The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Christian police officers advocate pious policing

    The Christian Police Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) has urged the rank and file of the Force to embrace piety in the discharge of their duties.

    This, it said, will reinforce the rule of law and impact positively on the nation.

    This was the submission at the first anniversary and reunion conference of the body last week at the Prince of Peace Chapel, Police College, Ikeja.

    CPFN patron, Retired assistant Commissioner of Police, Zephaniah Lenbang, said the fellowship was out to reach the unreached, win souls for the kingdom and unite Christians in the force.

    He said: “The Nigerian Police has been a government agency that has been attacked, battled, neglected and mocked.

    “But under the auspices of the CPFN, a prophetic change will happen. God wants us as agents of righteousness to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.”

    The founding leader of the chapel, Evangelist Olugbenga Egunsola, said the core objective of the fellowship is to lead policemen to God while expanding frontiers of Christ gospel within the Force.

    He noted that despite the enormous challenges that bedeviled establishment of the fellowship, the grace of God was sufficient to bring it to fruition.

    “We started in a miniature form and today had metamorphosed to this great accomplishment.

    “I received the inspiration to proceed on this project after several applications were turned down by previous commandants of the college.

    “The intensity to hatch the dream, God had placed into my hands paved way for a clarion call towards fund-raising.

    “We appreciate and acknowledge the financial supports we received in immeasurable values from churches including Deeper Life Bible church, Police College Ikeja and Mountain of Fire and Miracles among others.”

    Preaching on the theme where art thou, chairman of the conference, Bishop Kunle Afuye challenged everyone to assess and review their stand with God, especially their living styles.

    According to him, Christian officers must strive to maintain unflinching devotion to pious principles.

    “I am highly impressed with the young men and women who have dedicated a lot to the progress of God’s work here.

    “I just urge you to examine yourself in Christ to ensure you don’t lose track. We must consciously see to it that our children taught the way of the Lord.

    “The society will try to confuse them but parents must be alert,” he said.

  • COTH charges youths to live right

    COTH charges youths to live right

    The Senior Pastor of the City on the Hill (COTH) Eternity Christian Fellowship, Pastor Daniel Ocheme has charged the youths of this present generation to live the a live that is right and worthy of emulation.

    Ocheme made this call during the gathering of the faithful on Saturday at the Lagos Province 23, Area 28 of  the Kings church of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ifako.

    According to the priest, “this fellowship is from the instruction of God. It is to get the lost and wandering youth, change their lives and raise great leaders that would be useful for God’s glory.

    “As a youth, you do just three things to make it in life; just move much close to God, walk with the right people in life and follow the right principle of life. So just tap into the covenant and just believe, ” Ocheme said.

    In the same vein, Mr. Ayoola Joseph encouraged the youths to live up to the expectation of their creator by living a fulfilled life. In his words, “life is a choice, you choose to live even your parent can’t choose for you. There are four assignment to do in life: be a born again, discover your purpose in life, find the right people to walk with and seek their knowledge and pay the price to get the prize”, Joseph concluded.

    On her own part, Miss Serah Okeke encouraged the youth to be self-disciplined because this the best generation that they could ever be.

    Later on, the coordinator {Ocheme} in his short exhortation encouraged the youths that “it is high time to wake up from the shackles the devil has put us into. It is your redemption that makes you succeed in and being a child of God matter most and it is only changed people that can change the world,” he concluded.

     

  • Gospel ministers brainstorm, intercede for Africa

    Hundreds of gospel ministers gathered for five days last week to refresh and restragise on how to take more territories for God in the continent.

    At the 19th All Nations Congress organised by Pastors/Ministers Prayer Network (PMPN), the ministers brainstormed on challenges facing expansion of the gospel as well as how to tackle them.

    The meeting, which took place at the Youth Centre, Redemption Camp 46KM Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, had as it theme “Possessing the seven mountains of the nations.”

    It was the consensus at the conference that gospel workers and ministers must adopt modern strategies and technologies to take more territories for God.

