The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Lagos CAN seeks support for anti-corruption war

    Lagos State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Apostle Alexander Bamgbola has appealed to Christians to support the government in its fight against corruption.

    He spoke last week with reporters ahead of a three-day prayer and fasting scheduled by the body for May 10-12 at the Christ Chapel, Alausa, Lagos.

    Bamgbola said the nation will only advance when Nigerians join hands with the current administration to expose and destroy corruption.

    According to him: “It should be clear to all Nigerians now after fifty years, that if we do not destroy this demon, it will destroy Nigeria.”

    Bamgbola said Nigerians can be involved in efforts to rid the society of corruption by taking deliberate and personal decision to steer clear of all appearances of the evils of corruption.

    He said the fasting and prayer session is organised to tackle the spiritual roots of corruption in the nation, calling on Christians to converge on Chapel of Christ The Light on May 12 for rigorous prayers.

    He also called on the federal government to resuscitate the Nigeria Inter-Religion Council (NIREC) established by the Constitution to solidify interpersonal relationships among Christians and Muslims.

    “We must never forget that Nigeria is a truly religious nation in all our efforts in building it as a project. The absolute majority is composed of Christians and Muslims who have lived together in peace and harmony for over a century.

    “Hence it should clear, that no ruler or political leader can successfully rule a nation like Nigeria without regular and continuous consultation with the religious leaders of the Land,” he pointed out.

  • NCPC organises raffle draw for Christian Pilgrims

    For as low as N500, less privileged Christians have an opportunity to perform this year’s pilgrimage to Israel.

    This is courtesy of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), which has entered into partnership with a private company, Fortune Games Limited, to organise raffle draws for Nigerians to participate in the pilgrimage.

    The step was also motivated by the withdrawal of many state governments from sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy Land in view of the economic hardship occasioned by low receipts from the Federation Account.

    Under the programme tagged: “Win a Trip to Israel,” the winners will be sponsored to the pilgrimage by the NCPC.

    Other partners in the scheme are Nigerian Lottery Commission and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    Interested members of the public are expected to purchase raffle tickets at the rate of N500 from all branches of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

    Addressing a briefing in Ado Ekiti, Fortune Games Chief Executive, Otunba Ayo Arise, explained that winners  from all the states of the  federation will be sponsored by the commission after emerging  from a transparent contest.

    Arise said: “With the way some states are backing out of sponsorship of Holy Pilgrimage, the commission foresees that only the rich Nigerians could afford sponsorship and this may not serve the interest the programme was designed to meet.

    “The  money gathered from the sales of the lottery ticket will be used to sponsor the winners to Israel .

    “The Muslims’ Pilgrimage Commission is also working on similar programme.

    “What makes this raffle draw very unique is that the Muslims will be allowed to play and if he or she wins he will be sponsored to Israel. This will help in promoting peaceful co-existence among religious groups in our country.”

  • Annual couples’ dinner fellowship

    The annual Couples dinner fellowship by the Deliverance and Healing Unit of Saint Barth’s Anglican Church, Aguda Surulere holds on Sunday, May 1st.

    It takes place at Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial [BAHM] church Hogan Bassey crescent behind National stadium, Surulere with theme, “sustaining the love of your marriage.”

    One of the speakers at the event slated to start by 3pm is Venerable TC Ezumezu.

    The National Secretary of the unit, Sir Ken Nwodika, said the fellowship was initiated to address challenges in marriage and reconcile warring couples.

  • Discovery for Men holds first 2016 rally

    Thousands of men from different walks of life will today attend the first rally of the Discovery for Men in 2016.

    The theme of the rally scheduled to commence by 4pm at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, is the “Supernatural man”.

    Hosted by Pastors Taiwo and Nomthi Odukoya, the rally would also have anointed gospel minister, Mike Abdul, as guest artiste.

    A statement from the organisers said: “Discovery for Men rallies are not just another church service.

    “This is the era where men need the Supernatural to be able to provide leadership, find hope, encouragement and the needed courage to surmount and secure a better future for themselves and the countless others counting on them.

    “Over the years, men have walked into the Discovery rallies with great burdens in their hearts, desperately seeking answers.

    “After a time of robust fellowship and frank exploration of God’s word, they leave with renewed strength to face the challenges that hitherto threatened to consume them.

    “Testimonies of great deliverances, divine interventions and miraculous visitations abound from every corner of the nation and beyond.”

