The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Christian accountants offer scholarships to seven

    Christian accountants offer scholarships to seven

    Chartered Christian accountants under the aegis of Professional Accountants Christian Ministry (PACM) have awarded scholarship to seven students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Yabatech.

    The awards marked the formal transition of the body from Professional Accountants Christian Fellowship (PACF).

    The body also launched a new logo in line with its new status.

    The beneficiaries are accounting students who came top in the group’s qualifying test.

    According to a statement from the group, the scholarship covers the ICAN lectures, examination fees and feeding stipend for the winners.

    The body added: “The scholarship subsists until they qualify and it will be an annual award to deserving members.”

  • RCCG holds special prayers for leaders

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) will conduct special prayers for leaders and aspiring leaders in public and private sectors.

    A statement by the Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Administration & Personnel) & Pastor-in-Charge, Lagos Province 1, Pastor Johnson F. Odesola, said Pastor Enoch Adeboye will lead the session.

    The theme of the summit, which holds at the National Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Throne of Grace Parish, No. 1-9, Redemption Way, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, is not by might.

  • Understanding the demand of sacrifice for success!

    Sacrifice is a universal demand for the making of stars and it is impossible to emerge a star in life without embracing the law of sacrifice. No wonder Martin Luther King Jnr. said, “Every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice.” We must also understand that there is no star without a scar and the scar of every star is sacrifice (John 12:24-26; Luke 12:49-50; Philippians 1:21).

    WHAT IS SACRIFICE?

    It is the act of giving up a thing for something we believe is worth more: When this is done, the reward of sacrifice attends to us.

    It is surrendering something of value as a means of gaining something more desirable: For instance, King Solomon offered hundreds of oxenas sacrifice to God and in return, God gave him wisdom and he became wiser than all the men in his days (1 Kings 3:4-5; 2 Samuel 24:24-25).

    Sacrifice is also denying ourselves of certain comfort and pleasure, for the success of an assignment or a goal (Matthew 16:24).

    Furthermore, it is going beyond one’s best to achieve a given task: We must understand that doing our best in the pursuit of a particular goal is diligence; but going beyond our best is sacrifice (2Corinthians 6:3-10).

    What are the fundamentals of sacrifice?

    Sacrifice is a choice: We must recognize that sacrifice is not a gift, but a choice. It is the choice of the wise(Deuteronomy 30:19).

    Sacrifice commands rewards and benefits: The benefits of sacrifice always outweigh its cost. That’s why whenever it’s time to sacrifice, we must ignore the present and look to the future (Hebrews 12:1-2).

    Sacrifice requires putting our body under subjection(1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:31; Galatians 2:20).

    However, we must understand that not all sacrifices are acceptable. Remember, God rejected the sacrifice of Cain but accepted that of Abel (Hebrews 11:4).

    For our sacrifices to be acceptable unto God, the following must be in place:

    It must be love-motivated: Jesus said: Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father (John 10:17-18). (John 3:16; See also Genesis 42:18).

    It must be given heartily: Whatever sacrifice we are offering to God, must be from our heart with sincerity and zeal (Malachi 1:6-8, 12-13, 2:9).

    It must be done willingly(Exodus 35:5).

    It must cost us something(2 Samuel 24:24).

    It must be done in faith: From scriptures, we understand that whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

    WHAT ARE THE AREAS OF SACRIFICE?

    Giving our lives: The Bible clearly admonishes us to give our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). It is important to note that our lives must first be surrendered unto God as a sacrifice; otherwise, every other sacrifice holds no value (Galatians 2:20; see also Philippians 3:8).

    Our timeThe best way to redeem the time is through Kingdom service which is a major area of sacrifice for the promotion of the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 5: 15-17; Psalms 90:12).

    Our resources: These include: our intellect, material resources and whatever God has blessed us with.

    WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REWARDS OF ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICES?

    Dramatic turnaround: As it is written: When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream (Psalm 126:1). Nothing commands a dramatic turnaround like sacrifice. Remember, Abraham became a trans-generational blessing through his sacrifice.

    Joy unspeakable: It is written: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). As weengage every area of sacrifice in service of the Kingdom of God, He will definitely reward us.

    Friend, these heavenly rewards are only available to the redeemed. You must be born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, before you can receives them. You can do so right now 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. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Wonders Of Praise and Understanding The Power Of Praise.

    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

  • ‘I have no doubt Buhari will deliver’

    ‘I have no doubt Buhari will deliver’

    The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West region, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, played very prominent roles during the electioneering campaigns that ushered in the new administration. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on how the new government can deliver good governance.