    They agreed that traditional gospel methods will take too long and produce little results for the urgent tasks at hand.

    The ministers also engaged in fervent intercession for the salvation of the continent from terrorism and violence.

    Speaking at one of the many sessions, Engineer Steve Olumuyiwa said the marketplace needs more apostles.

    He said Christians must leave the comfort of the four walls of churches to take the marketplace by storm.

    Olumuyiwa defined market place “as an open society where you find men and women who laboured in God’s vineyard just as people labour for their needs.”

    He said priesthood in the market place is about taking responsibility for God in whatever sphere of influence Christians find themselves.

    Pharmacist (Mrs.) Bade Nwankpa spoke on ‘eating to live.”

    She said gospel ministers have the responsibility to eat their way to health, stating that it smacks of ignorance to consume junks and expect God to make them healthy.

  • Paths to economic recovery, greatness, by Lemo

    Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) TundeLemo has identified four major steps the nation must take to recover from the ongoing recession and become an economic giant.

    Lemo spoke last week as guest lecturer at the 61st annual national convention lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria.

    The theme of the lecture was The Nigerian economy: The past, the present and the future.  

    He said Nigeria must embrace restructuring, especially in the area of fiscal consolidation to harness its potentials and natural endowments.

    Lemo argued: “We cannot continue to be in denial and missed opportunities.

    “As events of recent times exposed our underlying economic weaknesses, the huge concentration risk the economy faces and the urgent need to implement meaningful transformational policies, macroeconomics restructuring is a no-brainer.”

    He also said the nation must diversify and take of its comparative advantages in solid mineral and agricultural sectors for increased productivity.

    Nigerians, he added, must be more patriotic by embracing local products, especially with basic things such as school uniforms, textiles, shoes and foods.

    This, he said, will not only reduce importation but also increase foreign exchange earning while also supporting development of local industries.

    The former CBN deputy governor called on government to invest massively in infrastructure.

    According to him: “Government should look beyond the annual budget for funding infrastructure.

    “We should explore public-private sector partnership especially for road and urban housing infrastructure.”

    He added: “We must rebuild the public school system and reintroduce technical education.

    “No nation grows faster than its manpower training institution. We also need to build strong institutions and enhance training institutions.”

    Chairman of the occasion, Dr Christopher Kolade, said Nigerians must embrace godly principles and values to overcome the current economic woes.

    According to him: “Management of national economy must respond to the rules, principles and values which he has established for it to grow.

    “If we contribute the best of our productivity as individuals, the economy will sparkle again.”

    General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Dr Felix Meduoye, said: “If we are to survive, individually and collectively, we must all be committed to the pursuit and enthronement of patriotism, probity, integrity, accountability and transparency.”

  • Christians must avoid alcohol, divorce, says James

    The General Overseer of Glory Christian Ministries, Lagos, Pastor Iruofagha James has strongly condemned the high level of alcoholism and divorce among Christians.

    He spoke ahead of the church’s annual eight-night of prayer and praise billed for August 1 – 8 with the theme: “The God of signs and wonders”.

    James is angry that many Christians are addicted to wines under the pretence that they have low alcoholic contents.

    He said it is better for Christians to altogether avoid alcoholic drinks because of their addictive tendencies as well as medical reasons.

    Christians, he argued, should be filled with the Holy Spirit, instead of wines.

    On divorce, he lamented that many Christians are embracing it as an option owing to certain inexcusable factors.

    James declared that God hates divorce and no reason is good enough to any Christian to consider leaving his or her partner.

    Marriage, he said, is a lifetime contract that can only be annulled by death.

    He said men chasing women they have no intention of marrying are like dogs chasing cars they have no intention of driving.

    Describing such men as fools, he said they merely burn away godly resources, strength, character and value deposited in them for vain pleasure.

    He challenged Christians to see their spouses as partners regardless of their weaknesses.

  • RCCG renovates healthcare centre for Ogun community

    RCCG renovates healthcare centre for Ogun community

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 2 has commenced renovation of Community Health Centre in Magboro, Ogun State.

