The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Experiencing the wonders in the word!

    Welcome to August. The Wonders in God’s Word shall manifest in your life this month. You shall access them in Jesus’ Name!We understand from scriptures that God’s Word is loaded with wonders, but until our eyes are opened, we cannot access them. The encounters of the two disciples with Christ after His resurrection unveil this mystery. As it is written: “Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45; see also Psalm 119:18).

    Again, it is written, “Arise and shine, because your light has come.” The effect of that light is what empowers us to outshine those around us, so that kings begin to come to the brightness of our rising. This is because revelation has the power to change the story of any man supernaturally (Isaiah 60:1-3,8,22)

    Furthermore, the Bible says: For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant (Job 14:7-9;see also:Isaiah 55:1, 11; Ephesians 5:26).

    “Water” in the above scripture means the Word of God, as it is written:That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26). This helps to know that every encounter with God’s Word in a certain aspect of lives, springs up a new beginning in same.

    Also, we must recognise that God’s Word is pregnant with wonders and this is why all miracles, signs and wonders are direct confirmations of the Word. For instance, the Centurion who came to Jesus saying: “I am not worthy for You to come to my house, just speak the Word ONLY and my servant shall be healed.’ The Bible says that as the Word went forth, his servant was healed the selfsame hour. This validates the fact that God’s Word is truly pregnant with wonders (Matthew 8:8,10-13 Mark 16:20).

    Therefore, Let us examine some of the Wonders imbedded in God’s Word.

    The Word of God is the carrier of the Power of God: God’s Word carries the Spirit of Power; therefore, when we receive and believe the revealed Word, we are empowered to become what the Word says (Romans 1:16; John 1:12; Job 22:21-27).

    The Word of God opens new chapters to our Destiny: The Word opens our lives to new levels, as in the case of Joseph when his word came, a new chapter was opened to him. The Word has power to spark up a new beginning in our lives, no matter how uncertain or unthinkable it may appear (Psalm 105:17-22; Job 14:7-9).

    Supernatural Victory: When we are armed with what is written, we supernaturally gain command of the happenings around us. This is because the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, and no force in hell can withstand His authority. For instance, when Satan tempted Jesus, He fired back saying, “It is written” first, second and third time after which satan gave up. Supernatural victory is domiciled in the Word because God still upholds all things by the power of His Word till now(Ephesians 6:17; Mathew 4:1-14; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 21:44).

    Supernatural Breakthrough: This is provoked by applied revelation. When we encounter the light of the Word, and walk in the same, we supernaturally dominate the powers of darkness which culminates in our supernatural breakthrough. When we put on the armour of light, we become the envy of the world around us as His glory continues to distinguish us empowering us for a colourful flight, turning a little one among us to a thousand and a small one, a strong nation. It is interesting to know that everything we need is in the Bible; what we lack is the commitment to search them out (Isaiah 60:1-22; Matthew 21:24; Jeremiah 23:29; 1John 1:1-5,9).

    Signs & Wonders: From the mystery of creation, we understand that God’s Word truly creates solutions supernaturally. This is why signs and wonders is all about creating supernatural solutions to the bugging questions of life (Genesis 1:1-3; Mark 16:20; Acts 14:3).

    But, what does it takes to Access the Wonders in the Word?

    • First, one must be born again: “Wonders” here connote mysteries, and mysteries are God’s secrets imbedded in biblical stories. Everyone can understand the stories of scriptures but only the redeemed can access the mysteries thereof. The stories are made up of letters but the mysteries are made up of spirit and life (Mark 4:11; John 6: 63).
    • We must be filled with the Holy Ghost: The Holy Ghost is our access to the mysteries in the Word and we are limited in access without Him (John 16:12-13; John 14:26; 1Corinthians 2:10).

    We must engage in the study of the Word:We must get addicted to the study of the Word and make it our lifestyle by feeding on the Word daily in order to stay alive and well (2 Timothy 2:15; Jeremiah 15:16; Joshua 1:8).