    A few hours ago, we had a new president. What do you make of the new political order?

    I feel it is the hands of God rewriting the history of Nigeria. I believe He has decided to listen to the intercession of Nigerians for peaceful election and transition. Our desire for change has been granted and we have to thank God for that a lot.

    The inauguration means Nigeria has an opportunity for a fresh start. What we need now is to continue supporting this new administration with prayers. I believe with the leaders we have, especially at the federal level, our desires for good governance and democratic dividends will come to pass at last.

    But it is believed with the economy in shambles and security at the lowest ebb, the new government is coming on board at the toughest moment of the nation. Do you see the new administration turning the fortunes of the nation around?

    I am happy with that question because it is said that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I believe we have men like President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the helms of affair for such a time like this. I believe they have what it takes to take the nation to the next level.

    With all due respect, we have not been having the requisite, experienced leaders in this country. This is why we have remained in the woods. I am saying this very cautiously, especially with the last regime. People went there with one purpose in mind: to serve themselves and their families.

    That was why corruption rose to the zenith with them. There are three qualities that leaders must possess to move any nation ahead. They include knowledge, skills and wisdom.

    I don’t want to be critical but you can see the last administration was lacking on all of these fronts. I believe former President Goodluck Jonathan was ordained by God to fight corruption. But when he refused to do that, instead allowing the notorious atmosphere of corruption to persist, God had to find another man for the job.

    I believe President Buhari will deliver. He is experienced and equipped for the tasks ahead. He’s disciplined and is a known corruption fighter. With his antecedents, you are sure he will deliver. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has the technical know-how of good governance. Their combination, as far as I am concerned, will take us to the Promised Land.

    With them over there and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu offering them technical support, you will find out there would be new ideas that will shock all of us. I think Tinubu should be head of government, not necessarily in an official capacity but on the sidelines for his experiences in governance. Even his detractors and critics acknowledge that he is a man of ideas. Through his ideas, he made Lagos State the benchmark of good governance.

    He stood with the opposition, nurtured it and made sure the party became the focal point. He’s unlike many other politicians who have been defecting to the new ruling party. I think we will benefit a great deal from his wealth of experience.

    You endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode during the campaign and also supported President Buhari. People have accused you of being a sympathiser of the All Progressives Congress (APC). How do you react to that?  

    I have a divine assignment to serve as Servant of the Most High God. My assignment is very precarious, which set me many times to take unpopular positions. When we said publicly that we should not allow the position of Lagos governor to be taken by another Muslim, we were heavily criticised.

    We commended the Muslims that have occupied the post but said a Christian should emerge this time to give us a sense of belonging. It was very unpopular then. Many so-called Christian leaders came and said I was bringing religion into politics. But I am happy the party’s leadership realised we didn’t mean any harm but were concerned by the imbalance.

    They listened and chose a Christian, who is now the governor. That was an unpopular position I took then that set me against many people. But I was reacting based on God’s leadership.

    I am referring to this instance so that you can understand the basis of some of my unpopular stances. To answer your question directly, I’d say that I have a commission to support the masses and the welfare of God’s people. I had a revelation where God said ‘feed my people’ just like he told Peter.

    I am all for welfarism. I am a welfarist. With my background as a socialist, I am bound to stand with the people. I have considered all the parties in the country and feel the APC comes closest to what welfare orientation. I am not a card-carrying member but I can’t say I don’t have sympathies for the party.

    Meaning you always support the party?

    If you have followed me closely, you will realise I support government where necessary. But I don’t fail to call them to order and attention when I notice things are amiss. If the party goes against welfarism, I will be the first to speak out. But if it is all for welfarism, I stand with them. I am neither for nor against but to be a voice in the governance of God’s people. I stand with the people of God all the times.

    If you were standing before the President, what will be your advice to him?

     I will tell him that God has bought him back to the position for a purpose. He has tried three times before he made it this time. He should know that he is not there on his own and by his power. God does not want any man to share his glory with anyone. I am sure he’s wondering if he is dreaming himself being on the seat now.

    Now that he’s there, he should realise he has a purpose to be the president of the largest country in Africa and the nation with most black people on earth. He should redirect the movement of the country. The first thing he should do is to bring corruption to a halt.

    He should start an agency to prevent corruption. This agency should prevent corruption before it happens. The EFCC and ICPC are to prosecute after commission of offences. As a matter of fact, I believe both agencies should be merged to become more efficient and effective.

