The Nation Newspaper

Category: worship

  • LENTEN MESSAGE: Challenges of life without eternity in view

    LENTEN MESSAGE: Challenges of life without eternity in view

    Venerable Henry Adelegan

    Text: 1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

    Age, education and life experiences are factors that determine a person’s life philosophy. It was the summation of those three factors that made King Solomon at the twilight of his time, after he had “lived well and enjoyed himself” with several good and bad things of life to conclude with a benefit of hindsight that there was nothing in this world, that everything in this world is vanity. Of a truth dear beloved, life is like a flower that blossoms and then expires (Job 14:1-2); life is meaningless like a shadow (Ecclesiastes 6:12) and life is like a tale that is told (Psalms 90:9).

    From our text, the age, education and life experience of Saul, who later became Apostle Paul, a revered lawyer and later on a successful church worker, made him draw certain conclusions about life: Firstly, that Christianity because of the things of this world (money, shelter, food, security, automobiles, houses, marriage, children, position, power etc) is a gateway to a pitiable state of distress or unhappinesss (Ecclesiastes 5:10). He also averred that life without knowledge that for every responsibility there is a demand for honesty and equity because of the ultimate accountability before God is a wasted life. Not only that, he posited that, a pathway of carnality instead of a highway of spirituality will ultimately lead to a destination of shame and disgrace because all that we desire for, aspire towards, perspire after and acquire shall one day expire.

    Paul told the Corinthians that if only in this world, that is, if only in the issues and privileges of this world that they have hope in Christ and being called Christians, they are in a pitiable state of distress or unhappinesss because they will realize, when this world ends and all shall stand before the judgment seat to give account of stewardships of time, talents and treasures (Matt. 25:34), that there is nothing in this world and that all is vanity (cf 2 Corinthians 5:10;1 John 2:15-17).

    Beloved, let me ask you these questions: Are you a Christian because it is one of the two dominant religions in the country. If that is it, you are of all people most miserable. Are you a Christian because it is in vogue to say that I am one? If this is true, you are of all people in a most pitiable state of distress. Are you a Christian because you feel that being a Christian can open doors for you from fellow Christians who don’t want to be equally yoked with unbelievers? If that can be traced to you, it is unfortunate that you have missed the mark. Are you a Christian because of the challenges of this world, for safety from powers of wickedness and you know that the name of the Lord is a strong tower and that whosoever runs to it will be safe? If that is all that your being a Christian is hinged on, you are of all believers most miserable. Lastly, are you a Christian because you were born into a Christian family and it is imperative of you to keep the family tradition, without a personal encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, you are in for shocking surprises, you are welcome to a pitiable state of distress, disappointment, regret and an endless transition from one church to another.

    Kindly be informed at this season of Lent that Christianity is about sacrifice and not selfishness. Christianity is light – it is not hidden and it is easily attestable by all. Christianity is not validated by stickers on your vehicles or the door to your house, it is not authenticated by tongues speaking or Bible quotations and it is not pontificated by big titles but it is validated through character of heaven – love, honesty, diligence, discipline, purity, holiness and commitment to the interest and welfare of others etc. Christianity is about putting others first and self- discipline (Matthew 11:28-30). Christianity is also about our readiness to suffer temporal harships of life, troubling seasons and persecutions (2 Timothy 3:12 cf John 15:19). Beloved, it is impossible to stand for Jesus Christ and the world will not stand against you. The good news however is that the terminal point of those challenges is a lifting up (Psalm 30:5, 34:19). Christianity places a burden of souls that are perishing on you for their redemption without being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16)

    Jesus is calling you during this time of Lent to consider your ways, to surrender your life and your possessions to Him today, to make a deliberate effort to begin a life that is holy and pleasing to Him (Col. 1:10), to give yourself to generosity, to be passionate about souls that are perishing, to strive to be carried by angels at the end of our sojourn here and to ensure that you don’t loose your eternal home when the end shall come. I pray that in your pursuit of the temporal things of this world, you will not miss your eternal home in the name of Jesus.

    Prayer: Father, keep me focussed on you and don’t let me lose my eternal home at the end, in Jesus’ name.

     

     

  • Why I don’t have a personal property – Apostle Adenuga

    Why I don’t have a personal property – Apostle Adenuga

    Our Reporter 

    The General Overseer, Faith Revival Apostolic Church (FRAC), Apostle Paul Adenuga, has said he does not have a personal property because he is a revivalist and a crusader.