    The Discovery for Men initiative was set up in 1998 as an outreach of The Fountain of Life Church with the vision to challenge and motivate men to become all that God has ordained them to be.

  • Engaging the breakthrough power of the word! (2)

    Last week, we began this teaching with this understanding: all that God is, is all that His Word is. That is, anything that cannot stop God, can’t stop His Word from having its way. We also established that God’s Word is ordained to thoroughly furnish, beautify and decorate us when it is received, believed and engaged (Psalms 114:3-4; Genesis 1:1-3; Exodus 14:14-15).

    In this week’s edition, we shall examine the Word as a weapon of war. 

    The Bible says: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

    God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit that raises a standard against all satanic uprising. This makes the Word a weapon of war in our hands. When we launch the defensive weapon of the Word in faith against the offensive forces of hell, we become more-than-conqueror. For instance, we saw how Jesus Christ, after a 40-day fast, engaged the sword of the Spirit against satan and He conquered (Matthew 4:1-14).

    This is why we need to develop the required skill in engaging the Word of God. The Bible says: For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:13-14).

    It is so important for us to know how to engage the Word of God in battle against every satanic uprising of the wicked targeted at our lives and destinies (Isaiah 59:19; John 6:63).

    But, what is in the Word that wins the war?

    • The Word of God is fire that consumes all satanic stubbles: It is written: Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29)

    Remember, our God is a consuming fire and all that God is, is all that His Word is. Thus, God’s Word carries consuming fire and when it is launched against any situation, it consumes every opposition of the enemy on the path of our glorious destinies (Deuteronomy 4:24; 1 kings 18:38-39; Hebrews 12:29).

    • The Word is the stone in Zion: The Word carries divine stones that grind into powder all oppositions to God’s glorious plan for our lives. Jesus said: Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder (Matthew 21:42-44).

    That rejected stone is Jesus and He is the living Word of God. When we invoke the Word in faith against any situation or adversary, they are grounded into powder, thereby destroying everything resisting our redemptive heritage in Christ.

    The Word does not only carry divine stones but it also makes believers lively stones on the earth. The Bible says: To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5). This means, we can develop ourselves in the Word so much that we are turned to lively stones.

    • The Word is light that shatters all gang-ups of the powers of darkness: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:5, 9; See also Isaiah 60:1-3).

    Every man is ‘lightable’ and when we are ‘Word-lighted’, we become ‘unassaultable’ by the powers of darkness. Remember that darkness has no capacity to contend with the authority of light. This is why when we engage the light of the Word in battle, our unquestionable triumph is guaranteed. However, it is important to understand that we can graduate from the revelation of the Word (light) to being illuminated by the Word.

    Let’s recognise that the gang-up of darkness against the believer is simply because of the absence of light; but when we graduate from revelation to illumination, the assault of darkness ceases because it cannot stand the power of light.

    In conclusion, it has been prophetically declared in this year of ‘From Glory to Glory’, that every winner is entitled to minimum four remarkable change of levels. That is, one every three months after the order of Obededom. However, this is only possible as we walk in and engage the light of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 3:18).

    This is because it is the Word of God we receive, believe and engage that delivers our desired turnaround. One way we engage the Word is by speaking it boldly against every situation of concern in our lives. When we speak God’s Word boldly, He confirms it openly. As I have often said, ‘A closed mouth is a closed destiny,’ and one cannot be oppressed and afflicted except with a closed mouth. Therefore, it is time to boldly engage the breakthrough power of the Word against every ‘fig tree’ mocking our glorious destiny in Christ (Isaiah 53:7-8; Mark 1:19-22; Luke 21:15). As we do so, I see God’s prophetic agenda for us this year delivered with speed in Jesus’ name! Remain ever blessed!

    Are you born again? 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: The Force Of Freedom, Walking In Dominion, Possessing Your Possession, Towards Mental Exploits, Ruling Your World and Born To Win.

    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

  • Believers empowered at annual conference

    Despite the biting fuel scarcity, thousands attended the annual weeklong teaching convention of the Fountain of Life Church, which ended last Sunday.

    Tagged Word Explosion conference, the convention was hosted by Senior Pastor of the church, Taiwo Odukoya.

    The theme of the conference, which attracted speakers such as Dr. Bill Johnson, Dr. Randy Clark and Pastor Blaine Cook, who came with an entourage of volunteers and ministers, many of whom were in Nigeria for the first time, was supernatural manifestations.

