The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • God’s Wisdom Works! (2)

    Last week, I taught on the reality of divine wisdom, how it engenders mighty works and its worth. This week, I will be teaching on four kinds of wisdom, what wisdom is, why we need divine wisdom and what it takes to access it.

     

    Four Kinds Of Wisdom

    James 3:15-17 says: “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. …But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Also, John 3:31 says: Whatever is from above, is above all.”

    So, the wisdom that is from above, is above all other realms of wisdom. Below are the different realms of wisdom.

    •Earthly wisdom: This means, natural wisdom or common sense which produces common men. The common man, is at the common sense level, because like begets like.

    •Sensual Wisdom: Sensual here means, intellectual. This is the type you acquire in school and through the act of learning. Also, we have native intelligence, where people exercise their minds, to determine between right and wrong.

    •Devilish (diabolical) Wisdom: This is diabolical and occultism. Some people are being manipulated by demons; and many supposed elites are so dull, as to take dictates from the devil. So, they walk naked in the night carrying calabash on their heads, with only pants. Those who follow idols are naturally dull, because of their inability to think and reason.

    •The wisdom from above: The wisdom from above is superior to all other kinds of wisdom (John 3:31). That is where you belong! No one will succeed to take you for a ride anymore, by virtue of this kind of wisdom from above.

    What Then Is Divine Wisdom? Divine wisdom can be defined as:

    •Applied knowledge of the truth. The truth is the Word of God (Matthew 7:24-25).

    •Holy Ghost-inspired insight or supernatural insight from what one sees, hears, reads or observes (Daniel 2:16-19; Proverbs 6:6-11).

    •Accessing the ways of God for getting things done. Moses went to Egypt with the ways of God and began causing waves unstoppably.

    •Knowing the right thing to do from the Word and doing it. Whatever He tells you to do, do it and the result is guaranteed. If it’s from the Word, God’s integrity is committed.

    Why Do We Need

    Divine Wisdom?

    •Divine wisdom will enthrone a slave and make a king out of a prisoner: It will change your status dramatically.

    •It’s your access to mighty works, and exploits.

    •It’s the maker of stars, (Ecclesiastes 8:1; Daniel 12:3).

    •It’s divine wisdom that makes a man out of a babe and a king out of a child, (Luke 2:47; Isaiah 11:3-6).

    •It is the only way to generate outstanding feats in the journey of life.

    •It is the principal asset to life.

    What Does It Take To Access divine Wisdom?

    •New Birth: Every child of God has natural access to the wisdom of God (Matthew 11:19). Wisdom is our heritage in redemption. When you are saved, you receive Christ into your life. He enters your heart, so what you have inside you is the wisdom of God. It is resident on your inside, because Christ is the wisdom and the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).

    •The Fear of the Lord: It takes the fear of the Lord to flow in divine wisdom (Psalm 111:10).

    •All of God’s Wisdom is Accessible by Inspiration: Inspiration is the principal channel for accessing divine wisdom (Job 32:7-8).

    What is Inspiration?: It’s the move of the Spirit within our faculty, which enables our access into the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

    How Do I Access Inspiration?

    You need a genuine heart for God: John 15:15 says: Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. When you become God’s friend, you gain natural access to His mind. You become His confidant like Abraham. Abraham was God’s friend (James 2:23).

    You need a joyful heart: To flow in inspiration, you need a joyful heart. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Joy provides access to the flow of inspiration (Isaiah 12:3).

    High praises: Another way to provoke inspiration is through high praises (Isaiah 30:29-30). When you are engaging singing and high praises, you are provoking the flow of inspiration which brings you into thoughts with the deep things of God.

    The practice of purposeful separation: Inspiration can be accessed through the practice of purposeful separation (Proverbs 18:1).

    Friend, the grace to access inspiration is available, if you are connected to God. You get connected by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. This way, you are born again. 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. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for saving me! Now I know I am born again!

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

  • Guide youths, cleric urges parents

    The National Presbyter of Church of God Mission International Inc. Ojodu Province, Pastor Atchor Matthew, has urged parents and guardians to give useful advice to youths to enhance their lives.