    Apostle Paul, who stated this in a telephone interview, said crusades are very expensive, which is why having a personal property is not a priority for him.

    The General Overseer recalled he sold a land of 1,000 square feet located in Ikeja GRA gifted to him and used the proceeds to fund crusades.

    This, he explained, is why the church has been able to touch virtually all the churches in the Southwest as well as South East.

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    “I don’t have any personal property anywhere because I am a revivalist and a crusader.

    “I know how much it will cost us to organise a revival and a crusade and because of that I don’t put my mind there.

    “As a revivalist and a crusader, we spend a lot to win souls and I don’t think I can have anything that God will not have access to.

    “People bought a land of 1,000 square feet  for me to build my house at Adeyemo Alakija in GRA, Ikeja.

    “So, I asked the Church to sell the given land and use it to fund crusade; Consequently, it would be hard for you to see any part of the Yoruba and Niger Delta that we have not taken crusade to,” he said.

    Adenuga said that having a personal property is not a crime, enjoining pastors across the country to live modestly like biblical Paul who said that anything that is supposed to be gained for him, he counted it as a loss because of Jesus Christ.

    He added that they should learn to give back when people bless them so the kingdom will not suffer.

  • Engaging grace for supernatural flight!

    Engaging grace for supernatural flight!

    By Bishop Taiwo Akinola

     

    So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy ~ Romans 9:16.

    Introduction:

    You belong to a well-defined place in life. You’re not a product of your circumstances, you were separated from your mother’s womb for God’s glory. However, it is when your destiny truly engages an escape velocity that it can soar freely to accomplish the purpose(s) for which you were born. And, it is then and only then that you can begin to fly supernaturally.

    In this regard, the God-factor in your race of life is of paramount importance. The God-factor is what we call “g-race”. Certainly, a new level of grace will be required for another on-time supernatural flight (Acts 4:31-33).

    Please, never ascribe to luck or even hard-work what only the grace of God can procure. Every excelling greatness and noble accomplishment on earth are products of God’s grace. Joyous experiences of supernatural flight can only be by the power of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). And, once you receive the tangible grace of God, you become approved to win and begin to cruise unhindered on your pathway to the top.

    Most amazingly, God loves to give the rich benefits of His grace even to undeserving people, without demanding any compensation in return. Indeed, God’s grace is both un-earnable and un-repayable.

    What Is Grace?

    Grace is the tangible and undeniable hand of God on a man’s life and in all his affairs (Titus 2:11). God’s grace practically reflects in the lives of its carriers. Paul testified, “I am what I am by the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

    Grace is a divine bestowal that any believer can take advantage of in order to cruise through the obstacles of life. Grace is God’s ability in man’s inability, provoking a new level of glory and bringing God’s solution for man’s frustration and failure.

    It doesn’t matter how people see you. What really matters is how God sees you, and what level of His grace you have accessed. Your failings cannot make you a failure when God’s grace is in the picture.

    Please note that grace does jump upon the recipients only by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who breaks yokes of stagnation and every form of limitations in life. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, you cannot maintain the flow of grace in your life because every channel through which God’s grace flows requires the help of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7).

    What Happens When Grace Enables You?

    Grace is a major catalyst for supernatural performance. No matter how impossible things may appear to be, there shall be a performance for the man who has contacted God’s superlative grace.

    When grace locates you, it compels wondrous things to happen in style in your life, and you naturally become a man that cannot be ignored. You become too loaded to fail and too relevant to be sidelined. You also break through against all odds to fulfill your mission on the earth.

    God’s grace enables your success in any environment you find yourself. It is one of the vital mysteries that provoke supernatural breakthroughs on earth.

    Your breakthrough does not lie in your strength (1 Samuel 2:9), hard work (Psalm 127:1-2), or mental smartness (Ecclesiastes 9:11; John 3:27; Romans 9:16). Your breakthrough lies in the grace of God, because it is His grace that makes all the difference in any life.

    Nothing in life makes great like grace. You can never outgrow the grace of God, and there is no substitute for it on your supernatural flight to greatness. God said to Abraham, “I will make of thee a great nation…” (Genesis 12:2). Certainly, a day of favor is much more blissful than a thousand years of labor. I pray that, by grace, your destiny will start making a positive headway, in Jesus’ Name.

    Principles that Invigorate Grace

    We are great because God has made us great in Christ Jesus. However, we need to walk in some principles to ensure we are always what God wants us to be. And, the following will lubricate your covenant position with God, any day!

