The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Understanding the miracle power of love! (2)

    In last week’s teaching, we discover that divinity is full of wonders, and love is our guaranteed access to divinity. Thus, every certified lover of God is a living wonder on earth. Remember, the Bible says: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). That is what makes love the master key to a world of wonders.

    Furthermore, we learnt that “Love” is greater than faith and hope because love will always deliver what faith cannot (1 Corinthians 13:13). We also explored some of the greatness imbedded in the virtue of love. In this week’s edition, we shall examine more qualities that makes love the greatest virtue.

    How great is this Virtue of Love?

    • Love makes us Fearless: Fear is what makes a prey of believers. It is what opens the door to our tormentors, and robs us of our God–ordained victory. But when the love of God overwhelms us, we become fearless (1 John 4:18-20). When our love is perfect, fear is eradicated. Fearlessness is the platform for supernatural victory in the battles of life (Hebrews 2:14-15).
    • Love Guarantees instant Answers to Prayers: Every anointed lover enjoys the blessedness of instant answers to prayers (1 John 3:22-23). Therefore, love is the commandment that qualifies us for supernatural additions of what God knows we need (1 Kings 3:13).
    • Love is a Booster of Supernatural Intelligence: When we are in love, we access the realms of surpassing intelligence and mental prowess. This is because through love, we have unlimited access to ultimate wisdom that the world cannot stop (Proverbs 8:15-16).

    When we are connected to divinity, the virtues of therein begin to have natural expressions in our lives. I am talking about God –the only wise God. Therefore, when we connect to His surpassing wisdom, we tap into His fountain of wisdom, and love is our connecting virtue. All we need do is plug the pipe of our ordinary brain to His super heavenly brain and the virtues of His brain begins to flow into us cheaply. When this occurs, we begin to partake of His brain’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) (Genesis 41:38-44).

    • Every Lover of God is supernaturally Joyful: One of the great virtues of this love is supernatural Joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. If we are not joyful, we are not in love. For instance, David was so in love with God that he praised Him seven times a day. His love for God spurred his joy and that in turn led him (David) to praise uncontrollably (Psalm 119:164; James 5:13; Philippians 4:4). We also discovered from scriptures that joy is what enhances our access to revelation, divine strength and health. This means that when we engage the mystery of love, our joy is enhanced and by same, we can draw all manner of blessings from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3; Nehemiah 8:10).
    • It engenders Supernatural Breakthroughs: As we perfect our love for God, we naturally begin to command unlimited breakthroughs in our lives. For instance, when we obey all that God commands in scriptures, He sets us up on high above all nations of the earth. Amazing breakthroughs become our portion when we fulfil God’s commandments and love is the fulfilment of all the laws (Deuteronomy 28:1-12; Romans 8:10, 13).

    In addition, it is important to know that giving is one of the way through which we prove our love for God. As it is written: Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love (2 Corinthians 8:8).

    If we are not givers, then we are not a lover.  This is because the love of God is a giving love. Remember, no one increases by what he/she keeps but by what he/she gives. Thus, we are not blessing anyone by our giving, we are simply refreshing the person for God to bless us. When the love of God overwhelms us, giving will become a natural lifestyle and love is what empowers us to lay down the unimaginable for the in-explainable to come our way (1 John 3:17-18; John 10:17-18).

    Furthermore, it is important to know that the Holy Spirit empowers our love for God but only born again Christians have access to Him (Romans 5:5). Are you born again? If you are yet to be, please say this prayer and you shall 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: Walking In The Miraculous, Operation In The Supernatural, Releasing The Supernatural, Commanding The Supernatural and All You Need To Have All Your Needs Met.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Atilade tasks FG on diversification

    Atilade tasks FG on diversification

    Chairman South West region of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade has called on the federal government to invest massively in non-oil sectors.

    This, he said, will enhance the ongoing economic diversification programmes of the current administration.

    Speaking at the end of the prayer session on the state of the nation organised by Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI) in Surulere, Lagos, Atilade said that it is obvious that Nigeria cannot survive from its overdependence on oil.

    He stated that diversification of economic policies must be pursued vigorously in the interest of Nigerians.

    He noted the immense natural and human resources in Nigeria can be harnessed in all sectors for economic growth and development.