    Speaking at a Luncheon parley organised by the parish to raise funds for the project, Assistant Pastor- In-Charge of the Province CSR unit, Pastor Tope Abe, said the renovation, which has so far gulped about N7.5 million was done as part of its Access to Quality Health project.

    “Healthcare should not be dispensed under such conditions but we cannot wait for the government to fix this. When we see a need, we take the lead. We have levied ourselves and identified partners to support us,” he said.

    Pastor Abe said RCCG principles has driven the Province over the years to impact on the society and demonstrate the love of God through different social transformation initiatives.

    While delivering a short sermon at the event, Pastor- In-Charge of the Province, Pastor YemiLebi, told the guests that they must all be cheerful givers.

    Reading from 2nd Corinthians 9: 6-7, Lebi said it is important for Christians to give to the less privileged in the society as well as good causes in the church

    “It is important to preach the gospel, but we must also show compassion by donating to projects that would help make life more comfortable for less privilege in the society,” he said.

  • Understanding the unlimited power of faith! (3)

    In previous editions of this three-part series, we established that the mystery of faith is simply doing whatever God instructs, through His Word, to prove that we believe Him to make good His promise. Last week, we began to examine some qualities that make the mystery of faith unique. In this week’s edition, we shall yet look at another quality embedded in the mystery of faith, which is:

    • Faith turns situation to testimonies: The mystery of faith has power to turn our situations to testimonies through corresponding actions. As it is written: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works (James 2:18).

    Again, the Bible says: …for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:3).

    Faith delivers based on corresponding actions on the issues of concern because God ONLY acts at the instance of faith-based actions. For instance, tithing is God’s gateway to a world of financial fortune and until it is engaged, financial struggles will continue. Also, God will not rescue us from sin until we repent. To be blessed, we must remain a blessing to those in need around us. Furthermore, to be free from the harassment of the powers of darkness, we must allow the truth of God’s Word to illuminate our lives. In addition, we can’t pray for peace in our homes, we must subscribe to the demand of “love your wife as Christ love the church; and wives, submit yourself to your own husband.” Therefore, it is acting on God’s Word in faith, in any situation or circumstance of life, that commits Him to deliver. Remember, everything about faith places definite demand on those who desire it. No action, no access.

    In conclusion, we recognise from scriptures that in the Kingdom, it is to everyone according to his faith. As it is written: Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you (Matthew 9:29).

    Therefore, investment in building our faith must be a lifelong venture. This is because the ultimate of faith is to usher us into the realm of rest both in time and eternity. The Bible says: There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Hebrews 4:9-11).

    When our faith ushers us into the realm of rest, we commit God to take over our battles and when He takes over, our victory is 110% guaranteed. This is because God cannot be defeated in any battle. That’s what makes faith a mystery (Exodus 14:14; Psalms 46:10; James 2:18).

    Therefore, it is important for us to build our faith in consistent Word practice in order to access our inheritances in redemption. Though we are ordained living proofs in redemption but until our faith is built to the capacity of what God has in store for us, our inheritances will remain a daydream. I pray that as you activate your faith through the Word this year, you will encounter the invisible God, Who will empower you to dare the impossible and achieve the unbelievable! Remain ever blessed!

    Are you born again and have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. If you haven’t, you can say this prayer and you will be born again: “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: Unlimited Power of Faith, Born To Win, Breaking The Curse Of life and Winning Invisible Battles.

    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

  • God has use of you, Senators tells Christian IDPs

    Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), especially those of Christian stock, are top of the mind and agenda of God.

    The Chairman Senate Committee on Drug Trafficking, Joshua Lidani stated this at the 16th graduation ceremony of Stephen Centre International, Abeokuta, Ogun State, which houses hundreds affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

    He called on victims of religious violence to consider their situations as temporal setbacks for miracles.

    14 out of the over 28 students that graduated were orphaned by Boko Haram terrorists.

    According to him, children and widows of the persecuted saints are not alone.