    The first principle that invigorates grace is the principle of our inheritance in Christ. Our new birth has engrafted onto us highflier status because of the supernatural life of God in us through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:17-20). And, we are partakers of the magnificent loftiness that is in Christ (Romans 8:17). That’s the platform from where God’s grace takes us on. Alleluia!

    Next to this is a lifestyle of righteousness and kingdom mindedness (Psalms 5:12; Ps.102:13-14). When God sees that you’re all out to glorify Him, He will imbue you with greater grace upon the earth.

    Besides, we must understand that honor precedes supernatural flight. When a man honours and loves the Lord, God will in turn honour him. Solomon honored God and he took his flight unto greatness (1 Kings 3:3; 11-12). God promoted him to such a high towering greatness that the Queen of Sheba, seeing him, almost lost her breath (1 Kings 10:4-5).

    Furthermore, your gifts and seed offerings are like miracle lifts for those who wish to take their flight unto higher heights of glory, honour and accomplishment on earth (Psalms 45:12). Isaac sowed and reaped a hundred fold and he became exceedingly great until he was envied by his peers (Genesis 26:12-14).

    Most certainly, we keep growing and waxing greater in grace for supernatural flight when we respect the principle of sowing: tithing, offerings, seeds of sacrifices, giving to the poor, giving our time and talents.

    However, we must beware of anti-grace viruses and forces that are out to frustrate and to corrupt the grace of God in our lives. Where they go unchecked, they can cause grace to fail or, somehow, become frustrated (Galatians 2:21; Hebrews 12:15).

    You don’t have to wait for grace to fail or become frustrated in your life; you should grow and mature in grace (2 Peter 3:18). You must ruthlessly deal with the viruses and the negative forces of sin, pride, prayerlessness,  ignorance, and lukewarmness, keeping them out of your life and even go forward to grow in grace.

    Friends, it is the grace of God that articulates and defines greatness. When grace grows in your life, your accomplishments equally grow in leaps and bounds, soaring unto lofty places. This underscores the importance of guarding and enabling growth of God’s grace upon our lives, which is most secure for those who are saved in Christ Jesus.

    Please open the door of your heart to Christ, today. Repent, accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour, be saved and enjoy a secure grace for supernatural flight. Happy Sunday!

     

    Akinola is the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Sango Ota, Ogun State.

     

  • It’s new dawn for the Church in Lagos – CAN

    It’s new dawn for the Church in Lagos – CAN

    By Adeola Ogunlade 

     

     

    The chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State chapter,  Bishop Stephen  Adegbite has said that amid  the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic recession in the country, 2021 is a new dawn and a new begining of great things for the church and by extension Nigeria.

    Adegbite gave this assurance of hope in his New Year’s message to Christians while meeting with the leadership of the Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) at the CAN secretariat in Lagos.

    He said for what has happen to humanity, Christian leaders must identify. We are going to extend love to everybody and bring them under the umbrella, so that we can move forward,” said Adegbite stating that there is presently a breath of fresh air in the Christian community in Lagos.

    According to the CAN chairman, the leadership of the Church will continue to stand; to protect and defend the interest of every Christian, church leaders and churches in Lagos, while sustaining the existing relationship between CAN and the state government.

    Adegbite stated further that with effective state administrative structure, Lagos CAN will work for the benefit of all Christians and there will be no miscarriage of justice among Christians and churches in the state.

    Read Also: No harm should befall Bishop Kukah, CAN warns Islamic forum

    He added that to honour and appreciate the labour of CAN past leaders, elders and fathers of faith in Lagos State, the new executive will embark on courtesy visits to past leaders and other Christian leaders who had contributed to CAN and Christianity in Lagos, irrespective of their denomination.

    Adegbite assured that, sanity had already been restored into Lagos CAN and it will be sustained. “Never again will there be wrong influence or leadership crisis in CAN Lagos State again”. According to him, healthy rotation arrangement among the major blocs in Lagos had been properly made and mutually agreed.

    The CAN chair states further that CAN as the umbrella organisation of Christians must collaborate with CPAN to promote Christianity and the image of Christ; and to promote the body of Christ. “We will work together and the name of the lord will be glorified. If we don’t do that, we have failed in our duties as ministers; officers of the body of Christ,” he said.

    Speaking on the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic and the planned lockdown by government, Adegbite said, “People are yet to recover from the first one, what then could warrant the second when adequate health facilities are not put in place to guarantee people’s safety”.