    According to him: “Nigeria has lots of arable lands and the capacity to become a net exporters of countless numbers of cash crops which would greatly increase our revenue base and positively affect our economic but its require huge investment and sincere public/private  partnership.”

    He stressed that the way out of the economic quagmire is in the people and not just in oil.

    The President of Gospel Baptist Conference Nigeria and Overseas called for patience with President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that one year is too little to judge an administration.

    He lamented things had gone too bad before Buhari took over, stating it would be difficult to turn things around within one year.

  • Inspaya out to restore hope

    A new TV show Inspayawill hit the airwaves from July 1 to encourage Nigerians never to give up on life and always count on God for survival.

    The show presented in documentary form will chronicle the struggles, frustrations and despairs that many believers encountered as well as the transformation they experience when God took over.

    At the premiere last Sunday, the host, Evangelist BanjiAdesanmi said the show is conceived to “offer thousands hope from despair and tell people defeat is never final in life.”

    He said the show will air on LTV and DOVE TV from July before expanding to other stations across the nation.

    Wife of Lagos Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, praised the host and his team for the concept.

    She said the message of hope couldn’t have been timelier given the hardship and meltdown in the nation.

    Mrs. Ambode, who was represented at the occasion, said : “God is still in the business of changing lives and we learn more from hearing what He is doing for others.

    “I have no doubt the show will help thousands to survive the difficulties of life as well as the peculiar challenges in Nigeria.”

    The Executive Director of Sahara Group Tonye Cole said: “Everyone has a story of triumph to tell. This story is also a catalyst that someone else needs to survive and move to the next level.”

    He praised the concept of the show, stating that it will help many to upgrade to the next level in life from their current predicaments.

  • ‘Church leaders causing problems for God’

    ‘Church leaders causing problems for God’

    The first thing you notice about the senior pastor of The Redemption Glory Assembly (TREGA) Lagos, Pastor Emmanuel Abiodun, is this curious reclusion. He keeps to himself in a way that tells one there is something about him to be unearthed.

    This reclusion is an art he has mastered over the years, perhaps to save him the wrath of those affected by his radical views. But once one succeeds in drawing him out of his shell, Abiodun opens up in a friendly, amazing manner.

    It’s been ten, long years since TREGA came into being. But there has been no attempt to showcase the church at least in the media. Is there something Abiodun is hiding? “I have not been hiding but busy with running the vision,” he began.

    “There has been no intentional effort to blow one’s trumpet. You don’t announce the pregnancy of six months. It announces itself. I just love the simple, unassuming life.”

    This unassuming life makes many fellow church leaders avoid him. He hardly gets invited for ministrations. His views are radical and hard-hitting. But Abiodun is the least concerned. “Jesus is my friend and I am contented with him. It is not about popularity but being right,” he retorted.

    His obsession with being right is huge. As long as something is right, Abiodun is all for it, without minding whose ox is gored, the cumulative costs or losses.

    He also likes to see himself as a process-oriented minister even though he is also mindful results are not easily dismissible. “We are more interested in process without minding results. What is the essence of laboring without results? We want success, prosperity and power but we know that there must be a process. Our attention to process is great.”

    Abiodun, who runs TREGA Life centre, a community empowerment scheme that has benefitted over 200 people, says he is never under pressure to deliver despite being a prophet.

    According to him:  “You cannot come to this church and I will tell you God will do it in just two months. I will tell you He makes everything beautiful in His own time.”

    “I am not under pressure to impress God and people. I tell people there are many things I cannot do.  I am not God. I am only a prophet. I can only pray to God and He has the prerogative to answer or not. God has told me that gifts will not build the church, but the word.”

    He said the trend of overpromising puts the church at a disadvantaged. Many people, he said, have been disenchanted by God and the church. “

    “When you come to God, He will fix you. But the way, time and how are left to Him. No man on earth can determine that. Many Christians no longer preach Christ but church.

    “When we preach Christ, everything is balanced. We are causing problems for God. When we balance things, the focus will be on God, not the man of God. When they have challenges, they will remain.”

    Abiodun added: “When we promise what we cannot deliver, we are causing problems for God. We don’t have right over our lives. Why should we promise others things so that they become disappointed with God and the church?

    “There is someone who will never die; whose network does not fail. That person is God and He should be our main focus.”

    TREGA life centre is a free empowerment scheme designed to uplift the downtrodden. Abiodun said the scheme is an intervention programme that is not money-related.

