The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Understanding the miracle power of praise!

     Today is Easter Sunday, a day when Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you celebrate, don’t forget that Christ is the reason for the season. I Wish You Happy And Glorious Easter!

    Recognize that though we pray according to God’s will and receive in faith, we must recognize that praise is the spiritual signature required to take delivery of our answered prayer parcels. When we pray, God answers; but when we praise, He steps in with all His power and might.This is why we can praise our way out of every valley into the high places of life. Therefore, it is not enough for us to believe, we must also engage in fervent praise to harvest answers to our fervent prayers (Psalms 47:5-7, 67:6; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Acts 16:25-30).

    Moreover, thanksgiving and praise constitute the spiritual live wire of our prayer life. This is because we secure access in prayers through praise and also take delivery of answers through same. That is what qualifies praise to be the covenant sickle of harvest for answered prayers (Psalm 100:4; Philippians 4:6; Joel 3:13).

    For instance, when Jesus got to the tomb of Lazarus, He turned on the key of praise to take delivery and said, “…Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” Thereafter, He called forth Lazarus and the Bible records, “And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:41-44).

    BUT, WHAT IS IN PRAISE?

    • Praise is a mountain-moving force: We must recognize that even though God has released certain blessings to us, they are being contested by the enemy (Deut. 2:24; 1 Cor. 16:9). For instance, when Daniel waited on the Lord in a fast for 21 days, the Bible records that the answer was dispatched on the first day; however, the prince of Persia withstood the delivery until help came from heaven (Daniel 10:12-13).

    Let us understand that there are resistances that we must contend with, before we can possess and take delivery of answers to our prayers. One of the ways through which we clear these resistances is through the medium of mountain-moving praise. This is not casual praise, but warfare praise.

    Let us examine some scriptural examples that qualify praise as a mountain-moving force.

    •When Judah was confronted by terrible enemies, they prayed and fasted. Then, God instructed them to appoint singers and they sang to the warfront. When they began to sing and praise God, God set ambushments against their enemies and they were all smitten (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).

    High praise is the medium through which we provoke help from above, to level out the barriers on our path. Furthermore, we understand from scriptures that when praise is perfected, our enemies are silenced. Thus, it is wisdom to engage the potent weapon of praise (Matthew 21:16).

    •When the wall of Jericho stood as a barrier against the children of Israel, the sickle of praise levelled that wall and they conquered (Joshua 6:20).

    •When the Israelites sang their way out of Egypt, God’s presence was in their midst and it cleared every barrier off their way. For instance, when they were confronted with the barrier of the Red Sea on their way to the Promised Land, it parted at their appearance. Even the mountains and the hills gave way to them.

    It is important to understand that God dwells in the praises of His people and we invoke divine presence through praise, which clears off every barrier on our path (Exodus 15:1-5; Psalm 114). However, we discovered from scriptures that God’s Word is a major facilitator of praise (Jer.15:16; See also Psalm 56:10).

    We must recognize that revelation of the Word stimulates joy and that joy springs forth praise. That is why people who walk in revelation are ever joyful, because praise focuses on the efficacy of what is written and not what is happening.

    Friend, engaging the power of praise is for those saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. You can be saved 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!” I will continue this teaching next week.

    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

  • ‘The church must support Buhari for change’

    ‘The church must support Buhari for change’

    Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam is the regional secretary of International Federation of Evangelical Students in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa (IFES-ESPA). He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on the ongoing electoral process and how the church can help effect change

    What is your general impression of the just-concluded presidential elections?

    I am very impressed by how Nigerians conducted themselves during the elections. They were calm, determined, sacrificial and committed to exercising their democratic right to vote and this they did peacefully. Initially, I could tell that Nigerians went to the poll more with apprehension than with excitement. The waiting period for counting, collation and announcing the final results were tense to say the least.

    The claims in terms of who got what number of votes, the accusations and the counter-claims by the politicians was beginning to create its own tension but Nigerians were determined to keep the peace and not resort to violence and vandalism as some politicians would have wished.

     This display of political maturity by the Nigerian electorate was unprecedented and worthy of commendation. The International Community took note. The presence of foreign observers helped immensely and it was they who told our story to the world.