    According to him, government has failed the people with no adequate security of lives and other basic amenities of life. “Nigerians are fed up and should not be pushed to the wall to avoid angry reaction,” he stated.

    On the New Year, Adegbite assured Nigerians that there is hope for the country. “There is hope for Nigeria; despite the pandemic, despite the #endSARS protest and its attendant issues that we have seen, Nigeria will survive.

    “Nigeria is God’s own country, its God’s project; Nigeria will never become an abandoned project. God is with us in this land; the name of the lord that we have celebrated is Emmanuel: God is with us. 2021 will be a glorious year, a year of peace and joy,” he concludes.

    Gracious Akintayo, the president of CPAN, in response to Adegbite gave  assurances that members of the association will collaborate with CAN to project the Church positively.

    According to Akintayo, CPAN is ready to partner and work with maximum cooperation with CAN to achieve the mandate of the Church in Lagos.

  • ‘Take heed’, Akinosun warns leaders as he bows out of CAC

    ‘Take heed’, Akinosun warns leaders as he bows out of CAC

    By Gboyega Alaka

     

     

    THE immediate past president of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun, has called on leaders in Nigeria to take heed and work in the best interest of their flock.

    He made this call in his New year/farewell message made available to The Nation, as he exited the exalted post.

    Akinosun appreciated his right-hand man and successor, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, whom he described as ‘astute’, for his magnanimity in allowing him bid members farewell, even when his tenure has ended.

    He appreciated God for leading him and his flock through the turbulent year 2020 unscathed,’ and prayed that the year 2021 will be “a year of abundant blessing, peace, happiness, progress and prosperity for everyone.”

    Addressing ‘leaders at all levels,’ the revered Man of God said: “In this onerous duty, I will apply the valedictory message of Saint Paul as he was about to depart Ephesus, where he had worked and ministered to the people for several years.”

    “TAKE HEED. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to your flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood – Acts 20:28.

    ”I want to appeal to all leaders in various categories of leadership in all organisations to take heed to themselves. Why am I addressing leaders? I am doing this because like I said earlier, God has made me to gain some insight into what leadership truly is. From my experience, I have come to realise that the role of a leader is to take people from where they are, to where they ought to be. … It follows, therefore, that a leader must have a clear vision of where he is taking those he leads.”

    He therefore charged all leaders to “wake up to their God-ordained duty,” while advising them to take time to re-examine themselves.

    “A leader ought to examine himself if he truly has a vision of where the people ought to be. … What promises did you hold out to those you are leading? Are you capable of delivering those promises?”

    He said the Nigerian society has become rotten “because leaders often forget to self examine themselves”, adding that “Society or an organisation would stagnate and decay when leaders are docile and are unable to critically examine themselves.”

    He said “what most people who find themselves in power fail to realise is that God placed a heavy premium on promises freely made” and “will take you into account for every word that comes out of your mouth. He backed this up with the message in Deut.32.21.

    On the part of the apostle’s message that said, ‘Take heed to yourselves and to your flocks,’  Akinosun said the analogy of the flock speaks to the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd, which bothers on welfare: ”The sheep relies heavily on the shepherd for its sustenance and protection. He leads the flock to the field to feed… and protects them against savage predator beasts.”

    He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take radical steps to manage the economy well and turn things around for the better.

    Describing the statistics of unemployment in the country, which stood at 27.1% at the 2nd quarter of 2020 as ‘scary’ and largely responsible for the recent #EndSARS protest, Akinosun said, “If those people who gathered at Lekki toll gate that October week had been fully employed, the gathering of protesters would be so insignificant that their presence would have little impact.”

    He commended the government’s efforts in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, even as he noted that this is not to say that the country’s healthcare system has been anything near accurate.

  • Nigerian Christians need pray more if… Bishop Odedeji

    Nigerian Christians need pray more if… Bishop Odedeji

    By Adeola Ogunlade

     

    THE Lord Bishop Diocese of Lagos West of the Anglican Communion, RT. Reverend Dr. James Olushola Odedeji, has urged the Nigerian Christians to pray more for those in position of authority and a united Nigeria.

    The clergy made this call at the centenary celebration of the ST. John’s Anglican Church Iju Ishaga, an Archdeaconry under the Diocese of Lagos West.

    In his words: “ I believe so much that if Christian’s can pray Nigeria will not be what we have today.

    “Faith is not necessarily what you confess but what you put into action and the Bible tells us that faith without work is dead.