    Friend, access to the wonders of God’s Word is unlimited for the redeemed. You can accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord by saying 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: Maximized Destiny, Making Maximum Impact, All You Need To Have All Your Needs Met and Miracle seed. I will conclude this teaching next week.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Philanthropist donates building to church

    Philanthropist donates building to church

    •Institutes foundation for widows, students 

    A businessman and philanthropist, Deacon Iyke Kalu, has donated a church building to ‘Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church’.

    The building included administrative block, ministers’ quarters as well as a church bus and generator.

    Kalu also established a centre (Toks Foundation), which gives scholarship to students and free enterprise to widows.

    Speaking at the dedication ceremony in Lagos, the philanthropist said the donation was to thank God for His goodness and mercies in his life and family.

    He said all he has achieved in his life was by the grace of God.

    According to him:  “First of all, there is no amount of resources you commit in building house of God that is enough. We all own the totality of our lives to Him.

    “And what I did was to make sure that whatever I put in place for the house of God was the best and better than my own home, because God deserves the best, he stated.

    He continued: “We have churches everywhere, but I have been affected by the gospel of this particular church. I received a miracle that turned my life and family life around here.”

    Kalu said he is in love with the ministry because it is a place where unadulterated word of God is being preached.

    He dismissed insinuations that he might leave Christ Royal Family Church, where he currently worships as untrue.

    He explained: “Christ Royal Family Church is my church, is where I belong, where I started as a Christian when I first came to Lagos. My vision is to invest and contribute to the kingdom of God without segregation.

    “As long as this is the house of God and they need certain assistance which I can provide. I will gladly and unrelentingly do it for any church.

    “I have helped so many churches in this country that I have never attended their service.”

    The General Overseer, Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church, Rev. Emmanuel Agwu, commended the businessman for his gesture.

  • Stop diversion of public funds, cleric urges politicians

    Stop diversion of public funds, cleric urges politicians

    Political leaders have been urged to eschew corruption and inordinate diversion of public funds which have stifled the nation’s development.

    The Pastor-in-charge of Province 9 the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Remi Oluboba, stated this at the July meeting of RCCG’s Christ Redeemers Friends International in Lagos.

    Oluboba, who lamented how bitter jostle for power in the country, said Nigeria would be a better place to live if politicians across put the people first and seek power for the purpose of solving national challenges.

    He called on politicians to play by the rule and eschew

    corruption if they ever wanted the nation to grow.

    While speaking on work life balance for executives, the provincial pastor said all men must live by godly principles to ensure they balance the pressure of work and life’s challenges.

    Expatiating on Ecclesiastes 3:1, Oluboba said though life is a bowl of conflicts and stress, the latter occurs when competing forces interfere with what man sets out to do.

    To avoid the stress that attends the conflicts of life and work, all executives must keep track of their time, set prioritize, and always re-evaluate them while always focuing on one thing at a time, he charged.

    “Besides all of these, you must respect your private time, constantly examine your personal habits to remove negative habits, take a holiday, when you take your family out on holiday and set time apart for physical exercises,” he advised.

    CRFI’s President Hon. Kayode Aremo said the association, which was an initiative of the RCCG General Overseer Enoch Adejare Adeboye is targeted at drawing the elites and captains of businesses to Christ.

    He said the group, which has continued to deliver on its mandate, would keep drawing businessmen and women closer to God, using referrals from members who are encouraged to preach Christ while networking with their colleagues and fellow business associates.

  • School dedicates chapel in Ondo

    School dedicates chapel in Ondo

    The proprietor of Greater Tomorrow International College (GTIC), Agbaluku in Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, Chief James Lawal and his wife, Mojisola, have dedicated a 1,000 seater church auditorium.

    Christened ‘Chapel of Praise’, the auditorium, which has offices was built in the school premises.

    It was declared opened by the Bishop of Akoko Diocese Rt. Revd Gabriel Akinbiyi.

    The cleric praised the couple for the edifice. He said building a place for God was always a right step in the right direction.

    Lawal said the chapel is meant for everybody and not just for the school.

    According to him: “I have been on this project since 2007 and I thank God He fulfilled His promises at last in seeing the project completed.”

    He said the chapel would enable students and staff worship God better.

    The chapel is besides a mosque for Muslim students to also worship.

    Mrs. Lawal explained the reason behind the two worship centres.

    According to her: “If you are a Christian, there is no need of going out of the school compound looking for where to worship.