    The just-concluded election also shows that the citizens have reclaimed their rights to determine who their leaders should be through the ballot box. They have also demonstrated that if elected officials fail to deliver the dividends of democracy and choose instead to loot the resources of the nation through their official positions of trust, they will be sent packing from henceforth.

    We had gotten to the point when elected officials were becoming tin-gods and their word is law and final. In democracy, the voter is the king. In any true democracy, the voice the people is supreme and their verdict final. From now on, the voice and vote of Nigerians will count!

    With a new government about to be formed, do you foresee changes in the nation?

    Nigerians voted for change and they will expect nothing short of real change from where we are today as a nation, moving forward. Fortunately, we have elected someone who is committed to bringing change and said as much in his first major speech after he took delivery of his return certificate from INEC.

    I hope with the outcome of this election and the yearning for change by Nigerians a changing narrative will emerge. This is the task before the in-coming administration of our president- elect. The Church in Nigeria has a prophetic responsibility to help the new president work to change the narrative of the Nigerian story.

    What does this imminent change mean to you? 

    Some of the changes I hope to see are in fixing corruption, unemployment, especially youth unemployment. The World Bank put the general figures at 22% with youth unemployment at about 38%. Poverty, insecurity and insurgency, the need for good governance that is accountable to the people, an educational sector presently at its lowest downward slide, sustaining the current economic growth rate of 7% which is now being threatened by falling oil prices, power outages, the role of moneybags in our democracy, stealing from the public purse reigns with impunity and many more.

    What would you consider the high and low moments of the poll?

    The highest point for me was when Nigerians trooped out en-mass in an orderly manner to vote. They wanted to be counted in defining the way forward for Nigeria through the ballot box. The citizens conducted themselves with such admirable civility to the relief of the nation and a waiting world. Please permit me to add this, the expectations of the people is very high and may God help Buhari and his team to deliver.

    The second high point was when President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat and called General Muhammadu Buhari. That was the topping of the icing of the cake, moving forward with the Nigeria of our future dreams.

    By this singular act and later Buhari extending his hand of fellowship and reconciliation to Jonathan, in one of his first public speeches, shows that both men from now on represent the future Nigeria many of us have prayed and yearned for. This is a great moment to savour and we pray it will last.

    There were a couple of low moments. During the waiting period as claims and accusations of who won or did not win raged while the counting was still on-going. The challenge some voters experienced with the card readers and how this could affect the outcome.

    Some voices beginning to sound as though the whole election exercise was rubbish – the usual road to nowhere, often associated with Nigeria. But I must confess deep down in my heart, that I had prayed much before, during and after the election and asked God that this election should not result in another June 12.

    Then the momentary attempt to disrupt the collation exercise appeared comical, laughable and a chilling reminder of the undesirable in our Nigerianess. Thankfully, it was nipped in the bud.

    Are you impressed by the gales of endorsement in the Christian community? 

    Personally, I am not impressed by the gales of endorsement in the Christian community. But please do not get me wrong, it is not harmful for the Church to have ideological political preferences. The Church is free to have a mind of her own when it comes to political leanings.

    However, the church isn’t the architectural structure, which is visible for all to see. They consist of individual members and most times, these members vote based on their political persuasion. To use the pulpit to converse for votes for a particular politician or a political party is wrong. Just as it is wrong for the Christian community to do this, so also it is wrong for the Muslim community to do same.

    How much roles should religion play in Nigerians choosing who govern them? 

    If I am to be truthfully honest, it should play no role at all.  May be this is an overreaction. And if this is the case, I am sorry but I am simply sick and tired of the negative influence of religion in our politics. Please let me make clear again, this is just not a matter of concern for the church; the Muslim community is doing exactly the same.

    The first point of liberation for any person is coming to terms with one self, the same principle applies to nations. We must come to terms with ourselves and collectively say no to the role of religion in our politics whether as Christians or Muslims.

    Governorship polls are just days away. Do you think Nigeria can conclude the process of smooth transition to another Republic?

    This indeed is our prayer. The stakes have been raised very high now and no politician should do any less or remind us of the past we so eagerly want to move away from. The highest office in Nigeria is the presidency and both leading contestants have showed a good example of the spirit of sportsmanship in politics.