    The pastor, who spoke at the youth and teenage summit, noted that without the ample support from parents their wards would move in rudderless direction.

    He said: “Whether we like it or not, the young people do have their dreams in life.

    ”Until they have good guardians in life who will guide them to achieving their dreams, all they dream about might just end at the dream level.”

    Matthew maintained that the annual summit is held to achieve high performance for youth and lead them into the path of the Lord, which would ultimately shape their perception.

    According to him: “We are looking at people whose minds are free, whose hearts remain resolute to be good ambassadors.

    ”It has been said that the room for improvement is the largest thing in the world; you must be ready for improvement.”

    He remarked that the church was doing everything within its power to transform the community it is located in and urged the people to support its programme.

    “Apart from enhancing personal development, the summit offers an opportunity to improve on the lives of the inhabitants of Ojodu community because we are also involved in community works.

    “We are equally looking at commissioning a zebra crossing in the area, because just recently a vehicle knocked down a student. All these have been rolled into the programmes, ”he said.

  • Group initiates scholarship for 100 orphans

    No fewer than 100 young orphans are billed to receive educational support courtesy of the Royal Pillar Welfare Foundation, a faith-based non-governmental organisation.

    The scheme tagged Edu-Lifeline 100 was officially unveiled at the annual Easter royal banquet of the organisation penultimate week.

    Executive Secretary of the foundation, Deacon Bayo Jesuniyi, informed that the initiative will award scholarship and bursary to 100 indigent orphans every year.

    So far, 28 students are already on the scheme out of which 16 are in secondary schools and 10 in primary institutions, Jesuniyi added.

    He hinted that more will be accommodated under the scheme, which commenced this year, because of increasing requests.

    ”We believe these children will become people of substance if given educational lift and required assistance to make this dream become a reality,” he stated.

    He encouraged public-spirited Christians to adopt a child under the scheme for massive boost.

    President of the Praise Family Ministry International and Messiah Arena, the coordinating arm of the NGO, Pastor Abimbola Siyanbola, called for alliances with individuals, families, socio-religious organisations and corporate bodies to help indigent orphans.

    The representative of the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mrs. Alaba Fadairo, commended the initiative and called on others to emulate the body.

    Stating that government cannot do it alone, she appealed to kind-hearted Nigerians to help accommodate more orphans under the scheme.

  • Our music is therapeutic, says Choirmaster General

    • C & S choir rounds off 40th anniversary

    The grand finale of the celebration of 40th anniversary of the Choir of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere sub-headquarters, which started about two months ago, ended last week at the church’s premises along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

    It was an occasion to celebrate the songs, success story and achievements of the choir in the past 40 years.

    The celebration was spiced with series of performances ranging from songs, drama sketches, children musical and instrumental performances etc.

    The Choirmaster General, Prophet Sunday Korode, said it is the celebration of a family chosen by God himself to minister to hearts and souls in need of the healing touch of the gospel.

    The theme of the celebration, which is Celebration in Canaan, Korode said, “represents an inherent similarity with the Israelites sojourn from a place of lack, slavery and sorrow to a land of freedom, blessings and prosperity.

    “Our celebration today will show how the life of the choir mirrors the life of a Christian, who journeys through life with a God-given mandate.

    ”Our family has grown in leaps and bounds, spanning across many branches and indeed many nations and our ministry, to the glory of God, has reached millions across the globe.”

    The music, according to him, is used for conversion of souls and is a therapy for all human problems.

    “”Since 1978 when we started producing our albums, the entire public has actually bought into our style of music.

    ”We sing about problems in the world; we sing therapeutic music that would heal, deliver and also get people to imbibe the spirit of God. And our music has tremendously aided in converting souls to Christ.”

  • ‘FESTAC 77 responsible for Nigeria’s woes’

    The General Overseer of Liberation City Ministries, Prophet Chris Okafor, has blamed the challenges bedevilling the country on the FESTAC 77 festival held during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo (Rtd.)

    He said the festival represented handing over the country to idols.

    Okafor spoke last Sunday during his birthday ceremony, which coincided with the first anniversary of his famous escape from kidnappers in Anambra State.