    “So Christians should be Christians not only by mouth but by our righteous living, by our fruit bearing attitudes,by our being accommodating believing that others should also survive and this is what the bible tells us as Christians.

    “So when those things are put in place Nigeria will be good. I believe in Nigeria, I know the worse cannot happen, I know the Lord will rescue this nation and I can tell you that very soon the kingdom of God will reign supreme in this nation.

    “Let us continue to pray for the government and those in position of authority they need our prayers. They are as human as anybody, we know we have so many problems but God is abundantly able to deliver those who trust in him.

    Bishop Odedeji also charged stakeholders and members of the Archdeaconry with eleven churches under it, to harness the huge potentials for better projection of the Anglican  communion within their vicinity.

    “Forward ever backward never,they have potentials they have to spread the good news,they must ensure that the news of the Gospel continues.

     

  • The dynamics of supernatural flight

    The dynamics of supernatural flight

    By Bishop Taiwo Akinola

    Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? – Isaiah 60:8.

    Introduction:

     

    Each new year comes with new windows of opportunity to start all over again. Opportunities to recover our commitment to God and to serve Him better; opportunities to revisit our visions, to learn, unlearn, and relearn; opportunities to build, to rebuild, to be blessed and become a blessing to others; opportunities to prosper, to shine brighter for Christ and to be better prepared for eternity, and so on.

    No matter how bad your past has been, you can still enjoy a new, beautiful beginning. However, a new beginning does not just happen; it has to be critically defined, and you are a major force in determining it!  Just like the Prodigal Son did to change his estate of misery and woe, you must spread your spiritual wings before you can expect to fly to higher heights in destiny (Luke 15:18-19).

    You don’t have to wait any longer for some accidental occurrences, you can rise up and put an end to stagnation in your life! Stop wishing for a wonderful job; if no one employs you, employ yourself! But, this beautiful choice must be personal to you, or else your spiritual planes may not be ready yet to fly.

     

    Identifying What Flying Means to You

     

    Flying supernaturally means different things to different people and in different places, depending on what you are looking for in life and your specific calling or core assignment on earth.

    Flying is defined dependent on who you are: an athlete, a journalist, a farmer, a student, a trained professional, a politician, an astute business tycoon, a civil servant, a mature and far-sighted Christian worker, a New Testament preacher, or just a common citizen with no dream in particular.

    To many, flying means becoming better, stronger and richer in the processes of advancing destiny, accomplishing luxuriantly and becoming famous in the society. However, there are some common trends that define supernatural flight in the genuine believer’s heart.

    For example, true believers would want to overcome anything that could keep them away from serving God, lovingly. We all wish to discover and live up to our full potentials in Christ; to be healthy and prosperous, spiritually and materially, and to stay atop as distinctive blessings to our world. Above all, we all wish to mature in Christlikeness, and to enjoy total victory over sin, Satan, sicknesses, fear and all forms of oppression.

    Whatever, we all must take seriously the challenges of the supernatural realm. Supernatural flight cannot happen without the performances of the Holy Spirit, the Most Important Entity in the realm of supernatural operations (Acts 13:2).

     

    Our Secure Platforms for Supernatural Flight

     

    God’s people are spiritually set to sit on high above all nations of the earth. In fact, we are empowered to overtake the old order and manifest the realities of God’s supernatural blessings everywhere we go (Deuteronomy 28:1-3).

    However, it is our decision to comply with the set conditions that guarantees our entitlements (Isaiah 1:19). And, in moments of such decisions, human destinies are shaped. We may not be able to change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust and readjust our sails to reach our destination.

    Meanwhile, God is our most secure Guarantor for supernatural flight (Matthew 6:33). And, it takes His empowerment to fly above the cloud (Deuteronomy 32:10-12; Acts 1:8).

    Heaven gives its glimpses only to those not in a position to look sacrilegiously on, or become over-familiar with, spiritual matters. Most certainly, it is people who maintain allegiance to God that will eventually develop useful abilities (2 Timothy 2:2).

    David followed that order! God found him in the wilderness, and He made a big show out of his life (1 Samuel 13:14). To fly like Moses, Paul, Joseph, Daniel, Ruth and Esther of the Bible, we will do well to fasten the banners of faithful commitment to God on the sleeves of our daily living (1 Corinthians 9:16; Ruth 1:17; Numbers 12:6-7).

    Moreover, suitable knowledge is quintessential to supernatural flight. Everything in life thrives on knowledge. What you don’t know, will cost you something: stagnation, frustration and devastation (Isaiah 5:13, Hosea 4:6).