    All our agencies should be made to report their activities not more than 100 days publicly. Many of them have been forgotten because they do not do anything. We should be able to look closely at their activities and balance sheets; if they go for over a year without reports, we all lose track of what they do. It is within the confines of that secrecy that corruption thrives. If they report to the public, there would be accountability and openness in government.

    Which would you consider the three most important priority areas for him? 

    For me, I would say health should be a major area. Health is wealth. Nigerians are dying daily at alarming rate. Our medical practitioners are perpetually on strike. The healthcare system has been under captivity. I believe President Buhari should create more space for alternative healthcare system. We need alternative medicines and treatment so that Nigerians can access better health.

    We need complimentary alternative and herbal medicine to fill the gap. Western medicine and drug therapy have been the only things in this country. Herbal medicine should have their separate council to regulate training and practices of practitioners. The training institutions we had before in Abuja and Lagos have been closed. If government recognises that branch of medicine, we would have a healthier nation.

    We also have to consider traditional medicine. There was a way we were treating ourselves before the colonialists came. They even acknowledged we were studious and strong people, which was why they forced us to provide manpower for their industries through slave trade.

    Then, education is also critical to any nation. The government has to realise that an educated soul is better a rich nation. Our institutions should be funded and teachers trained and trained until we have a literate nation. Moral instructions have to be reintroduced because we have lost our moral compass as a nation. Nigerians prefer materialism to honesty and it is all because of our moral decadence. There should be more funding for primary and tertiary education with provision of teaching aids.

    Lastly, I believe welfare is another area government has to look into. There must be incentives that will keep people busy and corruption unattractive. Part of welfare is to provide mass transportation that will make movement of people and good very fast, cheap and convenient. If the government focuses on this, I have no doubt that it will make a success of this new mandate.

  • ‘Family critical to checking societal problems’

    General Authority of the Africa West Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints, Elder Edward Dube, has identified family as key to checking malaise in society today.

    Speaking with reporters after the Conference of the Church with the theme hastening the work of salvation in Calabar, Dube said if leaders in the country would teach the importance of families, other problems would be taken care of.

    He explained: “If we have harmony in the home and families, if the national leaders would teach the importance of families, other problems would be taken care of because those individuals come from the homes.

    “So if we teach well in our families and we chose the right things in the homes, then we would find peace, joy and success because we have strong homes.”

    He advised couples to embrace effective communication for family harmony.

    According to him:”Communication between husband and wife is very important. Yes, there would be differences in the home. If they arise, they need to be resolved.

    “Never go to bed with an unresolved issue. So that communication is very important. If there are any differences, the best way to deal with that is outside the children. They need to deal with it in private.”

    The President of the Calabar-Nigeria Stake of the Church, Dr Victor Bassey, said there was no home without challenges.

    He advised that whatever challenge there was should be contained and sorted out at the family level.

  • James to Buhari: lead by examples

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to exhibit exemplary leadership that would move the country out of her economic doldrums.

    The general overseer of Glory Christian Ministries, Lagos, Pastor Iruofagha James, gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent last week at the church’s headquarters.

    Buhari, he said, has the opportunity to right the wrongs of the years of bad governance in the nation.

    He asked him to justify his relentless desire to govern the nation since 2003.

    James said:  “As one of the very few people ever given the opportunity to lead this great country twice in one lifetime, I pray history will record him as the only one who did things right and saved Nigeria from another disappointment.”

    Nigerians, according to him, are aware of the enormous challenges awaiting the new administration, especially with months of unpaid salaries, unbridled corruption and thoughtless loans by government officials to support their extravagant lifestyle.

    The cleric said Nigerians will be patient with the new administration because they are ever ready to follow any leader who can provide their basic needs, not minding his tribe or religion.

    If Buhari stays true to his electoral promises, James said he would win over even the 12 million Nigerians who did not vote for him.

    James lamented that the greatest treasure of Nigeria is not the vast oil fields of the Niger Delta or the untapped deposits of uranium, bitumen, gold, copper, etc scattered across the country, but the vastness of her best brains scattered across the globe – in every field of human endeavor.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari must do what is right to break the jinx whereby the best of us has for too long been ruled by the worst amongst us,” he stressed.

    He charged Christians to continue praying and believing again in Nigeria because God the Most High who rules in the affairs of men has the last say over Nigeria.

  • Discovery for women holds

    The second rally of the quarterly Discovery for Women summit holds next Sunday from 2pm at the new ultra modern auditorium of the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos.

    The theme is courageous.

    The convener, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, said: “History attests to the formidable role women have played in public and private leadership across the world.

