Sunday 24 July 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
When God choose to be silent (Part IV)
Beloved, you are welcome to another week that the Lord has made, and we shall all rejoice and be glad in it in Jesus name. for three weeks now, God has been helping us to identify and discuss those things that could make Him hide His face or keep silent at a person, church and/or nation when they call on Him. We listed fourteen things, and it could be more, but today we shall concentrate on what we can do to re-establish communication with God.
Every child of God who experiences a long silence from God, must begin a thorough examination of self (2 Cor 13:5), to see if there is anywhere his/her 'ALTAR' has been broken down, with a view to repairing it through complete repentance and pleading the mercy of God. A complete rededication of life to God and determination never to go back to past vomit must also be the next action. Very importantly, great attention must be paid on Heart Preparation. Prayer has its roots in the heart as it is what God gives the most concern.
“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” – 1 Sam 16:7
The heart is the altar upon which sacrifices of praise and the incense of prayers are offered. In fact what guarantees God's response to you is what goes in your heart.
“Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard” – 1 Sam 1:13
It is required that your heart must be set for an encounter with God when you pray. God responds to your thoughts as much as He does to your speech. That means your words and thoughts weigh the same in His sight (Eph 3:20; Matt 9:3-4)
If a communication link with God must be established, the heart must be prepared in purity (Ps 24:3-4; Isa 59:1-3; Ps 66:18) – The truth is that if your heart is impure, God would hide from you. Thorough consecration is the key that attracts answers from heaven (2 Tim 2:19).
Again and very importantly, be offence-free. As you prepare your heart to approach God in prayer, guard against offences, murmur, complaints and grudges against God and man. God will not answer you when your prayers are full of complaints and offences against Him.
“Woe unto him that striveth with his maker” – Isa 45:9; Job 9:4
Apostle Paul guarded against this: “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards man” – Acts 24:16
To get God's attention, make forgiveness your lifestyle. Until you free that man or woman, God will not forgive you or hear your own cry for mercy, oppression or affliction.
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” – Matt 6:12
“If any man say I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar….” – 1 Jn 4:20
We shall conclude by next week by recommending some prayer boosters that can help facilitate effective prayer that can attract God's speedy response. God bless you!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
Beloved, you are welcome to another week that the Lord has made, and we shall all rejoice and be glad in it in Jesus name. for three weeks now, God has been helping us to identify and discuss those things that could make Him hide His face or keep silent at a person, church and/or nation when they call on Him. We listed fourteen things, and it could be more, but today we shall concentrate on what we can do to re-establish communication with God.
Every child of God who experiences a long silence from God, must begin a thorough examination of self (2 Cor 13:5), to see if there is anywhere his/her 'ALTAR' has been broken down, with a view to repairing it through complete repentance and pleading the mercy of God. A complete rededication of life to God and determination never to go back to past vomit must also be the next action. Very importantly, great attention must be paid on Heart Preparation. Prayer has its roots in the heart as it is what God gives the most concern.
“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” – 1 Sam 16:7
The heart is the altar upon which sacrifices of praise and the incense of prayers are offered. In fact what guarantees God's response to you is what goes in your heart.
“Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard” – 1 Sam 1:13
It is required that your heart must be set for an encounter with God when you pray. God responds to your thoughts as much as He does to your speech. That means your words and thoughts weigh the same in His sight (Eph 3:20; Matt 9:3-4)
If a communication link with God must be established, the heart must be prepared in purity (Ps 24:3-4; Isa 59:1-3; Ps 66:18) – The truth is that if your heart is impure, God would hide from you. Thorough consecration is the key that attracts answers from heaven (2 Tim 2:19).
Again and very importantly, be offence-free. As you prepare your heart to approach God in prayer, guard against offences, murmur, complaints and grudges against God and man. God will not answer you when your prayers are full of complaints and offences against Him.
“Woe unto him that striveth with his maker” – Isa 45:9; Job 9:4
Apostle Paul guarded against this: “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards man” – Acts 24:16
To get God's attention, make forgiveness your lifestyle. Until you free that man or woman, God will not forgive you or hear your own cry for mercy, oppression or affliction.
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” – Matt 6:12
“If any man say I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar….” – 1 Jn 4:20
We shall conclude by next week by recommending some prayer boosters that can help facilitate effective prayer that can attract God's speedy response. God bless you!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
HYMN
BLESSED SAVIOUR WHAT SHALL WE BRING?
Chorus:
Blessed Saviour, what shall we bring?
Blessed Saviour, what shall we bring?
Blessed Saviour, what shall we bring?
To offer to the King
The wise may bring their learning,
the rich may bring their wealth,
And some may bring their greatness,
and some bring strength and health;
We, too, would bring our treasures
to offer to the King;
We have no wealth or learning;
what shall we children bring?
We'll bring Him hearts that love Him;
we'll bring Him thankful praise,
And young souls meekly striving
to walk in holy ways;
And these shall be the treasures
we offer to the King,
And these are gifts that even
the poorest child may bring.
We'll bring the little duties
we have to do each day;
We'll try our best to please Him,
at home, at school, at play;
And better are these treasures
to offer to our King;
Than richest gifts without them
yet these a child may bring
Chorus:
Blessed Saviour, what shall we bring?
Blessed Saviour, what shall we bring?
Blessed Saviour, what shall we bring?
To offer to the King
The wise may bring their learning,
the rich may bring their wealth,
And some may bring their greatness,
and some bring strength and health;
We, too, would bring our treasures
to offer to the King;
We have no wealth or learning;
what shall we children bring?
We'll bring Him hearts that love Him;
we'll bring Him thankful praise,
And young souls meekly striving
to walk in holy ways;
And these shall be the treasures
we offer to the King,
And these are gifts that even
the poorest child may bring.
We'll bring the little duties
we have to do each day;
We'll try our best to please Him,
at home, at school, at play;
And better are these treasures
to offer to our King;
Than richest gifts without them
yet these a child may bring
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: Building with Passion
TEXT: Nehemiah 1 - 6
FOCUS: Attitude, Availability, Caring, Commitment, Influence, Zealousness.