    “If you are a Muslim, you too don’t need to go out looking for where to pray.

    “We have what it takes to succeed but one still need to put God first in everything. Morally, it would help the students to practice their religions and to be able to tolerate one another.”

     

  • ‘Why Church leaders need accountability system’

    ‘Why Church leaders need accountability system’

    The general overseer of Agape Christian Ministries Akure, Bishop Felix Adejumo, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on essential ingredients that church founders need to succeed. Excerpts:

     You have been organising convention for 26 years, when will you ever get tired?

    When will I get tired? You can’t get tired doing what God has anointed you to do. When you have the call of God upon your life, He infuses you with passion that keeps you going. You have energies as you grow. So, I cannot be tired for any reason.

    What will be different this time around?

    The theme is just like a dream, which is the language of an overcomer. That is the language of divine intervention and complete turnaround. So, I believe there will be a shift for those who attend. I foresee things will happen that will take people to the level they have never attained.

    You run an orphanage in Akure. What’s the vision behind it?

    It is like a home to the less privileged. We have about 30 children in the home now. We are just after meeting the needs of people who for one reason or the other lost their parents. We try to raise them as God’s children and reintegrate them to the society. We also give out some of them to foster parents to take care for us.

    It is a major focus of the ministry that we invest in heavily. By the grace of God, we have some in secondary schools right now. They are doing well and we hear good reports about them.

    People say you mentor several men of God secretly. How did you come about it?

    I just believe that in every generation, God raise prophets and fathers. I believe God raised me as a prophet and father. He has placed a huge responsibility on my shoulders to put the younger generation right.

    God prepared my heart for it. It wasn’t something I just stumbled on. He has processed me for the assignment because even when I was not yet saved, He made me go through some hard times that I believe were too much for my age. At the same time when I was serving under my pastor, I went through some training that sharpened my life.

    So, that emboldened and expanded my heart to be able to tolerate people; identify with their needs and challenges and stay with them until they overcome their challenges. I don’t allow the problems people have to scare me. I just believe that God packaged me with that grace to father even some of my mates and people that should be my fathers.

    It’s not something I can boast about because it’s all about God.

    Do you go about looking for who to mentor?

    I think for me it works naturally. People come around my life and it’s not by reason of application. I never applied to father anybody and neither did anybody applied to be a child. It just happens through relationship. I believe that once there is a relationship, there is a posturing. The posturing of a child is different from that of a friend. Everybody just falls into line when we meet.

    How do you handle some of your protégés that do things you are not proud of?

    You know when you have a child that misbehaves, he is still your child. You don’t disown children for misbehaving. I believe fatherhood is not only showing up when a child has done well. When you play the role of a father, you help the child stand again. I will rebuke him for whatever he has done wrong. I tell him to learn the lessons he needs to learn so that he does not fall again.

    If you are going to do that, you have to set a benchmark for yourself because people must be able to say ‘where did he pick his own from? Certainly not from his father, but his peers.’ Also, you can’t rebuke a child over some you are also guilty of. I confront people because it’s important to have confronters in your life.

    You need encouragers but also need people to confront you, rebuke you and correct you. If you don’t have such people in your life, your life is not safe. I don’t spare my children when they misbehave. I rebuke them because I don’t allow anybody to buy me over with money or anything.

    The reason many fathers cannot talk is because they have been bought over. They can bless me if they choose to but I will never ask for it. I don’t allow money to determine how far we can go in our relations. I don’t relate based on what you have or don’t have.

    How many of your children have ‘seed’ their way to your mentoring?

    I can tell you by His grace that there is none anywhere in the world. I don’t believe that I have to feed off my children. Fatherhood is not about what you can get but what you can give. I don’t believe in waiting for prophet’s offering all the time. There must be mutual benefits. If somebody drops money every time on your table, you must also ask what you contribute to that person’s life.

    But we don’t get to hear of some of your children that have been chastised…

    … I don’t do that so that we don’t damage people. You see it can be damaging if you expose the dirty linen of a child. People don’t have to know what I am doing before I feel good. I just want to do what I do without much noise.

    Have you ever had reasons to tell ministers to step down from the pulpit before?

