The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • How I got N80m limo, by Samson

    The General Overseer of Christ Royal Family International Church Lagos, Bishop Tom Samson, has finally opened up on the N80m Hummer jeep he recently purchased that set tongues wagging.

    Samson explained that the luxurious Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was a gift from someone he ministered to abroad.

    Decrying the criticisms that trailed the acquisition which many dismissed as exorbitant, Samson said the issue was blown out of proportion.

    The cleric told our correspondent last week: “That a limo is worth N80m does not mean it is bought for N80m. Moreover, it was an individual abroad who saw that I like it and bankrolled it, not even a dime from me went into the purchase of the limo.

    “He did it in appreciation of the roles I played in his life. Every good car that I have driven came from persons whom I have impacted their lives positively.   Not everyone enjoys such favour.”

    He denied allegation of ostentatious living, saying he runs a foundation that empowers the indigents.

    According to him: “Tom Samson Foundation also engages in free health services; we have constructed one of the best hospitals in the country at Royal City Iyesi Ota, Ogun State with modern equipment and all our charges are subsidised by Tom Samson Foundation. The aged are treated free.

    “We run free medical checkups, distribution of drugs and eye glasses for six communities around Ota, Ogun State.

    “Recently, I donated borehole to Iyesi Ota community and gave scholarship to some indigenes of Iyesi Ota in Ogun State.

    “Two more boreholes are to be constructed in the first quarter of 2015 in Ijaba and Osuke communities in Ota Ogun State.”

    The educational services of the church, he further stated, are affordable with scholarships to many indigent students.

    “I have established well over eight primary and secondary schools in different locations with moderate and affordable school fees while some students are on scholarships.

    “I run a private College of Education NCCE approved with best facility and cheapest school fees in the country. Right now we are constructing a university (Monarch University, Ewekoro) that will be one of the best and affordable for the less privileged.”

  • Exploring The Secrets Of Success! (2)

    Last week, I brought to you the introductory part of this teaching. I said, among other things, that every child of God is redeemed to be a success.

    Talking about the quality goodies God has for those that love Him, the Bible says: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

    You cannot have a genuine heart for God, and not make an outstanding mark on the earth. This week, I shall be considering The Power Of Divine Endowment.

    The scriptures contain the secrets of God. When we engage the secrets of scriptures, they bring out the star in us (1 Peter 1:19). Every child of God is ordained a star! It is how much we engage the covenant that determines when our star will shine.

    Recognize that everyone is gifted in some special ways — endowment. Thisis clear from Matthew 25:15, which says: And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. We must discover our special gifting as individuals (1 Corinthians 7:7).

    There is something in you that makes you unique (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). You must look inwards and identify your talent by the help of the Holy Spirit (Luke 15:7-8). Proverbs 20:27 says: The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. So, we engage our spirit in searching out those things that we flow freely in. That is where your star is!

    After you have found it, you must make use of it, for you to change levels. The scripture says:And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.Another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin (Luke 19:18-20). So, it is not enough to know what we carry; we must know what to do to put it to work for our profiting. You have to stir it up!

    It is not enough to have potential; you have to maximize it to actualize it. So, potential is not automatically equal to manifestation. You have to know what to do to activate the potential you carry. So, you must work on your faith. How? It is by working on the Word to keep your faith alive, because “faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). This way, you tap into what God has purposed for you.

    Why are we talented? We are talented essentially for profitable living (Proverbs 18:16; 1 Corinthians 12:7). All we need to do is to learn how to activate the treasure in us. This connotes responsibility. So, we have a lot to do!

    God’s ultimategift for man is eternal life. By scriptures, we are seated in heavenly places on a mission here on earth (John 3:31). By redemption, we are ordained to be above all (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). It means, we should get to know what God is saying about everything, and go all out for it!

    So, you don’t succeed by doing nothing and waiting for success to happen! Learn how to turn your potentials into results. It is not enough to be loaded with potentials; you must learn how to turn them into results.

    You don’t really have a problem with the environment. You have a problem because you are not well positioned. How well you engage divine giftings is what makes the difference! Friend, you have to take responsibility (Proverbs 18:16). For instance, Apostle Paul said, “I labour more that they all…” (1 Corinthians 15:10).  Such men deserve recognition).