    “We came to the realisation that the church is supposed to be a solution centre in every facet of life. Be it in spiritual or physical area, the church must offer help to mankind.

    “I believe the church can do the little it can do without monetizing it to the people around. That is why birthed the vision. We are trying to be a blessing to the community and imposing kingdom values,” he explained.

    Though it is taking a toll on the finances of the church, the radical preacher said the scheme has come to stay because it is the right thing to do.

    “We don’t believe you must derive monetary benefits to help others. We do what is right to be a channel of correction to others. Fellow pastors have asked why we are wasting our time. Some think there is a grant somewhere and the fact is there is none from anyone. I believe the reward is with God and will not be immediate.

    “We are strictly abiding by the core values of moderation and love. We are doing what God wants us to do without bothered about the popularity or otherwise.”

  • Ajimobi hails Adelakun for integrity, impact

    Ajimobi hails Adelakun for integrity, impact

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has appealed to religious leaders to set good examples of honesty, love and fairness for peace and progress to reign in Nigeria.

    He spoke at the 53rd birthday ceremony of the Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Pastor Taiwo Adelakun in the Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Guests, including public servants, activists and clerics were at the ceremony where Adelakun gave out scholarship of N25, 000 to 20 indigent students and N5, 000 stipends to 100 widows in the state.

    Ajimobi said since Nigeria is a religious nation, religious institutions play key roles in shaping the values, orientation and perception of the people.

    According to him:  “It is high time our religious leader set godly example that would bring about peace, love and understanding among Nigerians no matter their language, religion, tribe and social class.

    “As a governor, I believe and support mutual respect and together of all religions which made the Oyo state peaceful and progress achieved in the last five years of my tenure.”

    The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Public Corporation Commission, Bunmi Babalola, stressed that Nigeria has the capacity and resources to be great again.

    This, he however said, requires working together as one big family pursing the same goal of making the nation better than we met it.

    The governor, who also commended the celebrant for his commitment for touching lives for God and the benefit of the society, said: “I have not heard any scandal about Bishop Adelakun.

    “He is indeed a pride to the nation and a pride to our generation. He has contributed so much to humanity and his position in the Christian community is assured.”

    He promised that the state government will continue to support the church at every given point in time, saying “the state will support you as we have seen that you have imparted positively on the lives of the downtrodden in the state and other parts of the world”.

    Adelakun, who was full of praise and gratitude to God, said: “I am happy to be alive today as God has been faithful to me and my household.

    “He took me from the village to sit with the kings of this world. I am very grateful.”

    He urged Nigerian to keep hope alive in God as there will be light at the end of the tunnel no matter how hard the times may be.

     

  • Inspaya TV show premieres

    INSPAYA, a new Christian documentary TV show, is set for premiere today at Ikeja Sheraton Hotels, Lagos.

    INSPAYA is an inspirational show with a message for anyone and everyone, the visioner, Evangelist Banji Adesanmi otherwise known as Evangelist Bee said in a statement.

    Adesanmi, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), explained the show has a rich repertoire of life- changing and thought- provoking testimonies delivered directly by those concerned.

    He assured the show will jostle anyone from a state of despondence or discouragement.

    Adesanmi added: “The show, which is a divine project and interactive in nature, will focus on inspiration, motivation and teaching relevant principles to deal with life issues and problems.

    “INSPAYA will give a clear message of hope and encouragement by telling and sharing people’s life and survival stories, with the ultimate goal of restoration and building confidence in facing issues of life. INSPAYA is not just mere television content but one set to impact positively on the audience and the society at large.”

    The businessman and evangelist stated that business executives, top gospel artistes, role models, and professional icons are billed to attend the premiere/launch, which is strictly by invitation.

  • Methodist Church opens event centre

    Crown Pavillion, a 500-seater ultra-modern event centre owned by Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos has opened for business.

    The eco-friendly facility boasts of two gorgeous dressing rooms with restrooms and fully-air conditioned guestrooms.

    It also has a drinking bay, food serving stations, washing up area and nappy changing facility accessible to the physically challenged.

    It was built under a 20-year Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement with LH Estates Limited.

    The facility was dedicated on Thursday by Archbishop of Lagos Methodist Church Nigeria, Most. Rev Luke Odubanjo.