Memory Verse: Nehemiah 4:14
LESSON OUTLINE
1. THE PASSION OF A BUILDER
2. THE PREPARATION OF A BUILDER
3. THE PARTNERS OF A BUILDER
4. OPPOSITION AND OBSTACLES
5. THE SUCCESS OF THE BUILDER
TEXT: Nehemiah 1 - 6
FOCUS: Attitude, Availability, Caring, Commitment, Influence, Zealousness.
Memory Verse: Nehemiah 4:14
LESSON OUTLINE
1. THE PASSION OF A BUILDER
2. THE PREPARATION OF A BUILDER
3. THE PARTNERS OF A BUILDER
4. OPPOSITION AND OBSTACLES
5. THE SUCCESS OF THE BUILDER
MORNING MANNA
THEME: The True Perception of the Church
TOPIC: The Called Out People
TEXT: 1 Pt 2:9-10; Eph 2:19; Col 1:13
TOPIC: The Called Out People
TEXT: 1 Pt 2:9-10; Eph 2:19; Col 1:13
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Next Sunday: Special Sunday/Anointing service
2. House fellowship holds at our various centres by 5pm
3. Bible study holds by 6pm on Wednesdays, don’t miss it.
4. The 4th night of our 14-nights vigil holds this Friday, 29th July, 2016 by 11pm prompt.
5. Evangelism business meeting holds immediately after Friday vigil.
2. House fellowship holds at our various centres by 5pm
3. Bible study holds by 6pm on Wednesdays, don’t miss it.
4. The 4th night of our 14-nights vigil holds this Friday, 29th July, 2016 by 11pm prompt.
5. Evangelism business meeting holds immediately after Friday vigil.
Saturday 18 June 2016
PASTOR'S REFELCTION
THE DECISION OF TWO FATHERS
Abraham and Lot lived together as close relatives until the time when they had to separate for:“the land was not able to bear them that they might dwell together; for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell, as there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the headsmen of Lot's cattle…” – Gen 13:6-7.
As they agreed to separate, Abraham allowed Lot to choose first where to go. The cat of separation brought out a decisive difference in the Two men – a difference of vision.\
“And Lot lifted up his eyes and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere….even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt…” – Gen 13:10
Lot's vision determined the choice he took. He was obviously attracted to the wealth, prosperity and fertility of Sodom and did not consider the extreme sinfulness and perversion of the people of Sodom. He was a man of now, and walked by sight.
While Abraham's vision went beyond the things of now, out of this world, into an eternal future: “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb 11:10)
Abraham made his choices in life with his eyes fixed on an eternal destination while Lot on the other hand saw no further than his present surroundings.
Some years later, the nations of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God, and Lot managed to escape alive, with only his two unmarried daughters and lived the remainder of his life in the mountains. He ended up regrettably becoming a father of the two sons of his daughters (Gen 19:35-38).
Beloved, it is very clear to us, that Lot made a wrong choice and would have deeply regretted it. As a father and husband, as you are celebrating the father's day today, have you closely watched the choices and decisions you have been making for your family? Are you giving your family eternal purposes and standards to live by or are you compromising standards for the sake of material prosperity and worldly success? This is another opportunity to reconsider choices and decisions already taken before it becomes late.
Wishing all our fathers a happy father's day and God's grace to make good choices that will focus on eternity.
I also use this opportunity to remember one of our fathers who celebrated with us last year on this occasion, acted the part of a landlord in a drama presented by our men and fathers in the church. He was a good father, a great man, committed worker and tither and loved by all in Solution Centre.
Bro Samson Afremu was called home by the Lord in April, 2016. He lived a short time but ended well and is with the Lord. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. I miss you dearly my co-labourer and spiritual son.
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
HYMN
WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But his smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil he doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of his love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor he shows, and the joy he bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet,
Or we will walk by his side in the way;
What he says we will do, where he sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But his smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil he doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of his love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor he shows, and the joy he bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet,
Or we will walk by his side in the way;
What he says we will do, where he sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: FATHERHOOD: TRUTHS FROM TWO TALES (FATHER’S DAY)
TEXT: 2 Sam 18:5-9,31-33; Lk 15:11-32
CENTRAL TRUTH: As fathers we share God’s nature of Fatherhood, this must be demonstrable in our relationship with our children.
Memory Verse: Luke 15:22 & 24
LESSON OUTLINE
1. THE TALE OF A REBELLIOUS SON
2. THE TALE OF A RECKLESS SON
3. TRUTHS FROM THE TALES
TEXT: 2 Sam 18:5-9,31-33; Lk 15:11-32
CENTRAL TRUTH: As fathers we share God’s nature of Fatherhood, this must be demonstrable in our relationship with our children.
Memory Verse: Luke 15:22 & 24
LESSON OUTLINE
1. THE TALE OF A REBELLIOUS SON
2. THE TALE OF A RECKLESS SON
3. TRUTHS FROM THE TALES
MORNING MANNER
THEME: The Teachings of The Beatitudes
TOPIC: Not everyone that call Lord, Lord is of God.
TEXT: Matt 7:21-23; Lk 10:20
TOPIC: Not everyone that call Lord, Lord is of God.
TEXT: Matt 7:21-23; Lk 10:20
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Bible study holds by 6pm on Wednesdays, don’t miss it.
2. House fellowship holds at our various centres by 5pm
3. Our loyalty month still continues next Sunday.
4. Our Solution Night holds this Friday by 11pm.
2. House fellowship holds at our various centres by 5pm
3. Our loyalty month still continues next Sunday.
4. Our Solution Night holds this Friday by 11pm.
Sunday 12 June 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
LOYALTY IN SERVICE
God wants us not only to be loyal to Him at all times, but also to give Him undivided service. He wants us to be sold out entirely in serving Him and Him alone, not minding the cost. To God, service is one of the fundamental ways of worshipping and expressing undivided loyalty to Him. It therefore means that if you cannot give Him your all in service, then you are not altogether loyal to Him,.