    You have all it takes to excel in life. So, you must do all it takes to get there. How? It is by doing what God says you should do to get there. You can dominate your situation by walking in the light (God’s Word). Remember Peter? He went fishing all night, but caught nothing. When he walked in the light in the midst of that seeming frustration, he experienced a dramatic change of levels. He had a net-breaking, boat-sinking order of breakthrough (Luke 5:4-7).So, engage the Word to render the devil helpless in your situation (John1:5).

    Friend, the power to engage the Wordfor success is for those saved. You get saved, by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for it, pleasesay 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, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again!” I will see you next week.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. respectively.

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books: Success Button, Success Systemsand Exploring The Secrets Of Success.

    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

  • USA Bishop leads prayer for Nigeria

    Bishop Nelson Ugwuzor, founding pastor of Church of the Anointing –one of the fastest growing churches in Los Angeles, California–is continuing to use his voice to speak into the lives of many in America and across the globe.Most recently, Pastor Nelson, as he is popularly known, called on listeners to join him in a nationwide prayer for Nigeria and his home state of Abia, during his weekly broadcast on Stevie Wonder’s legendary radio station in Los Angeles, KJLH 102.3 FM.

    A global voice and leader, Pastor Nelson (Bishop) received the 2012 Stellar Award for his “Spread the Word” radio program on KJLH, which attracts a listening capacity of over one million listeners weekly across the USA and Canada.He led the city of Los Angeles in a prayer of victory for President Barack Obama before his 2012 election at a gathering of over 300,000 people during the city’s annual Taste of Soul Family Festival.  He is a constant force and voice on the world’s largest Christian television network, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), through which he reaches over three billion people in over 125 nations worldwide.

    During his recent radio show broadcast, Bishop Nelson declared, “I feel in heart that my beloved country, Nigeria is at a place where it needs the best leaders to continue to lead that great nation and lead it to where it needs to be so it can be an example in all levels to the world and to Africa as a continent.  Wherever Nigeria goes, the entire continent of Africa goes. That’s why I am asking everyone across the United States and Africa to join me to pray for a peaceful, fair, transparent election process in Nigeria. I am praying for worthy, experienced, accountable, God-fearing leaders to emerge and lead Nigeria next.  I know that the world is watching Nigeria. I am praying for President GoodluckEbele Jonathan, all the Governors, all elected officials and political appointees and aspirants who desire to lead to do so with the love of country at heart. I am praying for wisdom and God’s guidance over all of them.”

    Bishop Nelson also said a special prayer for his state of origin, Abia State:”I am also praying for Governor T.A. Orji and ChiefEmekaWogu, the formerMinister of Labour and Productivity, who is aspiring to be nominated as a candidate for the next Governor of Abia State. Chief Wogu is a man worthy of that office; experienced, tested and proven in both local and national leadership…a God-fearing leader with accountability, a man of integrity and a visionary. I am asking the world to keep praying for the will of God to be done in Nigeria.  Long live Nigeria, long live President GoodluckEbele Jonathan, long live my beloved Abia State, long live all who aspire to lead.”  In closing, Bishop declared that If God be for you, no one can be against you.

  • Soyinka visits mission home

    Soyinka visits mission home

    It will remain one of the most memorable days in the lives of the children of Stephen Children Home, Abeokuta, as Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, after a long expectation by the children, visited on Saturday, 6th December, 2014.

    The children who earlier played host to a team from Oyedepo Foundation on the same day were seen in joyous mood as it was fun all through before the sudden arrival of the Nobel Laureate who immediately changed his name from Prof. Oluwole Soyinka to Prof. Oluwole Somorin (literally translated ‘I met you well’) to amaze the children because of the aroma he perceived from the cooking competition by the children.

    Professor Soyinka admonished the children to be good ambassadors of the African race and said his visit to the home was just a stop-over as his schedule was tight for the day and promised to re-visit the children in a grand style.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Stephen Children Home Abeokuta, who is also the Director, Voice of the Christian Martyrs, Nigeria, Rev.  Isaac Oluwole Newton Wusu, revealed that Stephen Children Home earlier known as  Nigeria Special Children Home with over 400 children from mostly the northern part of Nigeria enjoying free feeding, shelter, education and health care  services at the primary, secondary and higher education levels started with just eight children. Rev. Newton Wusu, a Nigerian who served for over 35 years under the leadership of Richard Wurmbrand, appreciated Christians all over the world, various groups, collective and individual donors and supporters of the children of the martyrs in all ramifications.