    They spoke glowingly of the reception and warmth they feel from being received in Lagos by Odukoya, whose commitment to empowering human resources is huge.

    The presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr Mike Okonkwo, also spoke with charismatic authority at the conference.

    Cook spoke animatedly about the unconventional experiences that changed his life and defined his ministry while Bill Johnson’s flawless teaching kept the audience bound in rapt attention.

    The goal of conferences like this, according to Odukoya, is to raise a community of empowered Christians who will in turn go into their communities to make a difference.

  • Cleric canvasses prayers for air safety

    The President of the African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative Rev Titus Oyeyemi has called on Nigerians to continue to pray and support the aviation industry for a disaster-free airspace.

    He made the call in an interview with correspondent recently at the 18th bi-annual National Prayer for the Safety of Nigeria Airspace organised by the African Children of Peace Club an affiliate of African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative.

    The summit held at the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NCAA) Fellowship hall at the airport, Murtala Muhammed, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The theme of the summit was “taking the roots downward and bear fruit upward”.

     He said that the need for Nigerians to support the aviation industry with prayers can never be overemphasised following global threat to free airspace.

    Oyeyemi also reminded workers in the industry not to panic when going through difficult times because tough times don’t last forever but tough people do.

    According to him: “I am come to assure NAMA and NCAA, FAAN and the Nigeria Aviation industry not panic but to seek the face of God and stay strong for the Lord himself shall plant the new aviation industry that shall take root downward and bear fruits upward at this trying time.”

    The Coordinator of the Christian Fellowship of National Airspace Management Agency Mr. Funsho Otubusa noted that although putting the right infrastructure in place is very critical for the sector, prayer cannot also be discountenanced.

    He said: “We believe in God’s safety as He has a role to play. No matter the infrastructure, expertise and wisdom put in place, the fear of God is key as things would ordinary fall into pleasant places for us.”

    He identified the new forex policy and epileptic power supply as factors hindering the growth and development in the aviation industry in Nigeria

    Folunrosho explained: “Most of the equipment used in the aviation industry are not locally accessed but purchased abroad and if we do not have enough forex, we would not be able to purchase new equipments needed to keep our industry growing, safe and secure for everyone.”

  • Adeboye to administrators: fear God

    Adeboye to administrators: fear God

    General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has charged administrators in secular and religious organisations to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of God.

    He stated this at the annual conference of Administrative Officers of RCCH held recently at the Youth Centre of the Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The four-day event theme “Expanding the Church frontier through effective and efficient administration” was attended by 646 administrative officers and computer secretaries from Regions, Provinces and Departments of the Mission within and outside Nigeria.

    Adeboye said public and private sectors are in dire need of honest, faithful, loyal and committed administrators for national growth and development.

    He said that administrators are leaders whose ingenuity and lifestyles can make or mar families, organisations, communities and the nation at large.

    Adeboye, who spoke through a member of the incorporated trustee of RCCG, Elder Felix Ohiwerei, defined administration as the process of running an organisation, company, church or a nation.

    No leader, he said, can succeed without administration.

    He said that in the context of a church, administration plays a supportive and critical role to the ministry of the leader.

    The respected Church leader said administration galvanises efforts and focuses attention of the church on set goals and helps to achieve the vision.

    Adeboye stated that the RCCG is a dynamic organisation that operates within a dynamic environment, a development he said will require proper administration for the church to adapt appropriately.

    Special Assistant to the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Odesola, noted administrators in RCCG are profound professional and spiritual but are not given a second chance for any wrong done.

    He opined that the recent Panama Papers scandal shows that administrators worldwide are culpable of unhealthy practices, which need to be addressed for societal interest.

    He asserted that the rich and privileged people will always look for loopholes to circumvent the system, warning that governments should make frantic effort to tighten the system against fraudulent practices.

    President of RCCG Administrators, Pastor Seun Adebayo said that the summit is aimed at preparing and position administrators in the church for greater impart.

  • Cross River CAN inaugurates new exco

    The Cross River State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has inaugurated its new executive members in Calabar.

    The event held at the Apostolic Church, Edgerley Road with the theme “Unity in diversity” was attended by church leaders and members from various denominations.

    The new chairman, Archbishop Joseph Ukpo (Emeritus), said for CAN to survive as a united Christian organisation, ecumenical dialogue must be taken seriously.

    He said no religion can exist in isolation anymore and any religion that is not open to others becomes vulnerable to fundamentalism and religious fanaticism.