    My appeal and advice is that governorship aspirants should show maturity and not make their contest a do- or- die affair. But without doubt, I believe that we will conclude this election on a victorious note. God has smiled on and will continue to smile on Nigeria. The people are wiser and are no push-over. So, the politicians should wise-up. I will say to them very clearly not to mess up with voters who are now a sophisticated lot.

    The renewed confidence of the can-do-spirit of the Nigerian is commendable. In the spirit of Easter, I wish to urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and collectively see this electoral process through to appositive conclusive end.

  • Adeboye, Bamiloye, others win award

    The general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has won the integrity and character personality of the year at the 2015 Applause Achievers awards in Lagos.

    The award organised in honour of the 73th birthday of Adeboye, was organised by Salvation Crusaders Media in collaboration with the RCCG Drama Ministry.

    Its president, Pastor David Atoloye, said Adeboye was chosen for the award to celebrate his commitment to integrity, humility and steadfastness.

    Adeboye and other awardees, he said, were examples of those working in God’s vineyard without thinking of personal and immediate rewards.

    The President of the Mount Zion Christian Drama Ministry, Evangelist Mike Bamiloye, won the ICON of Christian Drama award while Shola Agboola of Evom World Outreach’s Open secret won the movie of the year award.

    Other awardees include Lagos state governor, Raji Fashola, as best supportive governor of the year while Pastor Tony Rapu emerged as best mission supporting ministry.

    Ayotunde Ayeloye was chosen as best actress of the year while Hail my king featuring Frank Edwards, Eben and Kenny K’ore won the album of the year award.

    The national director of the RCCG Drama ministry, Pastor Segun Adegbiji, said the awards were in celebration of the tremendous impact that drama and music ministers make for the kingdom.

    He explained it was necessary to celebrate the pool of talented, skillful and impact- driven Christians in the church to avoid losing them to the world.

    According to him: “We want to encourage our Christian artistes to stay in the kingdom regardless of the various challenges that they may encounter.”

    Responding to the recognition, a former R&B- turned gospel singer, Obiora Obiwon, said that the award was welcome development to the singing and drama ministry in Nigeria.

  • C&S hails Buhari, INEC

    The Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria has congratulated Nigerians for the successful conduct of presidential and national assembly polls.

    The church also congratulated the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for emerging victorious at the poll, saying his election was well-deserved.

     The Supreme Head of the Church, His Most Eminence, Dr. Solomon Alao, in a statement, said Nigerians deserved commendation for participating in the exercise despite initial glitches.

     Alao also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega for the doggedness displayed in conducted transparent poll.

    The cleric said the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the Smart Card Readers by INEC made the votes of Nigerians to count.

    The statement said: “The Church also wishes to congratulate President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) for his victory at the polls.

    “It was really a victory well deserved as his election was the wish of majority of the voters who defied the heavy downpour in many part of the country to cast their ballots.”

    The church also praised the “exemplary sportsmanship displayed by the out-going president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) when he put a call through to his main challenger when it was obvious that he had lost the contest.”

    It said: “President Jonathan had, by that singular action, written his name in gold.

     “The church also commended President Jonathan for sticking to his promise to abide by the wishes of Nigerians whichever way the contest went.”

    The church told Buhari “he needs to move fast to heal the wounds of the immediate past and take the country to the next level,” adding “he remains the president of all Nigerians irrespective of their creek, tribe, ethnic background and religion.”

    It promised to continue praying for the president-elect and the nation “for God’s love, protection and guidance.”

  • Accessing the power of the world to come!

    Accessing the power of the world to come!

    The ‘powers of the world to come’ is real and has always manifested as enumerated severally in scriptures.