    The cleric argued that the Boko Haram is one of the least challenges facing the nation.

    He wondered: “Is Boko Haram also responsible for the incessant kidnapping in the South-south, the corruption permeating the society, high incidence of arm robberies and other social evils bedevilling the country?”

    He traced the nation’s woes to the festival, saying the concentration of idols from different parts of the globe dedicated Nigeria to the gods.

    Okafor called on Church leaders to gather and cleanse the nation from the effects of idolatry.

    According to him: “Just as Obasanjo gathered different idols in 1977 in Nigeria and glorified them, Christians with the support of the President must gather and raise a standard to cleanse the land of all ties and association with idols.’’

  • Inside the multi-billion ‘House on the Rock’ cathedral

    Inside the multi-billion ‘House on the Rock’ cathedral

    Sunday Oguntola, who undertook a tour of the state-of-the-art cathedral built by the ‘House on the Rock’ ahead of its commissioning, reports the structure represents a new frontier in the annals of church history in Nigeria.

    The breath-taking experience begins from the gate. The imposing 10,000-seater auditorium welcomes every guest with an array of aesthetic beauty. The water fountain with 12 rocks at the frontage accentuates the cool ambience in the vicinity. The amazing experience swells one’s heart as the main entrance beckons.

    Welcome to the mouth-watering House on The Rock Cathedral. Located in the serene, highbrow Elegushi Estate in Lekki, Lagos, the cathedral, like many love to say, is more than a structure. It is simply an architectural masterpiece poised to give visitors unforgettable worship experience.

    IT- compliant auditorium

    The auditorium with over five foyers boasts a recording studio ready to beam every service live. The visual and audio facilities were imported from Greece to make recordings heart-swelling. Fully air-conditioned with comfortable seating arrangements, the auditorium is reputed to have the longest unsupported span for any public building in the nation. It reportedly covers a space of 80 metres.

    There are six projectors to spotlight happenings in every nook and cranny of the majestic auditorium. The 14 multi-media screens allow worshippers to have a full view of proceeding from any corner. The two media centres in the hall feed worshippers with glorious images and sound bites within the auditorium. The eight remotely-controlled cameras boast information dissemination without fuss.

    More than a church

    setting

    The cathedral, which requires four-and-half hours of extensive tour to cover, is, however, not just about worship and services. It is more or less a mini-community centre. It has an expansive exhibition hall designed to promote godly enterprises. Senior Pastor of the church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, said the idea is to offer a “one-stop centre for Christians looking for materials and goods of every kind.”

    Located close to the multi-purpose hall, a world-class restaurant, which conveniently sits 250 people, offers meals for the nourishing comfort of guests. Adefarasin said the restaurant is open to the public at every time of the day for wonderful culinary experiences. There is also a facility for E-bank to ensure guests never run out of immediate cash.

    The toilet facilities easily meet international best practices. Lightening is censored at the various convenience centres to illuminate the paths of users with every movement. For VIPs and top government functionaries, the cathedral boasts a private elevator that leads to a lush lounge exclusively reserved for them.

    Community relevance

    To confirm its community usefulness, the facility also runs a free clinic where residents can access treatments. Adefarasin said the best medical practitioners have been engaged to run the clinic. In the nearest future, he said the church intends to run 46 mobile clinic units to boost healthcare services across the state.

    A gymnasium with state-of-the-art facilities allows guests to relax and exercise at no costs. There is also a prayer chapel with gallery that seats no fewer than 400 people for quiet communion with God. The chapel has a massive piano to boost musical worship. There are also administrative offices and over 22 classrooms with smart boards for relaxed learning experience.

    The car park comfortably accommodates 2,000 cars protected by 160 CCTV. All facilities within the auditorium are disabled-friendly from the parking lot to the auditorium. Adefarasin, a trained architect, developed the design for the entire cathedral. He said the whole idea is to have more than a church structure that can attend to the needs of communities around the church.

    “We don’t just want to exist for ourselves. We want to be able to accommodate residents in the communities around us for services that are crucial to their wellbeing and conveniences,” he reiterated.

