The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Encounter With The Power Of The World To Come! (2)

    Last week, I saidthe ‘power of the world to come’ is, among others, the conferment of supernatural dominion over all life circumstances upon the saints. That is, having it as desired, in spite of the enemy (Psalm 110:1-3; Daniel 4:26). Also, I showed you a few characteristics of the power of the world to come.

    This week, I will show you other characteristics of thepower of the world to come. May God give you understanding!

    Characteristics of the world to come:

    • There is no place for satan in the ‘world to come’: The Bible says:

    And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…  And prevailed not…And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (Revelation 12:7-9).

    The ‘world to come’ is an oppression-free world because the devil, who is the master oppressor, has no place in heaven. By redemption, we are ordained to live above oppression because we have been repositioned far above the realm where oppressors operate(Isaiah 54:14; Ephesians 1:20-21, 2:6).

    The ‘power of the world to come’ confers us with dominion over satan and all his cohorts (Luke 10:17).

    •The ‘world to come’ is a world of wonders without end (Revelation 21:1-4, 22:3-5).

    Some examples of this as seen in scriptures include:

    • Supernatural feeding of 3 million people, twice daily, for 40 years (Exodus 16:35).

    • Supply of water for 3 million people from a moving rock for 40 years (1 Corinthians 10:4).

    • Commanding the Sun and the moon to stand still (Joshua 10:12).

    •Jesus feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fishes (John 6:6-13).

    • Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:29).

    Let’s recognize that the ‘power of the world to come’ is domiciled in the Word of God. It is also important to note that light is the dominant force in heaven, which is the ‘world to come’. As we all know, the authority of light over darkness is eternally unquestionable. That is why the light of the Word (revelation) is the most valuable treasure in the Kingdom. There is no situation that can resist the authority of the light that comes to us from the Word of God (Revelation 21:3, 22:3-5; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 1:3).

    But, What Is In The Light Of The Word?

    • It is the seal of our dominion over the power of darkness such as curses,   spells, enchantments and all other oppressions of the devil (John 1:9).

    • The light of the Word commands signs and wonders (Ex. 4:17; Matt. 8:16).

    • The light of the Word commands exploits (Isaiah 60:1-22; Psalm 45:3-5).

    • The revelation of the Word infuses divinity into our humanity, thereby empowering us to walk in dominion (2 Peter 1:4; Acts 14:11; John 10:35).

    • God’s Word is the carrier of God’s power that establishes us in the realm of wonders without end (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 1:3; Luke 4:36).

    When we are illuminated by the light of the Word, our dominion becomes unquestionable over any issue of our lives. Likewise, we need a revelation of our immunity against curses and oppression to live a curse and oppression-free life, for the entrance of His Word gives light (Psalm 119:130).

    However, it is one thing to find the truth; it is another to engage it. This is why it is not enough to have a revelation of our immunity; we must possess the mentality and walk in the consciousness of it, thereby commanding unquestionable triumph (Proverbs 23:7).

    Friend,only those who are born of God, can engage revelation for exploits. You can be born again 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!” I will continue this teaching next week. Welcome to your year of Heaven On Earth! Remain Blessed!

    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

  • Ladies of Saint Mulumba preach chastity

    Over 500 youths last week received tutelage on how to maintain chastity in morality and sexuality.

    It was at a seminar by The Ladies of the Order of Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Lekki Sub-Council, Archdiocese of Lagos with the theme chaste youths, happy adults.

    President of the group, Lady Nkiru Ezeh, said that chastity remained a great virtue.

    She lamented that though chastity and purity are not valued like before, God is still interested in purity.

    She attributed the decline in societal values for chastity and purity to frequent separations and divorces while urging youths to embrace chastity in all its ramifications.

    According to her: “Chastity is all- encompassing and it is not old-fashioned. If you are pure in whatever you do, then you will succeed.

    “The internet is there bombarding our children with lots of things but we as mothers and caregivers have the primary responsibility of training our children to be responsible adults. We should not close our eyes to these facts.”

    Parish Priest of Catholic Church of Transfiguration, Rev. Father Mike Okonkwo, said a child who embraces chastity will automatically become a happy adult.