    Odubanjo said the project is a clear indication of the church’s commitment to raising funds for expansion and evangelistic purposes.

    He praised Pa Jacob Williams of blessed memory for donating the large expanse of land that was converted for the project.

    Odubanjo said it was a good thing that the land was not sold after it was lying fallow for years, saying the patience has finally paid off.

    The chairman of the church’s investment committee, Sir Olugbenga George, said the business initiative will not only provide job opportunities but also fund church’s operations and activities.

    The Director of LH Estates Ltd, Wole Awe, said the firm accepted the responsibility to build and manage the facility because of its viability.

    “We believe in the project. We believe in the church and we want to add value to the community.”

    He said many churches have assets and land facilities that should be turned to money-generating ventures to fund their activities and operational costs.

     

  • Group honours NDDC Director, media practitioners

    Group honours NDDC Director, media practitioners

    A faith-based nongovernmental organisation, Christian Media Foundation (CMF), has bestowed awards of excellence on some deserving personalities for their commitment to media evangelism.

    Among the awardees were the Executive Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Anietie Usen; Managing Editor, Online and Special Publications of The Nation Newspaper, Lekan Otufodunrin and Chris Kehinde Nwandu of CKN News.

    The award ceremony was the climax of a two- day Christian media workshop by CMF in collaboration with Providence magazine.

    CMF Country Director, Gracious Akintayo, said the workshop was to educate, empower and encourage the application of the new (social) media platforms for the enhancement of evangelical strategies.

    Akintayo said the awards were aimed at encouraging, appreciating and celebrating practitioners that have distinguished themselves in Christian news reporting and contributed to the development of media evangelism.

    He acknowledged that the winners have been selflessly and relentlessly demonstrated passion to write, publish, produce and promote Christ-like character in carrying out their assignments.

    Chairman of the occasion, Dr Wilson Badejo, said Christians must take over the social media platforms to positively influence the society.

    The former general overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church said globalisation and technological advancement offer Christians the much-needed leeway to spread the gospel to the nooks and crannies of the nation.

    Badejo, who was represented by Rev. Sunday Madudu challenged Christians to take the bull by the horn with the social media platforms.

    The guest speaker, Richard Akinnola, said new technologies have reduced the world to a global village, offering Christians the platforms to change the world.

    Akinnola, represented by Ademola Adeoye, said: “Evangelism is now made simpler, efficient and cheaper with social media platforms networking strategies.”

    Other awardees of the 2016 Christian Media Award (CMA) are Sunday Oguntola (The Nation); Aramide Oikelome (formerly of Daily Independent); Rita Okonoboh ( Nigerian Tribune), Sanmi Falobi, a projects officer with the International Press Centre(IPC);  Julius Adegunna (publisher, PTL News) and Adetunji Akintola (Breakthrough News).

    A posthumous award was also given to Femi Kehinde, publisher, Prosperity Today and West African Theological Seminary (WATS) recognised for Institutional development and support to media evangelism.

  • Aladura churches rebrand for impact

    Aladura churches rebrand for impact

    Aladura assemblies under the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) have commenced retraining of leaders and pastors to change the negative perceptions about them.

    The training, according to the Chairman OAIC, FCT Superintendent Senior Apostle Michael Osamor, is aimed at changing myths and orthodox practices giving the churches bad image.

    OAIC comprises 57 different churches such as Christ Holy Church Int’l; Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim; Covenant Celestial Church of Christ; Celestial Church of Christ; Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement; Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW), among others.

    Osamor, at one-day leadership training in Abuja, explained most of the misconceptions are due to ignorance and the many bad eggs in the fold.

    He said: “A lot of people especially Christians look down on our church believing it to be a church for poor, illiterate people.

    “Some of them go as far saying that we are not Christians; that we are not teaching Christ but if you come closer to us and spend the time to look at what we are doing, you will find out that indeed we are teaching Christ.

    “We may not flavour it to make it sweet for people, to make it convenient; Christianity is not about convenience.

    “It is about teaching the undiluted word of God and by being his disciples, by absorbing and being empowered by what Christ said He was going to leave a comforter with us, which is the Holy Spirit to guide, teach and direct everything we do.

    “So our way of life is guided and directed by the tenets of the teaching of Christ.”