Funny enough, Satan is also competing for both worship and service from man (Matt 4:8-10). The truth is that if Satan demanded this from Jesus, he will do so from nay man. He is on daily basis competing with God for lordship and authority. Surprisingly, many supposedly children of God are already serving him. His mission is to frustrate every move to give God undivided service by:
· Bringing diverse temptations from money, women and men along your way;
· Keeping you bound with diverse problems and distractions;
· Getting you too busy as not to leave enough time for God;
· Getting you satisfied or complacent with your level of spiritual height, even when you are not truly born again.
However, in this loyalty month, we have another opportunity to take a determined resolution like the Israelites in the days of Joshua…..The LORD our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey (Josh 24:24).
May the Lord God help us!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh
God wants us not only to be loyal to Him at all times, but also to give Him undivided service. He wants us to be sold out entirely in serving Him and Him alone, not minding the cost. To God, service is one of the fundamental ways of worshipping and expressing undivided loyalty to Him. It therefore means that if you cannot give Him your all in service, then you are not altogether loyal to Him,.
Funny enough, Satan is also competing for both worship and service from man (Matt 4:8-10). The truth is that if Satan demanded this from Jesus, he will do so from nay man. He is on daily basis competing with God for lordship and authority. Surprisingly, many supposedly children of God are already serving him. His mission is to frustrate every move to give God undivided service by:
· Bringing diverse temptations from money, women and men along your way;
· Keeping you bound with diverse problems and distractions;
· Getting you too busy as not to leave enough time for God;
· Getting you satisfied or complacent with your level of spiritual height, even when you are not truly born again.
However, in this loyalty month, we have another opportunity to take a determined resolution like the Israelites in the days of Joshua…..The LORD our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey (Josh 24:24).
May the Lord God help us!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Arise, O compatriots
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom
Peace and unity
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom
Peace and unity
THE ANTHEM OF FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH
Foursquare we stand for the living word
For the word of God
Telling to all the story of Jesus, stem of Jesse's rod
Man of sorrow and of grief, dying on the tree
Mighty Redeemer, glorious Saviour
Jesus of Calvary
Chorus
Preach the Foursquare Gospel
The Foursquare Gospel
Clear let the Foursquare message ring
(Let it ring)
Jesus only Saviour, Baptizer and Healer
Jesus the coming King
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
IT PAYS TO SERVE JESUS
It pays to serve Jesus, I speak from my heart,
He'll always be with us, if we do our part
There's naught in this wide world can pleasure afford;
There's peace and contentment in serving the Lord.
CHORUS
I love Him far better than in days of yore
I'll serve Him more truly than ever before,
I'll do as He bids me, whatever the cost,
I'll be a true soldier, I'll die at my post.
And oft when I'm tempted to turn from the track,
I think of my Saviour, my mind wanders back
To the place where they nailed Him on Calvary's tree.
I heard a voice saying, "I suffered for thee."
A place I remember where I was set free,
'Twas where I found pardon, a heaven to me.
There Jesus spoke sweetly to my weary soul,
My sins were forgiven, He made my heart whole.
How rich is the blessing the world cannot give,
I'm satisfied fully for Jesus to live;
Though friends may forsake me and trial arise,
I am trusting Jesus, His love never dies.
There is no one like Jesus can cheer me today.
His love and His kindness can ne'er fade away,
In winter and summer, in sunshine and rain,
His love and affection are always the same.
It pays to serve Jesus, I speak from my heart,
He'll always be with us, if we do our part
There's naught in this wide world can pleasure afford;
There's peace and contentment in serving the Lord.
CHORUS
I love Him far better than in days of yore
I'll serve Him more truly than ever before,
I'll do as He bids me, whatever the cost,
I'll be a true soldier, I'll die at my post.
And oft when I'm tempted to turn from the track,
I think of my Saviour, my mind wanders back
To the place where they nailed Him on Calvary's tree.
I heard a voice saying, "I suffered for thee."
A place I remember where I was set free,
'Twas where I found pardon, a heaven to me.
There Jesus spoke sweetly to my weary soul,
My sins were forgiven, He made my heart whole.
How rich is the blessing the world cannot give,
I'm satisfied fully for Jesus to live;
Though friends may forsake me and trial arise,
I am trusting Jesus, His love never dies.
There is no one like Jesus can cheer me today.
His love and His kindness can ne'er fade away,
In winter and summer, in sunshine and rain,
His love and affection are always the same.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: PARTNER WITH OTHERS
TEXT: Phil 1:1-2,19-30; 4:15-20
CENTRAL TRUTH: Partnering with others helps us accelerate spiritual maturity and Ministry.
Memory Verse: Phil 2:22
LESSON OUTLINE
1. APPRECIATE MINISTRY PARTNERS
2. ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNIZE FELLOW LEADERS
3. SUPPORT BY YOUR GIVING
TEXT: Phil 1:1-2,19-30; 4:15-20
CENTRAL TRUTH: Partnering with others helps us accelerate spiritual maturity and Ministry.
Memory Verse: Phil 2:22
LESSON OUTLINE
1. APPRECIATE MINISTRY PARTNERS
2. ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNIZE FELLOW LEADERS
3. SUPPORT BY YOUR GIVING
MORNING MANNER
THEME: The Teachings of The Beatitudes
TOPIC: A Tree and Its Fruits
TEXT: Matt 7:15-23; 1 Jhn 4:1-3
TOPIC: A Tree and Its Fruits
TEXT: Matt 7:15-23; 1 Jhn 4:1-3
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Bible study holds by 6pm on Wednesdays, don’t miss it.