  • Parents urged to instill godliness in their children

    The Chairman of the Elders Council of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Province 27, Elder Seni Adegbite, has advised parents to instill the virtues of love, patriotism and godly principles in the lives of their children so that they would become change agents in our world.

    Adegbite said this at the Family Week celebration of the RCCG, Province 27 headquarters last Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos.

    The programme, which was held simultaneously across the RCCG parishes worldwide, brought together hundreds of Christian’s faithful. There were bible teaching, drama, song rendition, fun and entertainment for the children and their parents.

    According to Adegbite, the family remains the melting pot for love, oneness, togetherness and mutual understanding in any nation of the world. Families built on love, fairness, equity and godliness will rub off on the nation.

    He lauded the patriotic spirit exhibited by an average American which according to him makes them think about the wellbeing of their country first, above self, tribe or language sentiments.

    Adegbite posited further that when families are united and put their focus, interest and ambition on God and his word, intruders will stay far away from them and peace that passes all understanding will reign in such homes.

    He took a swipe at the federal government’s commitment to the release of the abducted Chibok girls. Said he: “Americans are ready to die for one citizen of theirs in captivity, not to talk of over 200 children who have been held hostage without any clue of their release soon.”

    He challenged Nigerians to rise above tribal, religious and ethnic sentiment and work together to build the nation that is currently in dire need of honest, forthright and faithful individuals to bring the desired development in our country.

  • ‘Nigeria needs restoration’

    For Nigeria to go back to being a blessed and peaceful nation, Venerable Emmanuel Gbadebo, Pastor, St. John’s African Chruch, Arigbajo, Ogun State, has said that she needs restoration.

    He said if one looked at Nigeria before and now, one would realise that Nigeria is no longer as blessed as before because of the sins Nigerians commit.

    The Ven., who spoke at the church’s adult harvest and thanksgiving service themed Harvest of restoration, explained that restoration to a Christian is the replacement or something that has been lost.

    He said: “Everyone has passed through something this year and expect that God helps them in that area. Someone also might have lost something this year and is expecting that God restores it by 2015. We want God to put Nigeria back where she used to be. This is what informed the theme of the harvest.”

    The Church Warden, Mr. Jacob Akande, called on government to assist the church, especially in the creation of an overhead bridge.

    “People come from villages to this church but they have to cross the express before they get here, which is very dangerous. Because of fear, many, especially the old, don’t come to the church as they cannot cross over the pavement and then the road to get here,” he said.

    He also requested for a police post for the community, saying as big as the community is, there is no police post.

    “People can come here anytime to rob us of our belongings. The church has been burgled many times too,” he noted.

  • Exploring The Secrets Of Success!

    Welcome to December, your month of total recovery and the season of blessings. God will visit you in a special way this month and you shall not miss any of His blessings, in Jesus’ Name!

    This week, I shall be teaching on Exploring The Secrets Of Success!Every child of God is redeemed to be a success. We are redeemed to succeed. Success is our birthright in Christ. We are called to glory, not to fail.

    Recognize that the Bible is the most reliable Book on all-round success. God’s Word says:This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8). Engaging Biblical principles guarantees outstanding success in every area of life (Deuteronomy 28:1-12).

    Also, walking in the light of scriptures is the gateway to a world of exploits (Psalm 45:3-5; Daniel 11:32).

    There are certain forces that are responsible for the success of the saints. These forces empower believers to command breakthroughs and excel in their various endeavours.

    This week, I will be teaching on one of the forces of success – The Power Of Love. We shall be looking at the power of love in the quest for success. Note that love is a failure-proof virtue (1 Corinthians 13:8).

    Every genuine lover of Christ ends up a living wonder among men.Talking about the quality goodies God has for those that love Him, the Bible says:But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

    Note that God is love (1 John 4:16). So, dwelling in love is dwelling in God. Favour naturally pursues lovers of God. When you are in love with God, you will be in love with His house. No wonder, Psalm 102:13-15 says:Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust there of. So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. It becomes clear that every lover of God is entitled to divine favour.