    One of the facilitators Dr. Onyeka Iwuchukwu, enjoined youths to always crave for God’s presence and His pleasure when tempted to sin.

    She said: “Sex is celebrated everywhere but I will tell you emphatically that chastity is still cherished. As a youth you need to preserve yourself according to God’s injunction.

    “Your relationship with God is very important in whatever you do. Consider so many things before you sin and don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by Satan.”

    Speaking on the spiritual benefits of chastity, one of the facilitators, Mrs. Chineze Ofodile, stated that chastity is not only about pre-marital sex but something to be treasured.

    She said: “All these things are distractions in our world. Chastity enhances us and let us stop painting the picture that we can get away with unchaste acts.”

    Dr. Gertrude Bassey, who spoke on the medical benefits of living a chaste life as youths, said any youth who lives a chaste life will grow up to be  happy.

    He argued that living a chaste life brings about healthy marriage while fertility will be preserved while they remain healthy.

    Another facilitator, Mrs. Theresa Chiejina, said: “Chastity is not something like a jacket that you can put on or take off whenever you like. Chastity is a part of you that communicates itself to others in your daily words and actions.”

  • 10-year saxophonist for unveiling

    A primary five student of K and T International School, Isheri Lagos, Stephen Korede, has a date with destiny today.
    Korede will be unveiled as arguably the youngest saxophonist at a ceremony slated for Shalom Baptist Church, Isheri by 1pm.
    The unveiling will also coincide with his 10th birthday celebration during which he is expected to display his multi-talented skills to guests.

    The occasion, which holds in conjunction with true worshippers magazine, will also feature performance by several talented gospel artistes such as D SAX, Kemi Adenuga, AY4 GOLD,Kunle Agboola and Dabo Williams.

  • God of Glory Christian Church empowers 69

    No fewer than 69 persons graduated last Sunday from The Youth Economic and Empowerment Summit (YEES), an initiative of the Royal Network Academy of the God of Glory Christian Church, Lagos.

    The graduation rounded off a one-month free skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training and empowerment programme by the church.

    The training included courses in fashion design, tailoring, beauty and spa technology, leather works and Ankara revolution makeover/make -up training, baking & confectionery, soap making, bead-making and ICT.

    The general overseer, Pastor A.T Williams, said the initiative was part of the church’s mission at ensuring that people are offered life-enhancing skills.

    He stated that the church spent over a million for the facilitators and starter-kits for some of the graduates who excelled exceedingly among the students.

    Addressing graduating students, Williams stated that it was not enough to have skills but to monetise them.

    “They are to make use of what they have and not just focusing on what to do.

    “Don’t say this is the end, push yourself to the limit. Learn to take risk or else you will not get ahead in this life. If you want something done, you have to start.”

    He advised them not to cut corners while putting their new skills into practice, tasking them on the need to be honest and conscientious in their dealings with customers.

    The administrator of the Royal Network Academy, Mrs. Tola Gbogoade, explained that the church’s benevolence in sponsoring the skill acquisition programme was worthy of emulation by others.

  • Adesuyi releases third album

    A former Head of Music Ministry at the Foursquare Gospel Church, National Headquarters, Yaba Lagos, Deacon Bayo Adesuyi, is set to launch his third album titled Opaaro.

    The launch holds on April 6 at Planet One, Ikeja by 3pm.

    A statement said the University of Lagos Computer Science graduate whose single Loke Loke featuring Chindinma and Emizon is making waves will be performing live at the launch.

    The producer and seasoned praise worship leader has two albums Dapada (2008) and Mother indeed (2010) to his credit.

    He is reputed for his African contemporary approach to gospel music that cuts across lovers of percussion alongside groove with a great vocal delivery to sooth listeners from the old.

     

  • James charges aspirants on peaceful conducts

    The Senior Pastor of Glory Christian Ministries, Pastor Iruofagha James, has appealed to political contestants to remain humble and avoid prideful boasting, baseless accusation and name calling during campaigns.

    He spoke with reporters last week ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the church, which ends today.

    The glory summit has as its theme a thousand times more James said though voters can be naïve and gullible most times, there are becoming increasing disillusioned with contestants that threaten fire and brimstones.

    He acknowledged that the level of interest in political activities have increased with the current dispensation, stressing that Nigerians have never been this interested in who govern them.