    The Bible says: And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come (Hebrews 6:5). For instance, the ‘powers of the world to come’ was in open manifestation as the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land for they daily experienced the reality of Heaven on Earth. The following accounts from scriptures validate this fact:

    • God fed them with two meals daily for 40 years: As He brought the Israelites into the realm of Heaven on Earth, three million people ate twice daily without planting or harvesting. They were fed directly from God’s kitchen in Heaven (Exodus 16:8; Luke 22:29-30). It means, we will be eating and drinking with Christ in heaven at His table. That is a picture of Heaven on Earth!
    • Supernatural supply of water from a moving rock for three million people for forty years (Numbers 20:8; 1 Corinthians 10:4).
    • They had no need for natural or scientific lights: From scriptures, we understand that in the ‘world to come’, there will be no need for candle nor the light of the sun, for the Lord Himself shall be the light of that city. This was the experience of the Israelites as God provided them with a pillar of cloud by day to protect them from the heat of the sun and also a pillar of fire by night (Revelation 22:5; Exodus 13:21).
    • They marched out of Egypt with financial fortune and lived in a state of no weakness, sickness or disease for forty years (Psalm 105:37).
    • God was changing their raiment. It is written:Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years (Deuteronomy 8:4).

    However, we understand from scriptures that the Israelites were launched into that realm because they were baptized into Moses. That is, they were connected to his prophetic ministry. As it is written: And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea (1 Corinthians 10:2). It is also written: And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved (Hosea 12:13).

    It is also important to understand that one of the ways we operate in the realm of Heaven on Earth is by our genuine connectivity to prophetic roots(Malachi 4:5-6).

    Even though I am called to be a prophet, I am a product of prophets. I am a duplicate of Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and also of Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Every prophetic word spoken to me and contacts with these prophets and fathers reflect in my life. The ultimate of those encounters is the reality of Heaven on Earth experiences that I and this Commission have been basking in for the past 34 years.

    It is important to understand that Prophets are spiritual fathers that carry spiritual inheritance for their children. Let us also understand that there is nothing we desire that people had not partaken of. Thus, God sends prophets our way to get us to where He has prepared for us (Hosea 12:13).

    HOW, THEN, DO WE TAP INTO PROPHETIC VIRTUE?

    • Receive the person of the prophet: We cannot be blessed by a prophet whose person we have not received(Matthew 10:41).
    • Believe in his ministry (2 Chronicles 20:20).
    • Honour him in our hearts (Mark 6:4-5).
    • Engage in a soul-tie with that prophet (2 Kings 2:9-12; Luke 4:25-27).
    • Engage in a fatherhood-tie: This is having a father-son tie with the prophet sent to us. Naturally, no one has an inheritance in a man that is not his father.

    Friend, tapping into prophetic virtues, is for those born again. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are not saved, you can do so  now, as you pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. 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–Walking In Dominion, Winning Invisible Battles and Born To Win.

    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

  • ‘Religious politics will leave us worse off’

    ‘Religious politics will leave us worse off’

    Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam is the regional secretary of International Federation of Evangelical Students in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa (IFES-ESPA).  He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on the dangers in religious politics and why Nigerians should avoid at all costs. Excerpts: 

    hat are your fears and concerns on the general elections?  

    Our political pilgrimage as a nation has been full of needless contradictions. Nigeria and indeed Nigerians deserve better. In fact Africa deserves better. Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world. Nigeria is now the biggest economy in Africa yet we never seem to get our acts together in a way that makes us serve as a model to other African countries. Yet many nations beyond Africa look up to Nigeria to inspire them.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo a few days ago warned of a military take-over. Why? Why? Why? Deep down in my heart, I pray that this will never happen. It will be a show of shame and it will tantamount to Nigeria again dancing in the hall of shame in the comity of nations which will elicit not only a global laugh but condemnation.

    Then there is the constant fear of violence clearly because of the campaign of hate as politicians transverse the length and breathe of the nation canvassing for votes.  In truth, there is no single politician now on parade is worth dying for in today’s Nigeria.

    How about the heavy involvement of religion in the politics?

    Religious politics will consume this nation and no same Nigerians should support it – whether Christian or Muslim. The Muslims have used this in the past and it did not work; even if it did it was only for a time. The Christians should never be tempted by it. It also won’t work.

    The political waters are murky but as time goes on and we continue to progress as a nation, these unhealthy political tendencies will gradually be resisted by patriotic Nigerians.

    Are you impressed by the gales of endorsement in the Christian community? 

    Personally, I am not impressed by the gales of endorsement in the Christian community. But please do not get me wrong, it is not harmful for the Church to have ideological political preferences. The Church is free to have a mind of her own when it comes to political leanings.