    Learners are earners! Yet, learning is not child’s play, and most times, we cannot learn things of value without pain. Many are struggling today because they aren’t really ready to learn from those who have knowledge (Acts 3:6).

    Resolve in your mind today to start learning at the feet of God-accredited faith Masters. That’s how flight giants are raised! But it takes humility to embrace this fact and to spread out your spiritual wings to pursue it.

     

    Spreading Our Spiritual Wings to Fly

     

    God’s children can always find their wings and fly, even in the midst of difficult circumstances (Isaiah 40:31; Psalms 55:6). In fact, God sometimes uses unpleasant or stressful situations to push us to the edge of our current nests.

    Notwithstanding, in order to engage supernatural flight, you must painstakingly crystalize your desire to fly above all circumstances of life. Desire is a destiny enforcer that cannot be easily stopped, and your desire is what prepares you for supernatural flight  (Psalms 21:2: 145:19).

    Whereas, some Christians today are so glaringly chicken-hearted about supernatural flight, yet, anyone can still reconnect to paths of flight freedom by identifying and bastardizing phobia and excuses. Like Shadrack, Meshack & Abednego, we must debase the worst things that could happen on the trajectories of our supernatural flights.

    Against the threat of death, the three Hebrews said their God would deliver them, but that even if He didn’t, they would still not bow to a false god. At long last, they became instant heroes of faith.

    Spread your spiritual wings to fly. Stretch yourself. Be willing to move beyond your regular comfort zone. Worry less. Trust God more. When God sees that all you want is to glorify Him, He will empower you to succeed!

    Those who are chickens by nature will never fly very high, because they are nature-limited. But then, it is also nature-dictated for the eagles to fly far higher than any other bird. Certainly, it is the birthright of every child of God to live the supernatural lifestyle in all contexts.

    Our faithful Father-God is waiting for us to fly, to His glory (Deuteronomy 32:11). We must also wait on Him, listen for His voice and watch for His nudge. The freedom to fly is in the trusting!

    Abraham decided to fly with his wings of faith, and the ultimate result is what is often referred to as Abraham’s blessings, of which we all are partakers today (Genesis 12; Galatians 3:13-14). Alleluia!

    Friends and brethren, by virtue of your new birth in Jesus Christ, you’re a spiritual eagle. Flying is your heritage by redemption. You are a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. You won’t miss this, in Jesus Name. Amen.

     

    Bishop Taiwo Akinola is the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Sango Ota, Ogun State, NIGERIA

     

  • Christians charged to light the world with love, hope

    Christians charged to light the world with love, hope

    By Omolara Akintoye

    Nigerians have been urged to light the world with love and hope despite the ravaging coronavirus pandemic in the Yuledtide.

    Speaking at the launch of the “Light the world” campaign tagged 2020 Light the World One by One by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints held in Lagos, the Presiding Officer, Area- Seventy, Elder Chigbundu, said the Church is lighting up the world from December 1-25 with various activities.

    Such activities, he said, entail giving hope to the hopeless, caring for the needy, the sick, celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus, among others.

    “The program is an initiative of the church and we want other denominations to join us to celebrate the Lord Jesus.

    “This period is a season of Christmas, a season when Jesus was born, this December, the promise remains the same.

    “As we serve others the way Jesus served, we can end this year on a hopeful note. The light of hope still shines bright even with this pandemic, find time to light the world,” Chigbundu, who was represented by Stake President, Agege Stake, Asuquo Udobong, said.

    Director, Public Affairs of the church, Mr. Ikpe Nkanang, said the Yuledtide should be used as new opportunities to # Light the world.

    READ ALSO: Church preaches family values for peaceful coexistence

    While urging all to show love and care to others at this period, Nkanang enjoined everyone to spend wisely at this period.

    Managing Director, The Sun Publishing Ltd. Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, said the phrase ‘Light the world’ is an implication that the world is in darkness.”

    The darkness, he explained, is “because a time of total degeneration fathers are raping their daughters, mothers are luring their sons, homosexuality is very rampant, this is no doubt perilous times. Hence the need for light.

    “Light connotes holiness, goodness, and for us to be light of the world, we must do those things that Jesus wants us to do, put God first in whatever you do, and be grateful to God for all that He has done. Shun evil and be ready to help others.

    “Even with the pandemic that is still ravaging the world, we must have compassion and love for others and be ready to render help to others at this time,” Onuoha said.