    Yes, I have asked some people to withdraw in the past for sometimes. If a Christian is wounded, he should stop fighting and get treated so that they can bounce back.

    Elsewhere there would have been a statement explaining what happened. Why don’t you do that?

    In the US, you can do that but our society is different. The farthest you can go is to announce it among the workers in the church that the senior pastor has been asked to step down. If you do that when someone is just coming to a church, you have not helped that person. You have destroyed him. In my church, for instance, someone had issues with his wife. I asked him to withdraw from the pulpit until they reconciled. That was done. I enforced it.

    But do you have people who call you to order too?

    Yes, I do. I have people that I tell to watch out for me. They can confront me over anything. I am not a law to myself. Within the church, I am accountable to some three pastors under me. I told them right from the onset to feel free to call me to order if I do anything unbiblical. When they do, I don’t resent it or feel bad. I take things in my strides and move on.

    It’s better to have safety valves around you. They know me; they have been doing their works and they can vouch for me. You must have people you account to within and outside the church as a founder so that your life can be safe too.

    What’s your position on first born redemption?

    I think it is an Old Testament practice. I have never done it before because I don’t have a New Testament backbone for it. It involves sacrifices and money; I’m not saying those doing it are completely wrong because I don’t know whatever God might have told them. But I don’t teach or practise it.

    Do you believe church leaders should draw allowances or salaries?

    I believe each set man has an idea of what God wants him to operate. The bible approves of offering them material support as workers in the vineyard. But beyond that, I think every church leader should not solely depend on the church. He should have something aside that he draws incomes from. Every pastor must be bi-vocational. I do businesses that I believe corroborate what I do. I am involved in farming. I do crop farming where I have acres of lands that plant maize and other crops.

    I am also into poultry and rabbit farming, though that is at a small scale now. I sell fertilizers. I do all of these things because I know I will retire and need to have a source of livelihood. I want my children to also have something to inherit from me.

    I draw allowance from the church when it is available because we are involved in enormous projects. I just want to have something of my own that will augument whatever I get from ministering.

  • Exploring the Wonders of Kingdom Stewardship!

    Serving God is a big-time business! That is the reason Jesus defined Kingdom stewardship as the Father’s business. As it is written: He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?(Luke 2:49;Exodus 23:25-26).

    Therefore, Kingdom stewardship is the Father’s business and it is a platform established by God for profitable living.

    What, then, is Kingdom Stewardship?

    Kingdom stewardship is all about serving God and the interests of His Kingdom as a lifestyle. It is one of the great steps that lead us to a world of wonders. As it written: If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures (Job 36:11; see also Matthew 6:33).

    That means we are not permitted to live under pressures when we serve God. Furthermore, we understand from scriptures that Kingdom stewardship which includes soul-winning,emits and engenders wonder rewards.

    WHAT, THEN, ARE THEAMAZING WONDERS IN SOUL-WINNING?

    • The Flow of Divine Wisdom: In soul-winning, we are co-labourers with Christ and The Bible says: He that walks with the wise shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20; Mark 16:20).In other words, as we engage in soul-winning, we work and walk with God, and we cannot walk with the only wise God and not partake of His wisdom. As result, every soul winner flows in divine wisdom supernaturally (Daniel 12: 3).

    We are empowered to scale new heights: The Bible says: But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26-28).

    No one ever prays or fasts into greatness, we can only serve into greatness. It is the covenant platform for unlimited heights. Therefore, we scale new and strange heights as we serve God with meekness and humility.

    Command of Signs and Wonders (Mark 16:20): Every time He sends us, He backs us with the signs and wonders anointing.  As it is written: And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (Matthew 10:1).

    The more committed we are to soul-winning, the higher our level of command of signs and wonders. Moreover, the Bible says that the husbandman,wholabours is ordained to be the first partaker of the fruits (2 Timothy 2:6). Therefore, as we engage whole-heartedly in soul-winning, the value of our lives is enhanced.

    Access to Divine Favour: The Apostles were out reaping a bountiful harvest for God and they were having favour with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47). That means favour was flowing as souls were won into the Kingdom. Thus, when we engage in spiritual stewardship, we enjoy divine favour. As it written:Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory (Psalm 102:13-15).