    “Today, there are growing opportunities for women to maximize their potential, just as there are challenges that seek to confine them.

    “Courage has therefore become a prerequisite for success and greatness.”

    Odukoya will be ministering at the summit which will also feature gospel act, Franks Edwards.

  • ‘Pastors divided by religious politics should reconcile’

    ‘Pastors divided by religious politics should reconcile’

    The general overseer of Jesus Liberation Squad, New Oko Oba, Lagos, Apostle Dele Johnson, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on dream interpretation and why embittered church leaders should close ranks. Excerpts:

    It’s been years since you one heard from you. Have you been hiding or something?

    My brother, I have been busy with the church’s building. I am someone who believes in concentration and attention. I am also a meticulous worker. So, I had to shut down many things to get the building up to 99 percent stage of completion.

    So, what has happened to the dream ministry?

    I can assure you that it’s ongoing. The dream ministry is still on. God has given us more platforms and connections to make more impacts. It’s still about dreams, deliverance, empowerment and total liberation of human beings for us. You realise that a lot of people are under bondage through their dreams and we try to help unravel the mysteries behind their dreams.

    You bear the title apostle. But many say you hardly go out. So, what qualifies you for the title?

    Let me say that it is not true that I don’t go out. I always have at least five crusades scheduled every year all over Nigeria. I was in Ekpoma, Ikare, Nnewi, Owerri, Ibadan and Ife.

    So, if you do only five crusades in a year, does that qualify you to be an apostle?

    You see an apostle is custodian of God’s laws. He or she is someone with a pioneering spirit. It is not really a title but an assignment. We pioneered the dream ministry despite oppositions but we persevered. God has helped us to bring it to the limelight and we are at a stage where we want to pass on the gift to others for general goodness. Every gift of God is communicable.

    Your critics say you make too much fuss about dreams. What’s the big deal about dreams anyway?

    You see dream is a major vehicle through which God communicates to us. Will it not be unwise not to take that medium serious? God speaks in audible voice, still voice, through his words and revelations. If God speaks to us through dreams, we have to take them seriously.

    But knowing who Africans are, won’t the emphasis on dreams lead to demonic awareness? 

    I agree that many tend to pay attention more to demonic dreams but that is a phase. You start from neglecting your dreams and the enemies capitalise on that. But when the awareness comes, you take charge of the demonic dreams and you overgrow them. All that God wants is to be in charge and make sure the enemies do not cheat you again through dreams.

    Once that happens, you move to prophetic dreams where God can show you revelations and instructions that will lead to great profit on earth.

    People also say that in the New Testament, there are only two or three instances of dreams. Are dreams still part of the New Testament era?

    Really? But the whole book of Revelations is about revelations and dreams. When Jesus was going to be born, it was announced through dreams. When his paternity was in doubt, a dream settled it. When they wanted to kill Jesus, it took a dream to show the conspiracy and escape plan. After his intending killers died, a dream instructed them to go back.

    There are so many dreams in the bible. As a matter of fact, there are over 500 dreams in the bible. You see they are there; it is only what you look for that you will find in the bible. The bible is like a supermarket. You have to go to the sections where the items you want are to locate them.

    How did you come about this dream ministry anyway?

    It was in 2005. The Lord told me to separate myself in fasting and prayers for seven days. So, I went to Camp David in Ijoko, Ota for the exercise. Then, while praying, I saw an old man laying hands on him. He said, “receive the grace to unravel dreams, mysteries, enigmas and revelations.” And that was it. From that moment, if you tell me a dream, I will be able to interpret it.

    Are you then thinking of a school of dream interpretation or something?

    By the grace of God, if we feel His leading, we should start a conference on dream interpretation before the end of this year. From there, we’d be able to see where we can take it to. We’d do the teaching, deliverance and impartation sessions.

    If you have the gift of revelation, did God allow you to see the change that the country is about to witness?

    Let me confess to you that I had a struggle when it came. I was rooting for the outgoing president but I had to surrender to God. We prayed for the will of God and since Buhari won, we have to submit to it. I believe the situation is a win-win for us. I tell pastors who have been fighting over the division to close ranks. Politicians have settled but we keep fighting ourselves. The politicians have divided us but they are making up.

    Maybe some of them are still angry that the alleged Islamisation agenda would come to pass

    If you are bothered, you pray. Prayer is our greatest weapon. When we pray, the devil is defeated. So, this is not the time to fight one another over politics. Many pastors are still embittered. They don’t call themselves, all because of politics. Many who had been friends for years have been set apart. It is sad but we have to close ranks and forget all these walls of division. The politicians broke our ranks and we have to settle our differences and move on.