  • Possessing the gates of the enemies (2)

    Possessing the gates of the enemies (2)

    By Bishop Taiwo Akinola  

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure ….. think on these things ~ Philippians 4:8.

     

    Introduction: It is quintessential to biblical Christianity that we all become exact in the spiritual art of warring and possessing the gates of our enemies. And, as pointed out in the immediate past edition of this column, the believer must govern his mind in a military way against the brute forces of negative thoughts, negative imaginations and fear. By all means, we must keep Satan out of the lobes of our minds.

    The reason for this is not far-fetched. One major instrument Satan uses to erect his fortresses, and hence entrench himself in the lives of men, is negative thoughts. Negative thoughts remove happiness, and release negative emotions such as worry, depression, fear and so on. And, when fear comes, all doors of goodness are shut (John 20:19).

    Contrariwise, positive thoughts generate positive emotions such as courage, excitement, joy, faith and timeless victory. Furthermore, real peace precipitates on good thoughts and it generates an emotional state of mind where nothing is missing or broken irreparably.

    In particular, thoughts that are hinged on the Word of God have both power and capability to subdue all forms of negative thoughts if we give it a right of way in our heart (Romans 8:6).

    It is all-time important, therefore, that we embrace the truth of God’s Word to govern our emotions in order to enjoy the incredible peace that only God gives (John 14:1). And, primarily, such liberating truth is derived from a clear understanding of God’s Word and the accomplished works of Jesus Christ.

    From Colossians 1:12-17, we understand that all things were created by Jesus Christ, and for Jesus Christ. This is the strong truth every member of the body of Christ should fully internalize because it is by the reason of this truth that our position of victory in Christ Jesus is firmly secured. Certainly, no one is as privileged as God’s covenant children.

    Flowing from the scripture above, the following three things happen to God’s children simultaneously:

    Firstly, a power is working within us that cannot submit to the devil, principalities, might, and every name that is named including such horrid names like barrenness, confusion, cancer, tribulations, debt and death. This was what Paul affirmed when he said, in Romans 8:37, ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us’. This same truth is painted with sacred vividness in Ephesians 1:15-22 and Ephesians 3:10-20.

    Secondly, we are raised above all things, and all things are put under our feet. This is the truth that unravels the mystery of our dominion in Christ, whereby we carry an impartation for mastery that puts all things under our control, now. And, for this fact, anything that attempts to lord it over you must be stretching its luck too far!

    Thirdly, by certain mysteries of godliness, we are made to be one with Christ. We died with Christ when He died on the Cross. We were raised up with Him, and are now seated together with Him in heavenly places, far above all powers of the adversary. Yes, these mysteries are too deep to be fully comprehended by ordinary mortal minds, but they are stated facts from heaven, and are fully embraced by all well-informed believers as a mainstay of our dominion rights in Christ.

    Meanwhile, without fear of stating the obvious, I must insist that we cannot afford to ignore or toy with our sacred position in dominion, because anyone that refuses to dominate will certainly be dominated upon by circumstances he may not understand and cannot control.

    As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called to tirelessly dominate over all adversaries until all things are put under our feet and all enemies are vanquished. But, your faith is an essential companion in your exercise of dominion. It is your faith that releases the unprecedented capabilities required to fully possess the gates of the enemies.

    Exercising Faith In Possessing the Enemy’s Gate

    Faith is very decisive to the results you attract in spiritual warfare. It is a spiritual virtue to live by (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17).

    Real faith is an unconditional confidence in the integrity of God, and a total reliance upon His Word. It is not a head feeling, but a heart-assurance and a sure covenant anchor that ties you to covenant blessings, and does not allow you to drift away from your positions of victory, no matter the storms of life or the assaults from the gates of hell. Your faith is your sure shield in times of siege and spiritual conflict.

    Whatever you’re going through at any material time – seemingly difficult or even impossible situations – hinge your faith on God as your valid insurance against shame and failure (Hebrews 10:22). You will need it in due course, please keep your faith close to your heart.

    Meanwhile, your ‘faith’ is not faith unless it is the only thing you are holding on to. Your joy, boasts, enthusiasm and boldness should rest upon God and not on your possessions or personal merits.

    Moreover, in whatever situation you find yourself, just hope in God. We cannot live without it, for as oxygen is to the body, hope is to the soul. Hope is also a gift like faith or love. And, since it is of God, hope enables one to find a way to make things right in spite of obstacles.