    Calling on contestants to play clean politics, the cleric said: “politicians stop overheating the polity with inciting comments. They should watch theirs utterance and put the country first in their dealings and conducts.

    “They should realise they shall give accounts of their stewardship to the people and ultimately to God with time.”

    He added: “They should not allow their maddening craze for the control of the national treasury to blindfold them in breeding political mercenaries that will later prey on society.”

    James stated that the focus of the summit would be that no matter individual, corporate and national needs, opportunities abound “for us to receive and enjoy His blessings a thousand times more for as long as our wills are inclined to His word and direction.”

  • ‘Why I’m an incurable church planter’

    ‘Why I’m an incurable church planter’

    Down-to-earth and radical, the general overseer of God’s Mercy Revival Ministries, Lagos, Dr James Akanbi, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on his church-planting exploits and sundry issues. Excerpts:

    In summary, how would you describe the journey of leading this church in the last 15 years?

    Yeah, the journey has been both ways.  We have had down times and up times; troubled times and pleasant times. But it has been an exciting journey. I told a friend in the UK ‘I can’t stay with you guys here’. You, know there is no gallop and pothole.

    Sometimes, those challenges make life exciting. We need some little hardship to enjoy life better. Without a wall, there won’t be progress. I have seen some of our setbacks that have become setups for our breakthrough.

    What are some of these remarkable hiccups you could recall over the years?

    For example, we were about some two kilometers away from our current location. Suddenly, the landlord said he was jerking up the price to just N250, 000 but we couldn’t afford it. It was like the end of ministry for us. But while we were down with that, suddenly someone said a land was available here. We didn’t even consider it because it was inconceivable. We couldn’t pay rent so how do we buy a land?

    So, the man who saw the land told us, ‘if you have to pay N250, 000 as rent, why not deposit this with the landowners?’ When we met them, they said there was no discussion without full payment.

    But one of them, popularly known as Alhaji Waseco, stood us in the meeting and offered to be a guarantor for us. He said he would stand for us and we should start building. The N100, 000 that we gave the owners as appeasement, he paid them himself.

    That was how we came here.

    Just like that?

    Yes my brother. We started with digging the foundation. Within five months, we had completed the first floor. God spoke in February but by August, we had our convention here. Where we raised the almost N6million for the building, I cannot tell.

    When we did the decking, it came crashing the same day. That was a big issue for us. We were demoralised. Within one week, we raised money to do it again. If that decking had not collapsed that day, it would have been a bigger disaster for us.

    We were able to bring in all manners of engineers and planted columns that held the structures. We now have a very sound building. Another major challenge was when one of my very close ministers had to leave. He was the next person to me and had been given visibility. But then he had to leave and I didn’t want that.

    People were saying it wouldn’t be easy and the ministry will suffer for it. But the moment he left, things picked up radically. Before then, we were battling with just 40 branches but within the three months of his departure, I planted 14 more branches. In fact, it was almost as if he was the one holding us down. Things spread and expansion came.

    How many branches do you have now?

    We have about 56 across the world. He left September 2014 and we had 16 more branches.

    What is it about you and the church that makes ground-breaking in difficult terrains stress-free?

    I have been able to realise it’s not about me. I’m a little bit addicted to divine signals. Everything about me revolves round hearing from Him. I try to invest some few hours daily standing in His presence. I get signals on when next to move. Some of these expansions are what I hear from Him. Many asked why we couldn’t do it before, I said it was because the signals had not come. When they came, doing was easy.

    When they didn’t come, I ask if we could go ahead. Once you get signals, you can be sure God is with you. I tell people if you have good strategies or formula on how to succeed but God is not there, you might not succeed. The first 99.9 percent of success is God. The 1 percent is following divine leading and strategies.

    I believe in success principles and I teach and practise them myself. I have done all manners of fasting. I have done 60 days, 90 days and 100 days of daily break. I have done all of them but never believe in them. The first thing first is what is God saying. He must be the underlying factor. If you fast 100 days non-stop and God is not interested, you cannot force Him.

    But people say if you stay more around, maybe you will have a bigger, mega church. Do you agree?