    However, the church isn’t the architectural structure, which is visible for all to see. They consist of individual members and most times, these members vote based on their political persuasion. To use the pulpit to converse for votes for a particular politician or a political party is wrong. Just as it is wrong for the Christian community to do this, so also it is wrong for the Muslim community to do same.

    It is high time that Christians and Muslims joined hands to work for the unity and survival of Nigeria than pursuing their parochial political interests using their respective religions to add more to the hardship of Nigeria as a nation. I do not support either endorsement from the Christian or Muslim community. The interest of Nigeria comes first.

    How much really can these endorsements influence elections?   For those who are gullible, endorsements can easily sway the fickle minded. But those who are more reflective and have the interest of the nation at heart are not easily swayed. No amount of endorsements of any candidate will make them change their voting decisions. We must educate our people in society, Church and Mosques to vote wisely and vote for those who will perform – govern in the fear of God. Not those that will use God for their selfish political aims by manipulating their members in Church and the mosques.

    Politicians in Nigeria and indeed anywhere in the world will attempt to use anything to their political advantage. Clerics should never allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians. It is a dangerous precedent.

    How much roles should religion play in Nigerians choosing who govern them? 

    If I am to be truthfully honest, it should play no role at all.  May be this is an overreaction. And if this is the case, I am sorry but I am simply sick and tired of the negative influence of religion in our politics. Please let me make clear again, this is just not a matter of concern for the church, the Muslim community is doing exactly the same.

    The first point of liberation for any person is coming to terms with one self, the same principle applies to nations. We must come to terms with ourselves and collectively say no to the role of religion in our politics whether as Christians or Muslims.

    Where do you imagine these activities will leave the church after the polls?

    You keep making this look like it is a concern only for the church. It is an issue for all religions. We must rise to say no to such manipulation of religion for political advancement. Muslims who have used this in the past and are still pursuing this more subtly, have not necessarily been better off for it.

    Similarly churches, who are late in the game and are just copying what the Muslims have long been doing will soon find out that it leads to nowhere but more bad governance. This will continue to keep Nigeria as an underachieving country.

    Let us stop manipulating religion for political ends. Religion especially in northern Nigeria has been used and it still being used by Muslims. Sadly, the region has suddenly become an attractive political commodity to Christians as well.

    That said, all well-meaning Nigerians have a right and duty to express deep concern over the misuse of religion for political end. For me, neither Christians nor Muslims should encourage this tendency. I think the young people may eventually break free from this old ways of politicking. Nigerians should stop tribalising and trivialising God.

  • Why I exposed CAN N7bn bribe, by Musa-Dikwa

    Why I exposed CAN N7bn bribe, by Musa-Dikwa

    Borno-born Pastor Kallamu Musa-Dikwa, who alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan has bribed the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to the tune of N7billion to campaign against the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed why he is fighting the apex Christian body.

    Musa-Dikwa said his anger with CAN had to do with “commercialisation of the Boko Haram insurgency” in the north east by its top leaders.

    He expressed disgust that while many Christians and Muslims were being killed in captured towns in the north east, some Christian leaders were sitting back in Abuja to “reap from the bloody episodes”.

    Speaking on phone with our correspondent last week, Musa-Dikwa said: “It is very disheartening that CAN leaders have politicised and commercialized the killings in the north east

    “They have assured the President that they can deliver Christian votes to him everywhere in the country. That was what made him make money available to them.

    “I am saddened that our leaders, who should be looking after us, are trading off with wasted lives and dripping blood. It is sad and I am very angry with CAN for this.”

    He disclosed that his aged parents have been trapped in the crossfire in Dikwa local government of Borno state, making him unable to see them in the last five years.

    Musa-Dikwa said: “I have not seen my parents for more than five years. I have not been able to go to my ancestral home.

    “My parents cannot come out and nobody can move there to pick them. In November 2013, Boko Haram fighters butchered four of my brothers.

    “If you have seen such level of destruction, you cannot be angry with what CAN is doing.”

    He maintained that leaders of the Christian body received the bribe and distributed it to chapters of the organisation across the nation.

    The bribery project, he alleged, was coordinated by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara, who he claimed has been making frantic efforts to meet him for ‘settlement’.