2. House fellowship holds at our various centres by 5pm
3. Evangelism Team vigil holds this Friday, 17th June, 2016.
4. Arms’ meetings holds today immediately after service.
5. Welcome to our loyalty month.
2. House fellowship holds at our various centres by 5pm
3. Evangelism Team vigil holds this Friday, 17th June, 2016.
4. Arms’ meetings holds today immediately after service.
5. Welcome to our loyalty month.
Sunday 22 May 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
WHO TOUCHED ME? (Part 1)
LK 8:43-46.”And a woman had an issue of blood for twelve years, which had spent all her living on physicians neither should be healed of any. 44. Came behind him and touched the border of his garments and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45. And Jesus said who touched me? When all denied peter and they that were with him said, Master the multitude throng thee and pass thee, and sayest thou who touched me? 46. And Jesus said somebody hath touched me. For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me”
In such a time as this, when it is fashionable or a practice of religion to go to church. It is important that we consider an issue like this. As you walk through the streets on Sunday morning as you move form church to church, you discover that the churches are becoming fuller. It's a style for you to come to church on Sunday. During conventional programmes and anniversaries, there is always heavy traffic on the road, all way leads to the camp.
As a Christian, shouldn't this be my happiness? Yes, and that is why I am bringing this message to you. It's good that churches are filled up, at least salvation has to start from somewhere but much more than this what does God expects from the church? God is not tripped by numbers, he doesn't get excited because church statistics have improved, He only gets excited because the souls of men are being saved.
Sometime ago, I was studying my bible just like every Christian should and God opened my eyes to this message. Jesus was on his way to the house of Jarius where his daughter was laying dead. But as he went, multitude of people followed him, pressed upon him. Probably, they want to behold the face of Jesus, to some they want to even see this carpenters son that works miracles all around, to some they want to see this self acclaimed messiah or the king of the Jew. The multitude that thronged on Jesus had different purposes and intentions of living their homes to see Jesus but in the midst of the multitude, a woman was singled out who had an issue of blood for twelve years, spent all her living upon physicians but could not be healed of any of them.
This woman was singled out not because she was the only one who had an issue, I refuse to believe that amidst the multitude the woman was the only one who had an issue that no man had solution to. I could accept or believe that she was the only one with the issue of blood but not the only one with an issue.
In chapter 6:31 of the same book of Luke: 'Jesus said they that are whole need not a physician but them that are sick”.32. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.' If the multitudes never had issues in their life, Jesus will not even have gone through that route. Everyone who came out to see Jesus had one issue or the other. The same way many people come to church to sing and rejoice during sessions of praise and worship, some even put more life by shouting, ride on pastor in the course of the message but at the end of the service majority of the people who came will go back the same way while some few will receive the touch of God just like the multitude and the woman with the issue of blood. Could this be what God wanted? Sometimes yes but most times No, God is not a wicked father who will not give himself to his children. So, why are some people touched and others are not in the same church service.
Vs 45, Jesus said “who touched me” When all denied peter and they that were with him said, Master the multitude throng thee and pass thee, and sayest thou who touched me? 46. And Jesus said somebody hath touched me. For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me”
The response of Jesus did not only amaze the disciples it amazes me as well, how can you say who touched me when there were over 5,000 people pressing on you and touching you. But it also opens my heart to another understanding: Jesus at this point open the eyes of the disciples to a very bitter truth that you can be present in the church and even very busy but not present before God. We can't touch God by our physical activities, we only touch God by the cause in our heart. your religious gymnastics don't move God. Before we get carried away by the multitude we really need to know the reason why most people come to church.
Bro Adika Sunday King
LK 8:43-46.”And a woman had an issue of blood for twelve years, which had spent all her living on physicians neither should be healed of any. 44. Came behind him and touched the border of his garments and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45. And Jesus said who touched me? When all denied peter and they that were with him said, Master the multitude throng thee and pass thee, and sayest thou who touched me? 46. And Jesus said somebody hath touched me. For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me”
In such a time as this, when it is fashionable or a practice of religion to go to church. It is important that we consider an issue like this. As you walk through the streets on Sunday morning as you move form church to church, you discover that the churches are becoming fuller. It's a style for you to come to church on Sunday. During conventional programmes and anniversaries, there is always heavy traffic on the road, all way leads to the camp.
As a Christian, shouldn't this be my happiness? Yes, and that is why I am bringing this message to you. It's good that churches are filled up, at least salvation has to start from somewhere but much more than this what does God expects from the church? God is not tripped by numbers, he doesn't get excited because church statistics have improved, He only gets excited because the souls of men are being saved.
Sometime ago, I was studying my bible just like every Christian should and God opened my eyes to this message. Jesus was on his way to the house of Jarius where his daughter was laying dead. But as he went, multitude of people followed him, pressed upon him. Probably, they want to behold the face of Jesus, to some they want to even see this carpenters son that works miracles all around, to some they want to see this self acclaimed messiah or the king of the Jew. The multitude that thronged on Jesus had different purposes and intentions of living their homes to see Jesus but in the midst of the multitude, a woman was singled out who had an issue of blood for twelve years, spent all her living upon physicians but could not be healed of any of them.
This woman was singled out not because she was the only one who had an issue, I refuse to believe that amidst the multitude the woman was the only one who had an issue that no man had solution to. I could accept or believe that she was the only one with the issue of blood but not the only one with an issue.
In chapter 6:31 of the same book of Luke: 'Jesus said they that are whole need not a physician but them that are sick”.32. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.' If the multitudes never had issues in their life, Jesus will not even have gone through that route. Everyone who came out to see Jesus had one issue or the other. The same way many people come to church to sing and rejoice during sessions of praise and worship, some even put more life by shouting, ride on pastor in the course of the message but at the end of the service majority of the people who came will go back the same way while some few will receive the touch of God just like the multitude and the woman with the issue of blood. Could this be what God wanted? Sometimes yes but most times No, God is not a wicked father who will not give himself to his children. So, why are some people touched and others are not in the same church service.