    I don’t totally agree. It’s debatable because for the first four, five years, I was always around. I stayed on ground and was ministering to the local church. We had only 400 or 500 members. Then, I moved into branching and we doubled the following year.

    Yes, there are advantages of staying in one point but you will be keeping vibrant members around you. What happens? You will be killing them.

    So, you are not intimidated they are doing well?

    Not at all. Why should I? If anything, I am impressed and fulfilled.

    But they could also defect and move on to start another church after you have helped them to the top?

    Will you say you won’t sleep because you may die in the process? Even if you are just on a spot, there could be breakaways there. So, why are you afraid of death before it comes? In all our existence, we have never had such an experience. The only person who tried it in Ikire left with some members. After about six months, all the members returned to another church we planted there.

    When the person next to me left, he could not leave with three months despite all the capacity he had in his branch. So, for almost 16 years, we have never had any breakaway. I am not envisaging one. But even if it will happen, I can’t stop planting churches now. I have incurable when it comes to church planting. Even if I want to stop now, I can’t stop again.

    In January 1999, when God commissioned me, He showed me many flags of nations and uncountable branches. So, I knew it would be an apostolic, prophetic commission. People say that I keep planting churches maybe because I have not had a bad experience but I say even if it happens, I will not stop. To me, it looks stupid to stop because even if someone takes two branches, I would have planted another five. So, I can’t stop again.

    I believe I’m in the will of God and so He will handle the situation for me. If you plant churches because someone else is doing it, you will fail but if it is because He tells you to, you are secured.

    Apostolic and prophetic ministers like you tend to draw people to their gifts and not God. Is that different with you?

    Cult personality cuts across board. The truth is when people see the moves of God in the life of a man of God, they become convinced and open to surrendering to that man. But it’s now the responsibility of that man to point them to God as the source of power.

    In Gambia, I met a man with a swollen hand. His goods were seized in the borders and his family was down. I told him God would fix him if he would be committed to serving Him. I asked him to put the swollen hand on mine but he was hesitant so as not to infect me. I told him to go ahead and do it. I prayed over him and by 12midnight, the borders were opened. He was called to come and pick his goods.

    We met on a Sunday and by Tuesday, his hand was healed. That night, his children were given scholarship. When you get a radical turn-around like that, you think I’m a special breed but I have the responsibility to point him to God.

    I tell my members not to look up to me because I have my issues too. I had been ministering for years but my wife had to wait on God for five years to get the fruit of the womb. If I had all the powers, I should have given her once. But we waited like any other member to receive the gift. If any minister boasts he has any powers, tell him to fix the challenges in his life too.

  • N7billion bribery: Prove your allegations, clerics challenge Dikwa

    Founder of Karis Christian Magazine, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, has denied being a beneficiary of the alleged N7billion bribe offered by President Goodluck Jonathan to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to support his re-election bid.

    Emmanuel, who produced a CD almost a year ago, asking Christians to vote only those who can defend their faith, described the allegation as untrue and mischievous.

    In a statement last week on the allegation, Emmanuel said: “My attention has been drawn to a report credited to Pastor Musa Dikwa that N7 billion was given to some pastors to campaign for President Jonathan.

    “In the unfortunate report, my name was mentioned as being one of the beneficiaries of the said amount. Pending the official clarification of CAN on the issue, I am compelled to immediately clarify that no money was given to me.

    “I did not collect any money from anybody neither am I campaigning for anyone.”

    He attributed such allegation to a bastardised national psyche, which he said makes everyone believe “anyone can speak the truth without financial inducement or gratification.”

    According to him: “Fortunately, there are still people in the nation who act without financial inducement.

    “I am a Christian and my candidate is Jesus Christ. So long as I believe that the Church is under threat, I will speak for Jesus Christ and maintain the wake up call to the Church.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Director of Voice of Christian Martyr, Rev. Isaac Wusu, described Dikwa as a charlatan.

    He said: “He (Dikwa) is well known to us and has approached with so many documents castigating all kinds of people in the past.

    “His allegations are crude and false and he is a man that should be investigated and probed because I believe that he is being paid to do what he is doing.”

    He went on: “There is no doubt that he is paid to do all that is doing and those who know him knows him to be a man of shady character. He is a man who runs and chases after those who he thinks he can collect money from.”