    He denied insinuations that he was being sponsored by the opposition, stating “I am not in any political party. I am a Christian and a man of God.

    “What I am doing is to expose the lies among the people of God and sensitise the nation to the plights of the northern people.”

  • Polls: Division among Christians worries publishers

    The Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN), an umbrella body of publishers of Christian news, has lamented the widening division among Christians over political differences.

    The development, it said, has set the church back in its evangelical mission and portrayed it in a negative light before the public.

    This was the major resolution after a stakeholders meeting by the organisation last week in Lagos.

    While admitting that Christians have shown an incredibly great interest in politics, the body said there were indices that the engagement has not been well-managed.

    In a nine-point communiqués signed by its coordinator, Gracious Akintayo and secretary, Jackson Ekwugum, CPAN lamented:  “Many Christians have been divided along party lines especially along the line of the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party and the main opposition party, All Peoples Congress.”

    It added:  “Pastors who are supposed to give direction to church people and counsel them on staying on the will of God and protecting the cause of the kingdom of God have themselves been entrenched in partisan politics.’’

    It observed the development had degenerated to the point that “some church leaders have thrown caution to the wind by engaging themselves in verbal wars and in some instances fisticuffs over who to support and who not to support.”

    CPAN said the “integrity of the church is being compromised while church leaders are being dragged in the mud as a result of fathom allegations which have not been substantiated with facts and figures.

    “There is an atmosphere of bewitchment of the church. There seems to be too much emotion in party support than reason. People are holding to their allegiance to parties as if there salvation lies in those parties.

    “The cause of the kingdom has suffered considerably owing to blind party followership and lack of recourse to the will and purpose of God for the nation.”

    It called on Christians to exercise restrain over political involvement and continue to uphold the nation in prayers.

    “God will only act in response to the prayers of the saints. We must pray and bring all matters concerning the elections and who becomes our next president into the hands of God.

    “We must realize that the purpose and plan of God cannot be thwarted by any human force.

    “We believe that if we pray, God will act. We believe that Nigeria is strategic in the plan of God for the end time.

    “We believe that we cannot afford to fritter away the opportunity before us to enthrone righteousness, justice and peace in the land,” the Christian publishers stressed.

  • ‘God has ordained Buhari to win’

    ‘God has ordained Buhari to win’

    Prophet Joseph Oladipupo is the founder and general overseer of Faith and Victory Church Akure, Ondo state. Capital. He spoke with Damisi Ojo on Saturday’s presidential election. Excerpts: 

    What are your predictions for concerning the forthcoming general elections?

    God loves Nigeria and God loves the people of Nigeria. He has revealed to me some of the things that will happen in this country in a few weeks time. God has revealed to me that the incumbent President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, will lose in the forthcoming election.

    There is no amount of prayer that can change this. It is the plan of God and it can never be changed. Jonathan will lose the poll. If he wins, then God doesn’t send me as His servant. I have confidence in God and I have always relied on him. He has never said a thing that will not come to pass.

    He told me while interceding for Nigeria that Jonathan is not the next President. General Muhammadu Buhari will win the election and he will rule this country democratically. Jonathan can’t change the position of God and his prayers cannot change the position of God on this issue.

    My prediction on this issue is yes and amen, and it cannot be changed by anybody. Nothing can change this I repeat. I predicted the postponement of the general election and it was so; nothing could change it. This time around, nothing can change my prediction again, not even the prayers of Jonathan or his people.

    Do you think President Jonathan will hand over to General Buhari even if he loses the election?

    I am saying it again that General Buhari is the next President of this great country. Buhari will win the election and he will be sworn in as the President. However, after his inauguration there will be a bit of crisis but that won’t stop the nation. The little crisis that will follow his inauguration will be curtailed and Buhari will lead this country.

    God revealed this to me in a long vision in 2014. He told me Jonathan will try as much as possible to win the election but he will lose at the end of the day. God said Buhari is the next president He has ordained for Nigeria and nothing will change it.

    Many PDP supporters may think you have an interest in General Buhari or the APC with these predictions…

    … I am not a politician and I don’t work for any party. I am not a politician by any way. I am a prophet of the Almighty God. I am not into any business in life. I only work as a minister of the Almighty God. So, I am not interested in any candidate or any political party. I am doing what God asks me to do and I am saying what He told me to say to the people.