    When you are in love with God, you walk with the only wise God! The man called Daniel in the Bible, loved God so much that God made him to walk in His wisdom, which made him to shine (Daniel 12:3). So, walking in God’s wisdom makes us to shine.

    Isaiah 45:1 says: Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut. Until you are truly in love with God, your success level remains limited.

    You cannot have a genuine heart for God and not make an outstanding mark on the earth. If you love God, you won’t hesitate to serve Him. Serving God does not benefit God; serving Him benefits you (Exodus 23:25-26). So, the hotter your love for God, the greater you fly (1 Corinthians 2:9). For instance, Solomon loved God and God in return blessed him in greater measure (1 Kings 4:29-34).

    God’s love is not theoretical; it is practical (Psalm 119:103-105). You have to show your love to God in practical terms. You can’t love God and end up a failure. It is not possible!

    Note that your exploits are products of what are in your heart. The love of God is a function of our love for others. Our level of love, is what determines the level of success we attain or command in life.

    Friend, the grace to be empowered by love for success, is the preserve of those who are born again. The question is: Are you born again? You become born again by confessing your sins, forsaking them and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

       You can be born again right now, if you haven’t been, by saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan, to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You, 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: Success Button, Success Systems andExploring The Secrets Of Success.

    I am glad to inform you that from December 9-13, 2014 at Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Idiroko Road, Ota, many destinies will be transformed to higher levels of greatness at SHILOH 2014, tagged, Heaven On Earth! SHILOH isthe annual prophetic gathering of the Winners’ family worldwide. Be there!

       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

  • Eneche’s album opens Dunamis Records

    Dunamis Records has unveiled its maiden album titled “AINYA”.

    The promo copy of the album by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dunamis Records, also known as Intimacy Music,  Dr. Paul Enenche, has been released nationwide.

    The group coordinator of the records, Adebayo Adegboyega, told reporters in Lagos that the promo copy serves as a working platform for the record label.

    “What we are building right now is a structure and to be successful in a project like this, there should be a platform launcher.

    “This is being done to ensure that any artist we bring in will have a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment,” he stated.

    He added that the record label is a platform for young Christian artists, who have what it takes to be in the gospel music industry.

    Adegboyega said the label is not strictly concerned about commercial success but motivated by the needs to infuse gospel culture into the society.

  • First CAN Bible College graduates students

    o fewer than 100 students last week graduated from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bible College in Itele, Ogun State.

    The college is the first of its kind in CAN’s history.

    Tagged CAN Bible College, the institution, according to its founder, Rev. Dr. Adebowale Adelakun, is an initiative inspired by God to contribute to the growth and expansion of the gospel.

    “It actually started as a dream but with God’s guidance and support of other people who equally share in my dream, we have been able to commit our resources into this bible college and today, we thank God we are witnessing its first convocation ceremony, a first of its kind in Nigeria,” he said.

    Adelakun, who doubles as the Chairman, CAN Ayobo-Ipaja chapter, reiterated the college’s resolve and commitment to train credible missionaries.

    A co-founder, Prof. Bola Ayelabola, said the institution should serve as inspiration to other CAN chapters and stakeholders.

    “With what we have seen here today, it is evident that such a feat as this is possible if only we can be committed to such.

    “I besiege my brethren in the Lord to commit themselves physically, morally, spiritually and financially to this kind of ventures to ensure that the word of God continues to touch every nook and cranny of the world through the type of missionaries we produce from colleges such as this,” he stressed.

  • ‘Why more women are starting ministries’

    More women are opening their ministries because they serve God better, the founder of Victorious Prayer Evangelical Outreach, Evangelist Joy Onyeonoro, has said.

    Speaking at the first anniversary of the ministry in Ajegunle-Lagos, she said: “Women were the first to see Jesus after His resurrection and were more bothered by his death while the men were putting on a non-challant attitude during the period.

    The guest speaker/ General Overseer, Amazing Grace Ministry, Rev Habib Asmau, berated fake pastors as well as instrumentalists,who get paid to play in the house of God.

    She warned them to desist or face the wrath of God.

    “Some people are attaching themselves to false prophets, instead of the true ones. Where are the true churches?” she asked.

    She said the work of the ministry is not for enjoyment and wealth but hard work and sufferings.

    On Boko Haram insurgency, she was optimistic that it would come to pass, urging Christians to pray harder.