Vs 45, Jesus said “who touched me” When all denied peter and they that were with him said, Master the multitude throng thee and pass thee, and sayest thou who touched me? 46. And Jesus said somebody hath touched me. For I perceive that virtue is gone out of me”
The response of Jesus did not only amaze the disciples it amazes me as well, how can you say who touched me when there were over 5,000 people pressing on you and touching you. But it also opens my heart to another understanding: Jesus at this point open the eyes of the disciples to a very bitter truth that you can be present in the church and even very busy but not present before God. We can't touch God by our physical activities, we only touch God by the cause in our heart. your religious gymnastics don't move God. Before we get carried away by the multitude we really need to know the reason why most people come to church.
Bro Adika Sunday King
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: PURSUE CHRIST AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
TEXT: Phil. 3:1-21
CENTRAL TRUTH: Spiritual maturity results in pursuing the righteousness of CHrist.
Memory Verse: Phil. 3:14
LESSON OUTLINE
1. NEVER PLACE CONFIDENCE IN WORKS
2. ALWAYS DESIRE TO KNOW CHRIST
3. ALWAYS BE READY TO LEARN FROM MATURED CHRISTIANS
TEXT: Phil. 3:1-21
CENTRAL TRUTH: Spiritual maturity results in pursuing the righteousness of CHrist.
Memory Verse: Phil. 3:14
LESSON OUTLINE
1. NEVER PLACE CONFIDENCE IN WORKS
2. ALWAYS DESIRE TO KNOW CHRIST
3. ALWAYS BE READY TO LEARN FROM MATURED CHRISTIANS
HYMN
1. Jesus only is our message,
Jesus all our theme shall be;
We will lift up Jesus ever,
Jesus only will we see
Jesus only, Jesus ever,
Jesus all in all we sing,
Savior, Sanctifier, and Healer,
Glorious Lord and coming King
2.Jesus only is our Savior,
All our guilt He bore away,
He, our righteousness forever,
All our strength from day to day
3.Jesus is our Sanctifier,
Saving us from self and sin,
And with all His Spirit's fulness,
Filling all our hearts within
4.Jesus only is our Healer,
All our sicknesses He bare,
And His risen life and fulness,
All His members still may share
Jesus all our theme shall be;
We will lift up Jesus ever,
Jesus only will we see
Jesus only, Jesus ever,
Jesus all in all we sing,
Savior, Sanctifier, and Healer,
Glorious Lord and coming King
2.Jesus only is our Savior,
All our guilt He bore away,
He, our righteousness forever,
All our strength from day to day
3.Jesus is our Sanctifier,
Saving us from self and sin,
And with all His Spirit's fulness,
Filling all our hearts within
4.Jesus only is our Healer,
All our sicknesses He bare,
And His risen life and fulness,
All His members still may share
MORNING MANNER
THEME: The Teachings of The Beatitudes
TOPIC: Ask, Seek, Knock
TEXT: Matt 7:7-11; Jer. 29:12-14
TOPIC: Ask, Seek, Knock
TEXT: Matt 7:7-11; Jer. 29:12-14
AANOUNCEMENT
1. Welcome to today’s word-teaching service
2. House fellowship holds every Sunday at our various centres by 5pm
3. Bible study holds every Wednesday, by 6pm.
4.The children’s week commences on Tuesday, 24th to Sunday, 29th May, 2016.
5. Our monthly vigil holds this Friday, 27th May, 2016 by 11pm.
2. House fellowship holds every Sunday at our various centres by 5pm
3. Bible study holds every Wednesday, by 6pm.
4.The children’s week commences on Tuesday, 24th to Sunday, 29th May, 2016.
5. Our monthly vigil holds this Friday, 27th May, 2016 by 11pm.
Sunday 8 May 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
I HID MYSELF FROM THY PRESENCE EPISODE 2.
In the last episode of I HID MYSELF FROM THY PRESENCE We emphasized on the relationship that existed between God and Adam and how it relates to God's idea of Christianity through Jesus. Today we will be looking at what happened on the un-faithful day Satan came into the garden.
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
This verse started with: Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field...This story is not about serpent its about Satan. Permit me to assume that you all understand that it's not the serpent who tempted Adam it was Satan. The serpent was only an available vessel in the hand of the devil. God is in people so also Satan is in people. I don't know if you have worked on the road and see someone they call Satan before please when you do, don't hesitate to call me, I will like to see him too and ask why he is doing all these evil in the world....on a lighter note.
In Mat 16:23 When Peter told Jesus he will not go to the cross, Jesus rebuked him and said get thee behind me Satan...
You know the rest of the story but if you are like me who always ask questions you might want to ask is Peter Satan? or is Satan Peter? Anyhow you want to put it. Jesus did not say why are you talking like Satan He said Satan.
Another reason this words borders me so much is because in Luke 4 during the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness by Satan He used the same word: get thee behind me Satan.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Could this be a coincidence or intentional. If you know Jesus very well you will know that this couldn't have been a coincidence every word from Christ is always intended.
Before you begin to wonder what I am driving at, I want to assure you that I am not introducing another gospel from what the apostles of old have preached lest I be cursed. Peter is not Satan and Satan is not Peter, but Satan is the constant factor in all three events. In the serpent was Satan, in the wilderness was Satan and at the time Peter was speaking to Jesus Satan was the one speaking through him. If you remember in the same Luke 4:12 after the temptation the bible said Satan departed from Him for a season, so he came back but at this time through Peter. Jesus at this time was already beginning to trust the authenticity of Peter. He said to him earlier that day that Flesh and blood had not revealed to Peter that He was the Son of God but the spirit of the Father Himself. Satan saw an opportunity to return through a trusted vessel.
Going back to the beginning Satan came to the garden through the serpent because the serpent was subtle and familiar. The Bible said Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field that the Lord God had made. The serpent is part of the animals that God made, this means it is part of the animals that Adam named. I want to believe that all the animals were in the garden including the serpent so Eve would probably have come across the serpent before and perhaps don't see any harm in the serpent. And Satan saw an opportunity to penetrate. The same way he saw the opportunity in Peter to penetrate Jesus.