    Okay, maybe you are supporting Buhari then

    I am not by anyway supporting Buhari and I cannot support any  politician for any reason. Please let it be known that I am not a member of any political party. I don’t belong to the PDP, APC, APGA or Labour Party. Let me stress that I have never made any failed prophesy or prediction since I became a servant of God. All my prophecies and predictions have always been fulfilled and this will not be an exception as God lives.

    Can you recall some of your predictions, which came to pass?

    There are so many of them. I have made several predictions, which were fulfilled and I will state some of them. By the grace of God, I predicted the victory of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Edo, I predicted the victory of Ondo state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and that of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti.

    All these predictions came to pass. I have published documents in my record to prove all these predictions. You can also find out. I was the first person to predict the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state. There are text messages on my phone to prove these. I have been making predictions for the past 10 years and God has been faithful to me and His words.

    What happens if these prophecies are not fulfilled?

    God is the only person who can make any prediction to come to pass. He showed me the vision and the fulfillment of the vision is in His hands and not in the hands of any of His creatures. If God doesn’t want any prediction or prophesy to come to pass, He will change such prophesy and this can be done through prayers and His mercies.

    But on the forthcoming general elections, God has said it and my predictions will be yes and amen. Nothing can change the victory of Buhari this time around.

    What other predictions do you have?

    God has revealed to me that Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose will be impeached before the end of December. God has also revealed to me that the governorship candidate of the APC in Lagos state, Akinwumi Ambode, will win.

    Also, God has told me that Ondo state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko may also be impeached from office but prayers can help out in his case.

    Fayose will be sent packing from the government house before the end of December, 2015. I predicted that he would win the governorship election in that state. But this time around, God has said it that Fayose will be impeached from office and there is nothing he can do to prevent the fulfillment of that prediction.

    I said it sometimes ago that Fayose would win the governorship election but his administration will not last and that is what God is affirming in this new prophesy.

    What is your take on the allegation that some Christian leaders were bribed by President Goodluck Jonathan to support his ambition?

    I am a Christian and I believe in God and our leaders. The allegation of bribery leveled against our leaders is not clear to me yet. Those who made the allegation should explain better. However, as a Christian I am not in position to condemn or nail my leaders. The allegation should be seen as nothing but a mere allegation.

     If you are privileged to see President Jonathan, what advice

    Would you offer him?

    I will advise President Goodluck Jonathan to allow true men of God seek the face of God on behalf of this country. I will advise him to allow the people of God to pray for the sustenance of this country.

    Also, I will tell President Jonathan to prepare his hand over notes because he will not be returned as President. I will also tell him to start preparing to leave for the next President who God has ordained for this country to take over from him. I am a man of

    God and I don’t think it will be difficult for me to say the truth at anytime. I have put it on the social media that Jonathan will lose and I don’t predict doom. Let’s wait and see. It is not a prediction of wait and see but a factual prediction.

    What will happen if another prophet predicts that Jonathan will win and he goes on to win?

    Jonathan cannot win. Write it down, he will lose the election. Nothing will happen if another prophet predicts that Jonathan will win but the end will justify the means. The election will hold and INEC will announce Buhari as the winner of the election and nothing will happen.

  • Uche warns against violence, bloodletting

    Politicians that plan to create crisis and shed blood should have a rethink, Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Samuel Uche, has said.    He spoke last Wednesday during a special interdenominational prayer for peace and safety at the Hoarse Memorial Cathedral in Lagos.

    Warning Nigerians, especially politicians against acts capable of truncating peace, Uche said those who have perfected plans to foment troubles will meet their waterloo.  According to him: “We should all embrace peace because we can only contest elections when there is still Nigeria.  “If we allow Nigeria to go up in flames, we are all done for. So, we must keep the peace and maintain violence-free atmosphere.”

    He stated that those unrepentant about bloodletting will face the wrath of God, who will not watch and see the nation go up in flames.  “We pray everyone keeps the peace but if they insist they won’t, may the God of Old Testament deal with them because this is His nation,” Uche added.

    He said Christians have been mobilising and praying for peace, urging all Nigerians to follow suit.