    Divine Health: A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health (Proverbs 13:17). We are ambassadors of Christ, because we are reconciling the world back to God. Therefore, we are entitled to divine health (2 Corinthians 5:20). It is written: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:1-2).  Thus, as fruit-bearing Christians, Jesus becomes our personal Physician and His mission is to keep us supernaturally fit.

    Divine Protection: Every soul winneris empowered for protection (Luke 10:17-19).

    Supernatural Supplies: When we are on the go for Christ, we are not permitted to lack anything (Luke 22:35).

    Miracle Children: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127:3). When we engage in soul-winning, we become fruit-bearing branches. This is because everyone who bears fruits for the Kingdom, God releases fruits into their lives (John 15:2).

    Miracle Marriage: The Bible says: Marriage is honourable in all… (Hebrew 13:4). Marriage is ordained an honourable thing and it is one the entitlement of everyone who honours Jesus. Every soul winner honours God and as such, is entitled to honour in return, which includes miracle marriage (1 Samuel 2:30).

    Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, 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:Wisdom that Works, Walking in Wisdom, All you need to have all your needs met, Winning Wisdom and Excellency of Wisdom.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Adeboye opens prayer camp in hometown

    Adeboye opens prayer camp in hometown

    Nearly 30 years after he conceived the idea, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has finally opened a prayer mountain.

    The camp, which was opened at a relatively quiet ceremony, is located in Ifewara the hometown of the respected preacher, some 10 minutes away from the ancient city of Ife in Osun State.

    Elders and pastors from the RCCG family and dignitaries from Ifewara as well as workers and volunteers of the project attended the opening of the facility named Mount Carmel Prayer Mountain.

    Conceived as a prayer village, the facility boasts of a magnificent mix of sanctuaries, dormitories, chalets and numerous prayer huts flowing down the slope of a hill, overlooked by bigger residential blocks.

    There are also halls of various sizes, a restaurant, bookshop and supermarket.

    Welcoming guests at the opening ceremony, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye, who was in charge of the construction, revealed that although the plot of land had been bought years ago but was lying fallow until about seven years ago when her husband moved for its development.

    Tracing the origin of the project, she said: “We had been inspired to build a prayer mountain by what we saw in South Korea in 1985.

    “We went for a David Yonggi Cho prayer conference there, and one afternoon, they took the delegates to their prayer mountain, which we admired so much.

    “So since 1985, we had it in our minds that one day, there would be a prayer mountain of a similar status in Nigeria.”

    Also explaining the name of the prayer mountain, she said: “We named this Mount Carmel after the Mount Carmel where Prophet Elijah defeated the work of the devil. We also remembered the Mount of Transfiguration.”

    Corroborating his wife’s account, Adeboye said, “When we returned from South Korea in 1985, we decided by this grace of God that there would be a prayer mountain in Nigeria that people from all over the world would come to pray.

    “The way I had planned it, the place should have been built many years ago. But in the face of the enormous challenges, we resorted to building a place called “Halleluyah House” at Redemption camp.”

    He went on: “Yet the passion for the prayer mountain was still burning in my heart. I believed that by the time I was 60 years old, we would have built it but it was not possible.

    “When I was getting to 70 years old, I remembered that every year after 70 years of a man on earth is extra time.

    “To ensure that the dream would not die, and efforts that had been made would not be fruitless, I called my wife and gave her the responsibility to build this prayer mountain.”

     

  • 18 years of discovery for men

    18 years of discovery for men

    All it takes is one man taking his place and rising up to the demands of true personal and commonwealth leadership,” Pastor Taiwo Odukoya declared back then in April 1997.

    It was at the maiden edition of the discovery for men rally of the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos.

    18 years after, the rally has become a reference point for engagement of men into leadership positions across all sectors.

    The leading men seminar, which holds every quarter, has taken place in Enugu, Calabar, Eket, Uyo and Abeokuta.

    It challenges men to go forward and take new territories, overcome all obstacles, win the war – not just the battles – against greed, indolence, debauchery, drunkenness while serving God.

    Notable speakers who have featured include:  Deacon Gamaliel Onosode; Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, among others.

