion of grievances without forgiveness the family becomes sick.’’

    He charged ladies of St Mulumba to engage in serious deliberations leveraging on their experiences for relevant pastoral aids to young families struggling with different challenges.

    Speaking on the theme of the convention: The family: Altar of mercy, Martins pointed out recent challenges in families are not attributable to couples having quarrels and disagreements but inability to forgive or to be merciful.

    He said the consequences are the aggressive nature of the society, lack of mercy, love and compassion, church tribunals filled with petitions for divorce, separation and families being torn apart with children left broken and unattended to.

    He said as families go battle with economic realities, issues of fidelity and faithfulness, fertility, responsibly parenthood must take the front rows.

    The Lagos Metropolitan President of Ladies of St Mulumba ,Lady Monica Eigbe, said she was particular happy the theme bore semblance with the Pope Francis deception of 2016 as the ‘’year of Mercy ‘’.

    She stressed the needs for serious prayer for families, especially now that schools, particularly higher institutions, have become danger zones with negative influence youths.

    The Noble President Ladies of St Mulumba, Dame Pat Nwachukwu, emphasized how potent and relevant the theme is to today’s uncertainties, adversities and mysteries.

    In a paper presentation on the theme, Rev. Father Padre Umoh challenged all to reflect how we have being truly Christians from the context of our relationship in families.

  • Provoking Heaven for Nigeria in Lagos

    The National Stadium Lagos will play host to a prayer/praise session organised by Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) on Saturday, December 10.

    Tagged “Provoking Heaven For Nigeria”, the session will feature a seven-phrase prayer chain for the nation’s deliverance.

    Ministers who will conduct the session include Bishop Tom Samson of Christ Royal Family, Apostle Victor James of Experience Grace Ministry, Rev Olumide Emmanuel of Calvary Church, Rev Chukwuemeka Peters of Fire Pentecostal Ministry and Rev DuroAina of Conqueror Assembly.

    Others are Pastor Julius Ewa of Rhema World Assembly and Apostle Toyin Praise of The Branch Ministry.

     A statement by NACJ’s General Secretary, Charles Okhai, said: “We are specific with seven, because spiritually, seven is God’s number of perfection.

    “We believe God would use this prayer meeting to perfect our nation both politically and economically.”

  • Godliness: God’s Condition for Greatness

    From scriptural references, we understand that greatness is one of our redemptive rights in Christ Jesus. For instance, when an angel visited Mary to tell her of the virgin birth of Jesus, he said: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David (Luke 1:31-32).

    Thereafter, Jesus said, “As my Father has sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). This means that, we are sent after the order of Christ and as such, we are ordained to be great. Again, the Bible makes us to know that we have the greatness Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) of Christ in our system because He was not ashamed to call us brethren (Hebrews 2:11).

    Furthermore, we discover from scriptures that we also have a heritage of greatness in Abraham through redemption. As it is written:  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3: 13-14; see also Deuteronomy 28:24-66).

    This implies that Christ redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, that the blessings of greatness which was upon Abraham might become ours.

    How great is this Abrahamic order of greatness?

    The Bible says: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessin:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).

    From the above scripture, we understand that the Abrahamic order of greatness is a “trans-generational” and a global one. This implies that via redemption, we are ordained for “trans-generational” and global greatness on earth. However, it is important to know that there are no provisions in scriptures without conditions attached to it. Until we meet those conditions, we are not entitled to the provisions therein and scriptural greatness is no exception. For instance, at the root of Job’s greatness was godliness. As it is written:  And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (Job 1:8).   

    From scriptures, we saw Job as an upright business man and God testified to that. Even his wife testified to it (Job 2:9).  This helps us to understand that godliness is one condition that must be met before sustainable and ever growing greatness can be attained. Our lives can never blossom beyond God’s rating of our godliness.

    Also, we discovered from scriptures that the greatness of Paul was anchored on grace. Remember, in his first letter to the Church in Corinth, he said, “I am what I am by the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Thus, it is grace that makes great and the Bible says: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:1-2). Wherever sin thrives, grace is disconnected. That means if we don’t quit sin, it will stop our greatness. The first step to quitting sin is to become 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: Walking in the Newness of Life, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness, Walking in Dominion, Conquering Controlling Powers, Winning Invisible Battles and Force of Freedom.

    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

  • Okediran consecrated Bishop

    The general overseer of Gospel Forwarders To All Nation Mission, Rev/Prophet Samuel Okediran, was last Sunday consecrated as a bishop.

    The consecration coincided with the 23rd anniversary of the church.

     Archbishop Faola, assisted by Bishop J.O Folahan, Bishop Micheal Alao, Prophet Odetola, Prophet Bamishe and Apostle Ajose, performed the consecration rites on the Okediran.

    Faola enjoined the new Bishop to ensure every action and step he takes leads people in the right direction.

    He also appealed to

    him to use the elevated office to glorify God always.

    Faola, who set the tone for the service with profound prayers, said consecration is the act of installing men with spiritual authority and dignity to uncompromisingly stand for God.

    Such men, he added, willing to be all things to all men so that by all means some will be saved.

    He told the new bishop to see beyond the impossible and make efforts to grow and nurture leaders for the church.

    Okediran expressed optimism Nigeria will become great again.

    He advised Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to him: “All that we are passing through in this country would soon become history.

    “But I want all of us to ensure we make prayer and fasting our weapon for the dream of making Nigeria great again to come to fruition soon”.

    Okediran, whose wife was also ordained as a Reverend, urged Nigerians not to be worried.

     God, he added, is ready to take control of the country and all perpetrators of evil would soon face His wrath.

    He promised to do his best to move the body of Christ forward in all ramifications with the new office.