    He hinted that measures have been taken to ensure adequate maintenance of the massive structure. A maintenance endowment fund, Adefarasin disclosed, has been established to ensure that the cathedral undergoes complete overhaul every five years.

    Speaking on challenges encountered during the building process, he said many left the church when he conceived and announced the project. “They felt we were too ambitious and would never be able to do it,” he explained. The project, which started in 2003, he stated, also ran into funding hitches.

    “This(project) has taught me to believe in God and God alone for provisions. I went to many captains of industry to help but nothing came from them,” he added. Adefarasin said the cathedral, which will be commissioned on April 20-21, was nothing but the “sweat of our members.”

    He said it was completed debt-free without external financial support or assistance. Stating that the cathedral represents the faithfulness of God to the church, Adefarasin said: “We are still in a state of unbelief. Sometimes we pinch ourselves that indeed our dream has become a reality.”

  • Church decries festering insecurity

    The Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Methodist Church Nigeria, has decried the spate of insecurity in the country.

    This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its 19th Synod held in Lagos.

    Part of the communiqué reads: “The government should take security of lives and properties of citizens seriously without being biased to any group. Also churches should take proactive measures in securing church buildings and properties.

    “Kidnapping, bombing and killings by Boko Haram group is outrightly condemned and the killing of the seven foreign hostages is condemned.”

    The communiqué noted that no meaningful investor would take our efforts to attract foreign direct investment seriously when a cloud of insecurity pervades a section of the country, adding that effective security strategies should be evolved in bringing those behind the bloodletting to book.

    The church also condemned the recent pardon granted the former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieseigha, saying ”it is a backward step in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.”

    It urged the government at all levels to improve the state of infrastructure in the country.

    The church also identified unity among Nigerians irrespective of their religious inclinations as the only means to everlasting peace in the country.

  • OPM distributes free kerosene to 4,000 families

    OPM distributes free kerosene to 4,000 families

    No fewer than 4,000 families last week received 10 litres of kerosene free of charge courtesy of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), a thriving church in Port-Harcourt, capital of River State.

    The beneficiaries thronged the headquarters of the church in the oil-rich city as early as 6am to await the arrival of kerosene-full tankers.

    There was rapturous jubilation when the tankers arrived around 10am in the expansive church.

    The general overseer of the church, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, said the gesture was in continuation of the church’s humanitarian activities.

    Addressing the crowd before distribution of the essential commodity began, Chinyere said: “We realise some of you cannot eat because you lack kerosene.

    “That is unacceptable to us. We don’t believe anyone should go to bed empty and that is why we are giving you this to take you for days.”

    Chinyere told reporters 10 litres will go a long in ameliorating the hunger and poverty in many homes.

    “When you are rich, you take many things for granted. But those of us who have been there know how much kerosene mean to survival,” he stressed.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Kate Edet, thanked the church for the gesture.

    She said: ‘They have tried a lot. My family will save a lot of money and stress in the next few days.”

    Another beneficiary, Charles Peters, said waiting for hours was worth it.

    “I have been here since 6am but no problem. I got 10 litres, which would have cost me close to N2, 000. I am happy and may God bless the church.”

  • God’s Wisdom Works! (2)

    Last week, I taught on the reality of divine wisdom, how it engenders mighty works and its worth. This week, I will be teaching on four kinds of wisdom, what wisdom is, why we need divine wisdom and what it takes to access it.

    Four Kinds Of Wisdom

    James 3:15-17 says: This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. …But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Also, John 3:31 says: Whatever is from above, is above all. So, the wisdom that is from above, is above all other realms of wisdom. Below are the different realms of wisdom.

    •Earthly wisdom: This means, natural wisdom or common sense which produces common men. The common man, is at the common sense level, because like begets like.

    •Sensual Wisdom: Sensual here means, intellectual. This is the type you acquire in school and through the act of learning. Also, we have native intelligence, where people exercise their minds, to determine between right and wrong.

    •Devilish (diabolical) Wisdom: This is diabolical and occultism. Some people are being manipulated by demons; and many supposed elites are so dull, as to take dictates from the devil. So, they walk naked in the night carrying calabash on their heads, with only pants. Those who follow idols are naturally dull, because of their inability to think and reason.