    He said the Church promotes the spirit of dialogue in the world to resolve conflict, advance common good and strengthen human solidarity.

    Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ivara Esu, charged the new executive council to build on the achievement of predecessors to ensure good working relationship among Christians and other people in the state irrespective of their background.

    He asked them to promote peace, tolerance, compassion, contentment and love for one another especially at this point in time.

    He urged religious leaders to constantly pray for the government to deliver on its promises to improve residents of the state.

    Esu said the government was open to godly counsel to enable them take the state to the heights desired.

    Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, was grateful to God for keeping CAN together after the peaceful election.

    While describing the church as an epitome of unity in diversity, she urged that they continue to work together as a viable army for God.

    “As diverse as we are in the body of Christ, we need to be ready to be used by God to bring down most difficult situations,” she said.

    South South chairman of CAN, Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa, urged that despite all challenges, Christians should still keep faith in God.

    Prof (Mrs.) Ebele Eko presented a keynote address on the theme of the event.

    The new executive council has Archbishop Joseph Ukpo as chairman; Rev O. B. Ekpenyong as vice chairman; Elder Engineer James Ekabua as Secretary; Ms Olive Effanga as financial secretary and Apostle Frank Umo as treasurer.

  • Engaging the breakthrough power of the word!

    According to scriptures, all that God is, is all that His Word is. That is, anything that cannot stop God, can’t stop His Word from having its way. For instance, God is the Creator and His Word creates solutions. During the first appearance of the Word, in the story of creation, it created solution to a battered world. As it is written: In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light (Genesis 1:1-3; See also John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:3).

    Likewise, God’s Word still creates solutions today. This is why when we believe Him, His Word continues to create solutions in our lives.

    We also understand that God is Spirit and so is His Word. That means God’s Spirit is domicile in His Word. The Bible says: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

    Jesus speaking on the potency of the Word said: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63; See also Ezekiel 2:2).

    God’s Spirit dwells in His Word which we engage in battle. Thus, when we say, ‘It is written,’ the Spirit of the Word goes forth to challenge our challengers, confront our challenges and bring us victory. As it is written: So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19).

    For instance, when Jesus went on the mountain for a 40-day fast in preparation for His Messianic mission, the devil was all out to bring Him down. However, when Jesus engaged the Word, the Spirit of the Word went forth, set up a standard against satan and the Bible records: Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him (Matthew 4:11).

    The Spirit of the Lord in the Word levels every mountain of the wicked on our paths and empowers us to win the war. Therefore, when we engage the Word in battle, our triumph is guaranteed (Zechariah 4:6-7; 2 Corinthians 2:14).

    It is also important to note that God’s Word carries sanctifying virtues. We understand from scriptures that God is Holy and so is His Word. Thus, it cleans up and perfects the lifestyle of God’s people. The Bible says: Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalms 119:9, 11; See also 1 Peter 1:16).

    This is why when the Word of God comes alive in us, we become naturally sanctified. As it is written: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

    It is also written: Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3).

    Furthermore, God is light and so is His Word. It is written: …God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

    The Bible also says: In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4-5, 9).

    When God’s Word is put to work, the powers of darkness are shattered. Let’s recognise that the dominion of light over darkness is instant and unquestionable. For instance, when we turn on the light in a room, darkness gives way instantly. Likewise, when we turn on the light of the Word on the powers of darkness, they surrender to the authority of the Word.

    God personifies breakthrough and so does His Word. Every Word received, believed and engaged becomes as unstoppable as God. Remember, from the story of creation, we understand that the earth was without form and void but at the instance of God’s Word, it took shape and colour. Also, after the Israelites left Egypt, they were stranded at the Red Sea; meanwhile they were being pursued by Pharaoh and the host of the army of Egypt. Then, God commanded them to go forward. When they obeyed the Word of the Lord, the Bible records: The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs (Psalms 114:3-4; See also Genesis 1:1-3; Exodus 14:14-15).

    In the same way, God’s Word is ordained to thoroughly furnish, beautify and decorate us when it is received, believed and engaged. As you study God’s Word, the blessings therein will not elude you in Jesus’ name!

    However, it is important to know that only God’s children have access to God’s Word, and to become one, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. That is what being born again is all about. If you are set for this new birth experience, please 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: The Force Of Freedom, Walking In Dominion, Possessing Your Possession, Towards Mental Exploits, Ruling Your World and Born To Win. I will continue this teaching next week

    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