    He added: “Part of the way we are going to go about improving the perception of people is by being a bit more structured by teaching our church leaders to go back to their own churches to be able to portray us in better light.

    “Some little things that we do that people may fault us for, like visioning, visioning is not bad.

    “What we are doing is to mitigate those areas and retrain the bad eggs because a lot of them it is just a matter of how they present their messages.

    “A lot of people are scared of going to OAIC churches because they are afraid that once they come in, they will reveal all their innermost secrets.

    “Some other organised churches also see such visions but the way it is handled by the pastors is different and does not scare people away.

    “Those are the kind of things that we are going to be learning over a period of time. We are going to be having one of such trainings ones at least every quarter.

    “Other Christians after now should expect that the OAIC churches will be able to mitigate some of those negative things they think that they know about us.

    “We will learn how to promote those positive things about us because most of these Christians and non-Christians come to us at nights for special prayers because they know that our prayers and way of life is effective.

    “But because they don’t want to wear white or do not want to associate with a place where the women do not wear trousers, it is not convenient for them.

    “From now we will portray so people know why we have these practices and why we cannot deviate from them because they are all part of the teaching of discipleship of Christ.”

  • Understanding the miracle power of love!

    Understanding the miracle power of love!

    From scriptures, we understand that love is the greatest spiritual asset of every believer. It is what defines our worth in the race of life, because that is our connectivity to divinity. In other words, divinity is full of wonders, and love is our access to same. That is what makes every certified lover of God a living wonder on earth. Remember, the Bible says: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). Therefore, love the master key to a world of wonders.

    When we are truly grounded in the love of Christ, we become supernaturally connected to divinity and that in turn, guarantees our dominion on earth.

    Again, we understand from scriptures that love is the greatest of all spiritual virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). Thus, without this virtue at work in our lives, we will remain spiritually poor, beggarly and the struggles of our lives will continue.

    Love is our spiritual connectivity to God and as such, it is the platform for the flow and operation of signs and wonders.

    What is Love?

    If we don’t know what love is, we will not know when it is at work in us.

    • Love can be defined as a God-first Lifestyle: That simply means, God having the first place in all our considerations. The “God-first Lifestyle” is loving God with all our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:36-40). When we make room for God first, we become men and women wondered at.
    • It is a Kingdom Priority Lifestyle: The Bible says:

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). What Jesus meant was, seek ye first the advancement, promotion and expansion of His Kingdom –in righteousness not faking it, and all these things that others desire to get, shall be added unto us. Again, Jesus said that all the commandments of the law anchors on love. As it is written:

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matthew 22:37-40).

    Therefore, when the law of love is fulfilled, the blessings of Deuteronomy 28:1-12 flows natural into our lives.

    • Love is Identifying with Jesus: Love is publicly identifying with Christ and His Word, wherever we find ourselves (Mark 8:38). When we are truly in love with God, we will identify with Him openly and publicly.
    • It is Placing God above all else including Self: In an account of scriptures, a large crowd was travelling with Jesus when He suddenly turned and said: If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26-27). That means, whosoever does not love Me more than he loves his father, mother, children and his own life, is not truly in love nor fit to be My disciple. When we come to the point where we place God above all else –including self, we are set to be released as wonders to our world.
    • Love is, loving what God loves: God’s greatest love is the salvation of souls (2 Peter 3:9). When we are truly in love, we are never ashamed of telling people about Jesus.

    How great is this Virtue of Love?

    The Bible makes us to understand that love is greater than faith and hope. This implies that “Love” will always deliver what faith cannot deliver (1 Corinthians 13:13).

    • In other words, Love is Failure-Proof: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away (1 Corinthians 13:8). Love never fails, because God is love; that is what makes love a failure-proof virtue.
    • Love makes us Indestructible: Whatever will destroy a certified and genuine lover, will have to destroy God first. For instance, fire cannot destroy God, because He is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 9:3). God is the fire that consumes fire; as such, when we walk in His love, we become indestructible. However, it takes grace to love God wholeheartedly and that grace is only available to God’s children. To become a child of God, you must first accept Him as your Lord and Saviour; this is the essence of being born again. If you wish to be a child of God, please say this prayer and you shall 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: Walking In The Miraculous, Operation In The Supernatural, Releasing The Supernatural, Commanding The Supernatural and All You Need To Have All Your Needs Met.

     

    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