    He challenged Dikwa to provide evidence of his claims, saying “if he is sure of all he is saying, I challenge to come out and He should provide evidence.”

  • Provost tasks pastors on training

    The Provost of Citas Levitical Theology University, Professor Iseoba Patrick, has appealed to leaders to go for training in well established bible based theology school for church growth and development.

    Patrick spoke during the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate degree by the university on the general overseer of the Christ Anointed Church, Peculiar International Ministry, Prophet Olakunle Hephzibah, in Lagos.

    He lamented there are too many quacks on the pulpits, unschooled men of God he said are deficient in biblical knowledge and unfit to lead others.

    He said that the challenges of today’s world pointedly requires that church leaders focus on training and discipline of their members so they could be strong, firm, and courageous in the truth of God’s word capable of keeping them from falling.

    He noted that the early church were able to stand in the midst of trials, temptation and persecutions because the apostles gave themselves continually to the infallible truth of God’s words.

    Patrick, who lauded the life and principles of Hephzibah, said that the university honoured him in recognition of his commitment to holy living, mission and the humanitarian lifestyle.

    “We have checked his testimonies and by the grace of God, we have found them to be sure and true.

    “There is no contest he is born again and he has the love of Christ and the gospel. He is mission inclined and he is faithful pastor,” he said.

    Responding, Hephzibah lauded the University for the Honour, saying it would spur to greater heights and commitment to God.

    He advised church leaders to be humble enough to go to a sound bible teaching school or remain under the tutelage of well- tested men who will train them to become better and fruitful in the vineyard of God.

  • Encounter With The Power Of The World To Come!

    Welcome to the third month of the year.Recognize that this is our year of Heaven On Earth, which simply connotes experiencing the realities of heaven in the now. That means whatever is not obtainable in heaven, the throne of God, is not permitted to be found in and around us (Revelation 21:1-4; 22:3-5).

    We must realize that God is set to launch us into realms of unending exploits and breakthroughs. Therefore, all through 2015, no one shall doubt the reality of Heaven On Earth in our lives!

    It is written: And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come (Hebrews 6:5).’The power of the world to come’ is a divine enabling to live a heavenly lifestyle in the now. While on earth, Jesus portrayed the splendour of heaven and as believers, we are to depict same to the world.That means we are to operate at the same level of command as Christ.Jesus said:Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12).

    The’power of the world to come’ is also the conferment of supernatural dominion over all life situations and circumstances upon the saints. That is, having it as desired in spite of the enemy (Psalm 110:1-3; Daniel 4:26). However, we must understand that we cannot operate in the realm of the ‘world to come’ except we are empowered. As it is written:But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God… (John 1:12).

    What Are The Characteristics Of The ‘World To Come’?

    • It is a sin-free world: When we are endued with the ‘power of the world to come’, our dominion over sin is established. As it is written: And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein (Isaiah 35:8; see also Revelation 21:27).It is also written: For sin shall not have dominion over you… (Romans 6:14).

    We must understand that when our dominion over sin is established, living, thinking, speaking and acting rightly becomes our natural lifestyle. For instance, Daniel operated in the realm of the ‘power of the world to come’. His accuserscould not find anything against him, except against the law of his God, (Daniel 6:1-4).

    • It is a sickness-free world: Heaven on Earth is a state of no pain, sorrow, crying, or death. The Bible says: God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4).

    When Jesus’ disciples were with Him, none of them was reported sick, because they lived in the realm of Heaven on Earth. Thus, when we are endued with the power of the world to come, we are conferred with dominion over sicknesses and diseases (Psalm 105:37; Matthew 10:1).

    • Every day is Christmas in heaven: The ‘world to come’ is a concern-free world and the ‘power of the world to come’ empower us to experience Christmas daily. It is written: And there shall be no night there… (Revelation 22:5).’Night season’ connotes weeping, stagnation, etc and the Bible says: …Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalms 30:5).

    However, it is also written: Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation (Psalms 68:19; see also Proverbs 4:18; Psalm 23:6).Salvation entitles us to daily loads of blessings and that means we are ordained to enjoy Christmas daily.

    Friend, the power to access the above is the heritage of 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 –Walking In Dominion, Winning Invisible Battlesand 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