    He said they have a very special place before God who would always show up to help them in due season.

    In the scriptures, the senator noted that widows, orphans and vulnerable people have a special place in God’s heart.

    He said their maker is concerned about their needs, expectations and desires.

    Lidani said: “We know what is happening in the north today as we are experiencing one of the greatest acts of terrorism in the history of Nigeria in recent times.

    “It is a traumatic experience. We have not had it as bad as this in the last three to four years but our hope rest on God.”

    He added:  “You have nothing to be afraid of. Always remember that God, the father is with you. You are very special indeed. Don’t mind the things that happened to you today”.

    Like Esther, who was orphaned, but used of God, he said Christian refugees have a special place in the agenda of God for the end time.

     He urged them to look beyond their plights and consider why God made them go through the hardship.

     “God can use you as well to be a saviour to your family, community and your state and Nigeria. So make use of the opportunity you have been given by the centre for His purpose.

    “You should see your situation as a temporal setback and not a death sentence. God is using it to bring about salvation, succor, and mercy to many people.”

    He applauded the efforts of the school in providing free education, accommodation and life skills to children of the persecuted saints.

    He appealed to the students to use the opportunity well.

    He charged the students not to forget their root, family, community and the centre, which have sacrificed a lot “to build you up in the fear and nurture of God when they succeed in life.”

    He assured of the National Assembly support for victims of terrorism in Nigeria, saying its leadership would continue “to pray for you and continued support for your wellbeing and survival.”

    Executive Director of Stephen Centre International, Rev Isaac Newton-Wusu, appreciated the positive attitudes displayed by the outgoing students throughout their stay.

    He implored them to be good ambassador of the school everywhere they find themselves.

    According to him: “We are poised to continue to provide education and every other social amenity at no cost for children of Martyrs in Nigeria so that they would lead better lives.”

  • Cleric charges on family values

    Resident Pastor of Recovery House Lagos Pastor Edwin George has charged Nigerians to return to God and apply His word for survival and wellbeing of their families.

    He spoke at the ongoing seven-week lectures, prayers and deliverance on family life at the church in Festac, Lagos.

    He said the family remains an essential element of the church, businesses, communities and the nation, stating when we have a larger percentage of faulty homes it will rub off on the society negatively.

    He said that the glory of any nation will be dwindling when its families are undergoing assaults from all sides.

    “Every institution that is set up in a nation will ultimately begin to experience collective damage if the families are not well structure.

    “People will not be at their best in school, offices and religious institutions when they are from dysfunctional homes,” George stated.

    Although he noted that ministry of women affairs and youth development is trying its best in empowering women and youths who are most vulnerable in the society, he said families will continue to be in disarray until Nigerians return to God for His manual.

     “God has the master plan for a sustainable marriages and families and anyone that is humble enough to absorb this plan will not fail,” he stressed.

    He said that as long as government keeps focusing more on economy, defense and issues of budget without attention of family issues, the nation will remain as it is.

  • Superfest kicks off

    Superfest, the annual convocation by the Abundant Life Gospel Church, Agege Lagos, kicks off from August 5-10.

    Venue of the convocation with the theme God’s battle axe is 69, Iju Road, Pen Cinema, Agege.

     The church’s General Overseer, Rev (Dr.) Mrs. Jane Onaolapo, said the summit is an annual feast of word ministration, music and intercession.

    Onaolapo said the minister’s conference will fire up God’s servants across the nation to do much for the Kingdom.

    The intercession session for national recovery will be led by Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Dr Mike Okonkwo; Bishop David Adeoye (US); Rev. Segun Johnson (UK) and Prof. Josiah Onaolapo (Zaria).

    To spice all the sessions, Superfest Choir, Koye Sax, Pastor Moji Akawiye (PMD) and the Psalmist Family would minister in songs.

    Onaolapo assured participants of divine visitation.

    According to her: “Those who need miracles must come with the expectation to receive.

    “Faith comes by hearing, but you must believe the word for it to work for you.”