Satan does not always come as Satan in the real world when he wants to penetrate the garden of your fellowship and relationship. He comes through the serpent or through Peter unharmful and familiar. Most of the sins we commit comes as a simple thought or suggestions from those we could call friends or those harmless acts. It could be very difficult for a brother to go to the brothel and sleep with a prostitute but the same brother could be involve in fornications with a sister in the church that he is close to. One unguided moments leads to another and before you know it you are already hiding from the presence of God
Bro Adika Sunday King
In the last episode of I HID MYSELF FROM THY PRESENCE We emphasized on the relationship that existed between God and Adam and how it relates to God's idea of Christianity through Jesus. Today we will be looking at what happened on the un-faithful day Satan came into the garden.
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
This verse started with: Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field...This story is not about serpent its about Satan. Permit me to assume that you all understand that it's not the serpent who tempted Adam it was Satan. The serpent was only an available vessel in the hand of the devil. God is in people so also Satan is in people. I don't know if you have worked on the road and see someone they call Satan before please when you do, don't hesitate to call me, I will like to see him too and ask why he is doing all these evil in the world....on a lighter note.
In Mat 16:23 When Peter told Jesus he will not go to the cross, Jesus rebuked him and said get thee behind me Satan...
You know the rest of the story but if you are like me who always ask questions you might want to ask is Peter Satan? or is Satan Peter? Anyhow you want to put it. Jesus did not say why are you talking like Satan He said Satan.
Another reason this words borders me so much is because in Luke 4 during the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness by Satan He used the same word: get thee behind me Satan.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Could this be a coincidence or intentional. If you know Jesus very well you will know that this couldn't have been a coincidence every word from Christ is always intended.
Before you begin to wonder what I am driving at, I want to assure you that I am not introducing another gospel from what the apostles of old have preached lest I be cursed. Peter is not Satan and Satan is not Peter, but Satan is the constant factor in all three events. In the serpent was Satan, in the wilderness was Satan and at the time Peter was speaking to Jesus Satan was the one speaking through him. If you remember in the same Luke 4:12 after the temptation the bible said Satan departed from Him for a season, so he came back but at this time through Peter. Jesus at this time was already beginning to trust the authenticity of Peter. He said to him earlier that day that Flesh and blood had not revealed to Peter that He was the Son of God but the spirit of the Father Himself. Satan saw an opportunity to return through a trusted vessel.
Going back to the beginning Satan came to the garden through the serpent because the serpent was subtle and familiar. The Bible said Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field that the Lord God had made. The serpent is part of the animals that God made, this means it is part of the animals that Adam named. I want to believe that all the animals were in the garden including the serpent so Eve would probably have come across the serpent before and perhaps don't see any harm in the serpent. And Satan saw an opportunity to penetrate. The same way he saw the opportunity in Peter to penetrate Jesus.
Satan does not always come as Satan in the real world when he wants to penetrate the garden of your fellowship and relationship. He comes through the serpent or through Peter unharmful and familiar. Most of the sins we commit comes as a simple thought or suggestions from those we could call friends or those harmless acts. It could be very difficult for a brother to go to the brothel and sleep with a prostitute but the same brother could be involve in fornications with a sister in the church that he is close to. One unguided moments leads to another and before you know it you are already hiding from the presence of God
Bro Adika Sunday King
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: ABIGAIL’S STRATEGIC GOOD ROLE AS A WIFE (MOTHER) - MOTHER'S DAY
TEXT: 1 Samuel 25:32-38
CENTRAL TRUTH: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
Memory Verse: Prov. 14:1
LESSON OUTLINE
1. ABIGAIL’S INTERVENTION
2. INTERVENTION OF GOD’S SPIRIT
3. ABIGAIL ALLOWS THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO BRING A GOOD END TO THE WORK
TEXT: 1 Samuel 25:32-38
CENTRAL TRUTH: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
Memory Verse: Prov. 14:1
LESSON OUTLINE
1. ABIGAIL’S INTERVENTION
2. INTERVENTION OF GOD’S SPIRIT
3. ABIGAIL ALLOWS THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO BRING A GOOD END TO THE WORK
MORNING MANNER
THEME: The Teachings of The Beatitudes
TOPIC: Judging others
TEXT: Matt 7:1-6; Jam. 4:11; Rom 2:1
TOPIC: Judging others
TEXT: Matt 7:1-6; Jam. 4:11; Rom 2:1
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
WHO CAN FIND THIS WISE WOMAN
Who can find this wise woman?
A wife of noble character
Her husband calls her my sweet heart
He has full confidence in all she does
Refrain:
Who can find this wise woman?
She worth's more than silver and gold
A wife of noble character
She loves her husband, and the Lord.
She brings goodness with love and peace
To her children and mum-in-law
She ensures that peace; joy reigns
Within the members of her home
Food is set as at when due
She wakes up early everyday
Calls her household for morning prayers
Takes God the troubles for the day
Most gracious heavenly Father
Help me to be such a wise woman
I acknowledge all my failings
Lord be merciful unto me
Who can find this wise woman?
A wife of noble character
Her husband calls her my sweet heart
He has full confidence in all she does
Refrain:
Who can find this wise woman?
She worth's more than silver and gold
A wife of noble character
She loves her husband, and the Lord.
She brings goodness with love and peace
To her children and mum-in-law
She ensures that peace; joy reigns
Within the members of her home
Food is set as at when due
She wakes up early everyday
Calls her household for morning prayers
Takes God the troubles for the day
Most gracious heavenly Father
Help me to be such a wise woman
I acknowledge all my failings
Lord be merciful unto me
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Welcome to today’s mother’s day celebration.