    Finally, my brethren, reach out with your sword, today (2 Corinthians 6:7). Stand on your ground of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Be patient and endure as you obey the Lord (2 Timothy 2:3). Your obedience will approve you for victory any day before the Lord, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!

     

    Bishop Taiwo Akinola is the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church,

    Sango Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

     

    Connect with Bishop Akinola via these channels:

     

    Email: bishopakinola@yahoo.com

    Twitter: www.twitter.com/bishopakinola

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/bishopakinola

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/bishopakinola

    YouTube: www.youtube.com/rhemaworldonline

    Website: www.rhemaworldonline.org

  • Engaging the power of love for supernatural breakthrough!

    Engaging the power of love for supernatural breakthrough!

    Bishop David Oyedepo

     

    WELCOME to the concluding part of this teaching! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: Engaging the Power of Love for Supernatural Breakthrough!

    From Scriptures, we understand that God’s breakthrough agenda covers all areas of life. As it is written, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). The second part of that scripture is referring to our redemption, the Bible says, Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:30). Thus, we have all been freely justified by the blood of Jesus, but among the justified, all things are ordained to keep working together for their good. All things include: spiritual, financial, health, family, business, and career things. Therefore, we cannot suffer breakdown with the love of God burning in our hearts; His proven love makes us breakthrough personalities. God cannot prosper a man that has no heart for Him; He checks our hearts to determine what we can successfully carry in our hands without losing our souls (Jeremiah 17:10). Furthermore, we must also understand that breakthrough will only deliver by faith, and faith will not deliver beyond the level of our love for God (Matthew 9:29). Therefore, pursuing after God and the interest of His Kingdom, which is the capital proof of our love for God, is what makes a believer a breakthrough personality.

    Then, what is in Love that Engenders Supernatural Breakthrough?

    • It is the Breeding Ground for Strong Faith: Strong faith is a product of a large heart for God and it comes from unusual insight into the Word (John 15:15). Concerning Abraham, the Bible says, He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:20-21). Love provides us access to unusual insight that makes strong men and enable them operate in the realm of strong faith (Deuteronomy 29:29). Thus, it is not how hard we work but how much our hearts are connected to God. With our love for God, we cannot be taken for a ride by the devil (Matthew 22:37-40).
    • It Empowers us for Delightsome and Tireless Obedience: Every provision of the Kingdom is only accessible through obedience of faith. However, it is love that empowers us to obey God in season and out of season (1 John 5:3). When we delight in obeying God, love is speaking in our inside. Abraham is a perfect example of delightsome obedience. At seventy-five, God told him to leave his father’s house and without knowing where he was going, he left (Genesis 12:1-4). He was a hundred years old when he had his son and after waiting that long, the Lord asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Without having a conversation with Sarah, he went on that journey the following morning and as a result, he secured transgenerational blessings that is still speaking today (Genesis 22:1-3). Love is like a lubricant; it empowers our obedience with uttermost ease.
    • Love makes Believers Indestructible: Love is the strongest life insurance. As it is written, And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16). When we dwell in love, we are hid in God and He is hid in us; so, we are wrapped up with God. That means, when there is something inside that wants to destroy us, God inside us will fight it and if there is anything outside, God outside will deal with it. Also, as we grow in love, we grow into the length, breadth, height, and the depth of the love of God and as such, we are filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). With the love of God at work in the lives of the three Hebrews boys, the fire had no effect on them (Daniel 3:16-28). Love is indestructible (Song of Solomon 8:6-7). One of the addicted lovers of Christ in the New Testament was Paul the Apostle, he died so many times but they did not bury him. He was lost in the deep one night and one day, but he came out and went about his business (2 Corinthians 11:25). They stoned him and left him to die, but he stood and left for his next assignment (Acts 14:19-20). Thus, when we are genuinely in love with God, we become indestructible.

    In conclusion, without a heart for God, we cannot enjoy supernatural breakthrough in our endeavours. However, it is not enough to be in love; we must stay and grow in love. Therefore, to enjoy supernatural breakthrough, you must be born again. If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following 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 personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, get my books: Following the Path of the Eagle, Exploring the Secrets of Success, Ruling your world, Success Buttons, Success Strategies, and Success Systems.  I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:55 a.m., 9:50 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. respectively. Also, you can join our live services via Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @Davidoyedepomin, Instagram: davidoyedepomin, YouTube: Domi Stream, Hebron 95.9 FM, Winners World App, Impact Africa TV (on Startimes and NigComSat), Domi Radio and via the Church Satellite. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: dphprints@gmail.com.