    Do you see the incoming administration performing?

    I believe Buhari is a man that can deliver and salvage the nation. He is not a man that can easily bend. He is incorruptible. He wants posterity to also judge him well at over 70. From the feelers one get, he wants to work.

    But we have to pray. The best of intentions are never enough. The church has to support him. That is why I want to beg my pastors-friends to make up. I was also on the other side. Jonathan meant well but I believe he came at a time our patience was exhausted. I want the pastors to close ranks so that we can pray to save this nation.

    We need unity as a church. The politicians are using us. But we need to be the ones setting the agendas for them. We have to come together to become relevant and take our place in the scheme of things.

  • Three hours with Gbenga Adenuga

    Three hours with Gbenga Adenuga

    A huge round of applause from ecstatic crowd at the jam-packed hall in Muson Centre, Lagos ushered in gospel act, Gbenga Adenuga, to the podium last Sunday. Time was 5pm. Event was the third edition of the fast-rising Worship With Gbenga Adenuga (WWGA) concert.

    Many had arrived several minutes before eager for front rows. They wanted to get as close as possible to the centre from where Adenuga was billed to lead them into the worship of God. A visibly elated Adenuga welcomed his guests to the “throne of Grace and pure worship.”

    The moment he launched into highly enhancting worship songs, many could not bear to remain on their seats. There were either on their knees or standing. The awesome presence of God was too much to ignore or resist. They simply latched on to the euphoric moment, completely lost in His presence.

    Adenuga, who has led worship sessions for over two decades, was soaked himself. And he effortlessly passed the overwhelming effect to the receptive audience. He sang of God’s greatness. He sang of His faithfulness. He sang of how He bought from the miry clay to the place of significance.

    For over one hour, Adenuga took the audience into soulful, awesome time with God. Many could literally feel the palpable presence of God. When he paused for a break, the audience couldn’t but ask for more. But it would be a long night. There would still be time for them to worship God. There was no need to hurry. God would always be there, ever ready to receive the praise of His people.

    The Awimayehun coroner had something enthralling off his sleeve. In the hall was glamorous soul singer, Sola Allyson. He announced she would take a few minutes to “take us on a stroll of heaven”. The crowd roared and clapped. The night was already impactful. To have Allyson lead them to God’s presence would be simply irresistible.

    Allyson, ever humble and inspiring, mounted the podium with a surge of calming influence. She took the crowd in an unforgettable moment of worship for over thirty minutes. She praised God in her peculiar voice. Her fulsome Yoruba praises left the audience stunned. Many couldn’t bottle their emotive joy. They let it out with a stream of gratefulness.

    Adenuga soon returned to finish off what he started. There were hymns of God’s awesomeness and incomparability. There were compositions of His wondrous acts. And of course, there were traditional renditions that left many on the dancing floor. The concert ended with many asking for more. But it’s been three hours. Yet, time means nothing when men are in God’s presence.

    Speaking with reporters after the concert, Adenuga said he would continue to organise the event free of charge to thank God. “I don’t see a big deal in doing big things for God. This is just my passion and life. I love God with a passion and this is how I can express it best. I believe if I don’t spend my time and resources this way, what if I am sick and need a liver? Where will I get the money for treatment? If I don’t have such challenge, why can’t I do something great for God?”

  • Bishop charges govt on job creation

    The Bishop of Ogbomoso Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Titus Babatunde, has appealed to the incoming administration to make job creation a top priority.

    This, he said, will address youth restiveness and other crimes associated with unemployment.

    Olayinka stated these while delivering his opening address to delegates at the third synod of the church in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

    The theme of the synod was “the cost of Christian commitment.”

    He described Nigeria as a great nation stalled by blood politics, corruption and bad governance.

    He expressed optimism that the incoming administration will address these anomalies and deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

    Olayinka congratulated the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Abiola Ajimobi, while urging them to deliver on their campaign promises.

    On the theme, he said being a Christian calls for being a disciple of Christ.

    This, he said, may cost them changing their relationships, lifestyles and possessions.

    On the consequences of not counting the cost, he said many churches are so reluctant to present the demands of Christ to new converts and would- be disciples because “we fear that it will put them off Christianity.”

    In his goodwill message, The Most Rev. Dr Joseph Akinfenwa, commended Olayinka, for being a spiritual strategist, a bridge builder and concrete mixer, who mastered the art of using men and materials to achieve God’s ultimate purposes and glory within a very short time.