2. House fellowship holds every Sunday at our various centres by 5pm
3. Bible study holds every Wednesday, by 6pm.
4. Next Sunday is our Miracle service.
5. Prayer Warriors’ vigil holds this Wednesday, 11th May, 2016, by 11pm.
6. Choir vigil holds this Friday, 13th May, by 11pm
2. House fellowship holds every Sunday at our various centres by 5pm
3. Bible study holds every Wednesday, by 6pm.
4. Next Sunday is our Miracle service.
5. Prayer Warriors’ vigil holds this Wednesday, 11th May, 2016, by 11pm.
6. Choir vigil holds this Friday, 13th May, by 11pm
Sunday 13 March 2016
PASTOR'S REFELCTION
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME
As we are in the season of Easter, we need to reflect about what the cross did for humanity. “And He said unto them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luk 9:23)
Jesus our Lord and Savoiur said if any man will come after me: As many of us that have decided to follow him, there is one important thing that we must do. We must deny ourselves of all the worldly pleasures and take up our cross daily and follow our Master. To deny ourselves is to be separated from all worldly lusts and pleasures. We will always have to choose either to be separated from the world and thus face hatred and persecution from the world like our Lord or to compromise and conform to the world and thus escape hatred and persecution from the world.(Jhn 15:18-19). The truth is that if we cannot deny ourselves, we cannot take up our cross daily and follow Him.
Taking up our cross daily means our unwavering decision and strong determination to obey the Lord and our total submission to do the perfect will of God. As God did not force the cross on His Son, Jesus Christ, don't expect God to force your cross upon you. If you are a true disciple of the Lord, you have no other choice but to take up your cross daily and follow your Lord and Master.
We should not forget that the gospel without the cross lacks power to save souls. The gospel is actually the message of the cross (1 Cor 1:18). The cross is God's plea that paved the way for our salvation through the suffering and crucification of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I conclusion, let us remember the word our Lord Jesus Christ in Matt 10:38: “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me”. If any of us shall be worthy of Him, let us deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. Let us pray and ask for His grace to help us to do this daily to the end in Jesus name. (Amen). Happy Easter celebration!
Pastor Adewale Adebayo
As we are in the season of Easter, we need to reflect about what the cross did for humanity. “And He said unto them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luk 9:23)
Jesus our Lord and Savoiur said if any man will come after me: As many of us that have decided to follow him, there is one important thing that we must do. We must deny ourselves of all the worldly pleasures and take up our cross daily and follow our Master. To deny ourselves is to be separated from all worldly lusts and pleasures. We will always have to choose either to be separated from the world and thus face hatred and persecution from the world like our Lord or to compromise and conform to the world and thus escape hatred and persecution from the world.(Jhn 15:18-19). The truth is that if we cannot deny ourselves, we cannot take up our cross daily and follow Him.
Taking up our cross daily means our unwavering decision and strong determination to obey the Lord and our total submission to do the perfect will of God. As God did not force the cross on His Son, Jesus Christ, don't expect God to force your cross upon you. If you are a true disciple of the Lord, you have no other choice but to take up your cross daily and follow your Lord and Master.
We should not forget that the gospel without the cross lacks power to save souls. The gospel is actually the message of the cross (1 Cor 1:18). The cross is God's plea that paved the way for our salvation through the suffering and crucification of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I conclusion, let us remember the word our Lord Jesus Christ in Matt 10:38: “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me”. If any of us shall be worthy of Him, let us deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. Let us pray and ask for His grace to help us to do this daily to the end in Jesus name. (Amen). Happy Easter celebration!
Pastor Adewale Adebayo
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
Now thank we all our God
1. Now thank we all our God,
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mothers' arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.
2. O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us;
and keep us still in grace,
and guide us when perplexed;
and free us from all ills,
in this world and the next.
3. All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given;
the Son, and him who reigns
with them in highest heaven;
the one eternal God,
whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.
1. Now thank we all our God,
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mothers' arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.
2. O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us;
and keep us still in grace,
and guide us when perplexed;
and free us from all ills,
in this world and the next.
3. All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given;
the Son, and him who reigns
with them in highest heaven;
the one eternal God,
whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE WORLD (PT2)
TEXT: Mrk 16:15-20; Rom. 13:1-4
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christians are responsible to represent Christ to the world.
Memory Verse: Mark 16:15
LESSON OUTLINE
1. We Are To Submit To Authority
TEXT: Mrk 16:15-20; Rom. 13:1-4
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christians are responsible to represent Christ to the world.
Memory Verse: Mark 16:15
LESSON OUTLINE
1. We Are To Submit To Authority
PRAYER BULLETS
1. O Lord, I blessed Your name for You are great, in my life and my family.(Ps 104:1)
Romans 13:14
2. Lord, I put You on even in this period of Easter in Jesus name
3. I cast away from me, every provision of the flesh in Jesus name.
Exodus 33:19
4 O Lord my God, proclaim Your name before me and be gracious to me this week in Your mercy.
5. Father God, cause all Your goodness to pass before me.
Romans 13:14
2. Lord, I put You on even in this period of Easter in Jesus name
3. I cast away from me, every provision of the flesh in Jesus name.
Exodus 33:19
4 O Lord my God, proclaim Your name before me and be gracious to me this week in Your mercy.
5. Father God, cause all Your goodness to pass before me.
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Bible Study holds every Wednesday, by 6pm.
2.House fellowship holds every Sunday in our various centre by 5pm.
3. Easter is here again as we celebrate our Lord:
Friday,25th Mar: Word Feast Vigil(Good Friday)
Sunday,27th Mar: Resurrection Service
Monday,28th Mar: Fire Prayer Conference.
4. Next Sunday is our Word-Teaching Service
5. Evangelism team vigil/meeting holds this Friday, 18th March, 2016.
2.House fellowship holds every Sunday in our various centre by 5pm.
3. Easter is here again as we celebrate our Lord:
Friday,25th Mar: Word Feast Vigil(Good Friday)
Sunday,27th Mar: Resurrection Service
Monday,28th Mar: Fire Prayer Conference.