    On the first Sunday in July, thousands of men gathered again at the Ilupeju headquarters of the church to learn about courageous manhood.

    Dubbed Africa’s largest single gathering of men in one place, the rally afforded Odukoya the opportunity to tackle fears confronting men.

    Odukoya, who noted men are besieged by all manners of turbulence, said they must retain their courage at all costs.

    According to him: “When you lose courage, you have lost everything. Don’t lose it, no matter what. We are not made to bury our heads in the sand when troubles come.”

    Blessed by the interactive sessions anchored by these elderstatemen, some of the participants have since become partners, funding the ministry to do greater exploits.

  • Pay cut: Cleric tells others to emulate Buhari, Osinbajo

    Pay cut: Cleric tells others to emulate Buhari, Osinbajo

    The Mushin Area Superintendent of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Pastor Gabriel Adeniyi, has advised other elected leaders to emulate President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo by also slashing their salaries by fifty percent.
    He spoke at the 24th annual convention of the church with the theme “You are the temple of God”.
    Adeniyi said the pay cut will go a long way in demonstrating the change mantra of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and make more funds available for developmental projects.
    He also described the crises of the National Assembly as unfortunate, calling on the lawmakers to resolve their differences in the nation’s interest.
    The cleric said: “I implore you all to please resolve any rancour because if it keep going like this and neglecting your primary assignment, I fear for the end.”
    He frowned at the same-sex marriage approved by the Supreme Court of the United States of America (USA), condemning the development as a flagrant deviation from God’s word.
    According to him: “USA started with God but today they have deviated from the words of the Lord. What they did was totally against the will of God. It annoys God and God will never be happy with that attitude.”
    He called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to introduce similar orientation in the country, saying “I charge Nigerians not to support this evil act any day but to concentrate on serving God the way the bible laid the principles to disallow any calamity.”

  • ‘Why many people say I’m radical’

    ‘Why many people say I’m radical’

    Popular contemporary gospel act, Gbenga Adenuga, is a likeable and lively personality. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on his life, music, restless moves and values. Excerpts: 