    •The wisdom from above: The wisdom from above is superior to all other kinds of wisdom (John 3:31). That is where you belong! No one will succeed to take you for a ride anymore, by virtue of this kind of wisdom from above.

    What Then Is Divine Wisdom? Divine wisdom can be defined as:

    •Applied knowledge of the truth. The truth is the Word of God (Matthew 7:24-25).

    •Holy Ghost-inspired insight or supernatural insight from what one sees, hears, reads or observes (Daniel 2:16-19; Proverbs 6:6-11).

    •Accessing the ways of God for getting things done. Moses went to Egypt with the ways of God and began causing waves unstoppably.

    •Knowing the right thing to do from the Word and doing it. Whatever He tells you to do, do it and the result is guaranteed. If it’s from the Word, God’s integrity is committed.

    Why Do We Need

    Divine Wisdom?

    Divine wisdom will enthrone a slave and make a king out of a prisoner: It will change your status dramatically.

    It’s your access to mighty works, and exploits.

    It’s the maker of stars, (Ecclesiastes 8:1; Daniel 12:3).

    It’s divine wisdom that makes a man out of a babe and a king out of a child, (Luke 2:47; Isaiah 11:3-6).

    It is the only way to generate outstanding feats in the journey of life.

    It is the principal asset to life.

    What Does It Take To Access divine Wisdom?

    •New Birth: Every child of God has natural access to the wisdom of God (Matthew 11:19). Wisdom is our heritage in redemption. When you are saved, you receive Christ into your life. He enters your heart, so what you have inside you is the wisdom of God. It is resident on your inside, because Christ is the wisdom and the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).

    •The Fear of the Lord: It takes the fear of the Lord to flow in divine wisdom (Psalm 111:10).

    •All of God’s Wisdom is Accessible by Inspiration: Inspiration is the principal channel for accessing divine wisdom (Job 32:7-8).

    What is Inspiration?: It’s the move of the Spirit within our faculty, which enables our access into the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

    How Do I Access

    Inspiration?

    You need a genuine heart for God: John 15:15 says: Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. When you become God’s friend, you gain natural access to His mind. You become His confidant like Abraham. Abraham was God’s friend (James 2:23).

    You need a joyful heart: To flow in inspiration, you need a joyful heart. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Joy provides access to the flow of inspiration (Isaiah 12:3).

    High praises: Another way to provoke inspiration is through high praises (Isaiah 30:29-30). When you are engaging singing and high praises, you are provoking the flow of inspiration which brings you into thoughts with the deep things of God.

    The practice of purposeful separation: Inspiration can be accessed through the practice of purposeful separation (Proverbs 18:1).

    Friend, the grace to access inspiration is available, if you are connected to God. You get connected by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. This way, you are born again. 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. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, Lord Jesus, 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.

     

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

  • ‘Troubles are springboards for victories’

    ‘Troubles are springboards for victories’

    Christians should not pray or wish away troubles but consider them as stepping stones to their Promised Lands.

    This was the consensus last Sunday at the public presentation and launch of You are born to win written by Rev. Lekan Adeleke in Lagos.

    The guest speaker, Pastor Kunle Olawale, said opportunities for advancement and self-development are packaged in the form of troubles.

    He urged Christians to stop thinking every trouble is from the devil, saying God can also use adversities to advance His intentions.

    According to him: “You will never know what you are capable of until you are faced with troubles.”

    Adeleke, an associate pastor at The Shepherd Flock International, expressed delight for the successful publication of the book, which he said took him four years to work on.

    He said the book was borne out of the passion to lift Christians out of helplessness in life.

    He reiterated that troubles are part of and parcel of living.

    According to him: “We would be deceiving ourselves thinking we would never face challenges in life.”

    The Managing Director of Vintage Press Limited, Publishers of The Nation, Mr. Victor Ifijeh, encouraged Christians to trust God in troubled times.

    Ifijeh, who was chairman of the occasion, said: “Life is full of troubles but God has packaged everything you need to overcome.

    “Troubles may come but the Lord will always be there for us. If troubles come, we should regard them as surmountable because there is no mountain we cannot scale”.