    How did music find you?
    Well I will say that music has been a part of my live from growing up. I give big credits to my parents. We grew up having family devotions and singing was a core. We are a family of 5 boys and we used to go to the farm. My dad’s hubby was farming. Most times, it was a long walk from the car park to the farm so we used to sing on our way.
    Also we would all sing along as we worked on the farm. So a small family choir evolved. Moreso I always had a role to play every year at the Christmas concert in my primary school. I always would be one of the three wise men to sing”we three kings…”
    So singing was a strong part of my growing up. After secondary school, I became born-again and then the most active part of Christianity in my community was singing. Every Christian song, I sang! I grew up in the Obafemi Awolowo University. We all sang. From there I started my concerts series, “songs of Solomon” in the university and turned professional.
    Many gospel music lovers consider you radical and eccentric. Is that a right perception of your personality?
    The truth here is that I consider that a compliment. The issue is really that I do not do what people expect. I am used to always looking for better ways of doing things and most time it comes out to people as not normal.
    I really would not have apologies for that. Christianity is a way of life not a system! You do not expect all children of God to respond to issues the same way. We are not idiots. We have brains and the Holy Spirit. So when I choose to do things the way that seem right I am called radical.
    I can write a book on this issue so please let me stop here. One thing I will like to say to people is that we first need to have a personal relationship with Jesus; we need to engage Jesus personally.
    Let’s allow Him open our eyes to personal truths that will set us free and then let us all develop ourselves and our minds. Then, we will begin to see that we really cannot be “stooges” and our expression extends beyond human expectations.
    Why can’t you do gospel music full time?
    I believe in hard work. I believe that there is no labor without profit. Now I want money, so I must be creative and hard working. So I am busy. I love ministry yeah but ministry is very expensive to run. I hate being a pest. I believe I can run my ministry with a lot of dignity. I do not want to be a beggar.
    So, the best way to get on this right path is to get busy and work. The kind of money we need to do the work we have to do is not in the church. Also I see myself as a role model so I have to set the right mindset. I need the young ones looking up to me to be hard working and not looking for free gifts.
    It’s not going to get us anywhere. I definitely know that I cannot earn all I need but then “value responds to value”. More people will give to me because they already see value. So I must do other things that are legitimate.
    Beyond the fact that I need to get funds for my family and ministry, I really think at this time in my life I can make more impact if I do more than music. I can talk, I can inspire, I can render logistics solutions services and the list goes on…. Music is just a small part of me. I need to express myself. You know we are not here on this earth forever.
    Many believe your album Awimayehun remains the best. Which is the favorite for you?
    There you go again. Perception! You said many. That’s where you are seeing from. On You tube, my song that has the highest hits is “I see you in me” and 90 percent of the hits are from non- Nigerians outside Nigeria.
    The song has been used severally in schools in Brazil, Germany, USA and Canada by school children. I got letters from school children from around the world thanking me for the song. But you said Awimayehun. That’s your opinion my brother. I am sure you belong to the very conventional Church family in Nigeria.
    But mind you I deliberately chose not to have a favorite. Which father has a favorite child and declares it in the open? Even if he does he will not say it out.
    Has music been rewarding?
    I can boldly say YES! It’s my entry point in all I do and I still do so indirectly and directly YES. I am not sure I will be me today without music. So I am completely grateful.
    You are way different from your brother, Pastor Wale Adenuga. Why are you who you are?
    Why won’t I be different? His name is Wale while I am Gbenga. Even twins are different. Is it a crime to be different? You know I get that a lot. People say “why are you different from you brother?”
    And I am honestly worried at such remarks. God himself made us different. Can’t you see his height and mine? Our parents made us different by giving us different names. We are meant to be different. I think it should be more worrisome if we look alike and behave the same way!
    Now even the church made us different! He is Christened “PASTOR” and I am christened “RADICAL” Gbagaun! Yeah we grew up together but I believe that there are different expressions. And that is the beauty of life. I can tell you, my brother and I share similar dreams but we just have different personalities and that affects expression but not focus.
    If you have all the money in the world, how many albums can you come up with every year?
    If I had all the money? I am not likely going to record an album self. I will rather put it into live shows and TV production. My biggest desire is to create alternative shows on TV for the younger generation.
    Our TV is gone. Even the cartoon characters now have curves and are getting sensually involved. I am sure soon that will be gays! So we need to work on alternatives. We cannot keep talking and not be doing.
    Your concert, WWGA, is building momentum. What is the vision behind it?
    The vision behind #WWGA is huge. First, I want to create a platform that is not denominational, a platform for families to engage God.
    Secondly, a strong element of WWGA is the growing concern for children. We have a dream to have concerts for kids. Write songs for them and engage them periodically. Just them praising God! Things are changing. Music is changing. Even church music and we need to know. So we have to start to provide for the younger generation.
    Third, I really want to just express myself and enjoy my life! I have one and this is one way to do it for me. So why not?
    Not much is known about your family. Is that deliberate or an innocent omission?
    Family is private business. I keep it as that. But then I need to say here that I have the best family in the world; my opinion and I am entitled to it. I have got the best children and the most reasonable wife. They are never going to compete with God in me.
    On three, even four occasions, I have given my wife’s car out as a gift and she did not fight me! She is a wonder. She knows that I am still coming up. When I land, she will hear! Now that is enough about family. I am the musician not them. If you want to know more, visit us. We are always in Abuja for now. Next year, we might be living in Afghanistan.
    You were in South Africa for sometimes. What took you away for so long?
    Really South Africa was a getaway. I needed a break. I am a very restless person. I got really overwhelmed with life in Nigeria and the easiest getaway was South Africa. So I moved my family and we left.
    I thought I would be there for a longer period though. But it turned out to be just fifteen months. I kept coming back to Nigeria. I used to come to Abuja as many as three times a month. So, I realised I really should be here.
    I am not too proud to retrace my steps. I can make mistakes a million times. I will bow my head in repentance but never in shame, say sorry when I have to and move on. So I came back home and of course people were like “you this guy’ you are back again”. Yes, obviously I am!
    Some said, “why are you moving your kids around?” I smiled…In the last 6 years, I have moved around four cities of the world and to people I am not serious. That’s really up to them. What I have learnt and seen is my plus. I keep moving