4. Next Sunday is our Word-Teaching Service
5. Evangelism team vigil/meeting holds this Friday, 18th March, 2016.
Saturday 5 March 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
EXAMINE YOURSELVES
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor. 13:5 - KJV)
We are in a dispensation where people don't like to be rebuked even when it is so obvious that they are wrong. On this note, the word of God is saying this to you since you don't want others to rebuke and correct you. What God is asking you to do is that you examine yourself because you know yourself better. Where exactly are you? Are you really in Christ or you are just floating and hiding in the midst of brethren? Do you really have good relationship with God or you are just a church goer? You started this year with so much zeal and passion for God and His kingdom; is the passion still there? Is the Spirit of Christ in you?
Hear what the Bible says in 2 Cor 3:17: “Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty”. Liberty to be free from sin (1 Cor 6:9-10) and from fleshly lust (1 Pt 2:11).
The Lord does not want you to live your life in assumption as wrong assumption can cost youeternity. The truth is, many will fall victim of wrong assumption on the last day according to the word of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matt 7:21-23.
In conclusion, the Lord wants you to get it right before it is too late, therefore examine yourself today and make all necessary adjustments because our Lord Jesus Christ will come soon.
Pastor Adewale Adebayo.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor. 13:5 - KJV)
We are in a dispensation where people don't like to be rebuked even when it is so obvious that they are wrong. On this note, the word of God is saying this to you since you don't want others to rebuke and correct you. What God is asking you to do is that you examine yourself because you know yourself better. Where exactly are you? Are you really in Christ or you are just floating and hiding in the midst of brethren? Do you really have good relationship with God or you are just a church goer? You started this year with so much zeal and passion for God and His kingdom; is the passion still there? Is the Spirit of Christ in you?
Hear what the Bible says in 2 Cor 3:17: “Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty”. Liberty to be free from sin (1 Cor 6:9-10) and from fleshly lust (1 Pt 2:11).
The Lord does not want you to live your life in assumption as wrong assumption can cost youeternity. The truth is, many will fall victim of wrong assumption on the last day according to the word of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matt 7:21-23.
In conclusion, the Lord wants you to get it right before it is too late, therefore examine yourself today and make all necessary adjustments because our Lord Jesus Christ will come soon.
Pastor Adewale Adebayo.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
Wonderful story of love
Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, O won't you believe it?
Refrain
Wonderful story of love,
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary's mountain,
Down from the crystal bright fountain,
E'en from the dawn of creation,
Refrain
Wonderful story of love;
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who've gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Refrain
Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, O won't you believe it?
Refrain
Wonderful story of love,
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary's mountain,
Down from the crystal bright fountain,
E'en from the dawn of creation,
Refrain
Wonderful story of love;
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who've gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Refrain
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE WORLD (PT1)
TEXT: Mrk 16:15-20; Rom. 13:1-4
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christians are responsible to represent Christ to the world.
Memory Verse: Mark 16:15
LESSON OUTLINE
1. We Are To Evangelize The World
2. We Are To Submit To Authority
TEXT: Mrk 16:15-20; Rom. 13:1-4
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christians are responsible to represent Christ to the world.
Memory Verse: Mark 16:15
LESSON OUTLINE
1. We Are To Evangelize The World
2. We Are To Submit To Authority
PRAYER BULLETS
1. O Lord, I blessed Your name for You are great, in my life and my family.(Ps 104:1)
2. Our Father and our God, thank You for the success of the 4th anniversary and for the rain already falling, in Jesus name
3. Father, have mercy on me according to Your loving-kindness
4. O Lord, let Your right hand appear in my heavens for the satisfaction of my desires (1 Kg 18:44; Ps 145:16)
5. Father, let this rain fall upon Your church heavily such that no one can control (1 Kg 18:45)
6. Lord Jesus, cause the rain to be unto me, the rain of power, blessing, wisdom, strength, anointing, breakthrough etc and unto the church, outpouring of Your Spirit & wealth.
2. Our Father and our God, thank You for the success of the 4th anniversary and for the rain already falling, in Jesus name
3. Father, have mercy on me according to Your loving-kindness
4. O Lord, let Your right hand appear in my heavens for the satisfaction of my desires (1 Kg 18:44; Ps 145:16)
5. Father, let this rain fall upon Your church heavily such that no one can control (1 Kg 18:45)
6. Lord Jesus, cause the rain to be unto me, the rain of power, blessing, wisdom, strength, anointing, breakthrough etc and unto the church, outpouring of Your Spirit & wealth.
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Bible Study holds every Wednesday, by 6pm.
2.House fellowship holds every Sunday in our various centre by 5pm.
3. Easter is here again as we celebrate our Lord:
Friday,25th Mar: Word Feast Vigil(Good Friday)
Sunday,27th Mar: Resurrection Service
Monday,28th Mar: Fire Prayer Conference.
4. Next Sunday is our Praise and Thanksgiving service.
5. Prayer Warrior’s meeting/vigil holds this Wednesday, 9th Mar, 2016.
2.House fellowship holds every Sunday in our various centre by 5pm.
3. Easter is here again as we celebrate our Lord:
Friday,25th Mar: Word Feast Vigil(Good Friday)
Sunday,27th Mar: Resurrection Service
Monday,28th Mar: Fire Prayer Conference.
4. Next Sunday is our Praise and Thanksgiving service.
5. Prayer Warrior’s meeting/vigil holds this Wednesday, 9th Mar, 2016.
PASTOR'S REFELCTION
CHALLENGE THE CHALLENGER
1 Sam 17:45 – “The David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of host, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled.”
The time has come for us as Christians to realize that we ought to confront whatever challenge that exalts itself against us. Beloveth, are you having a Philistine standing against you? Could it be weakness, ill-health, disappointment, delay, financial challenges or whatever? Is it hereditary and no one in the family has been able to overcome it, but simply prefer to endure it just as the Israelites did and were demoralized? (1 Sam 17:8-10)
Your victory is now if only you can rise up! Do not let the symptom(s) of the situation scare you as it did to Elijah and as a result, the challenger out-lived him (1 Kg 19:2-4). All you need to do is to go ahead to challenge the challenger (Lk 14:1,27; 2 Kg 9:30-33), holding firmly your staff (salvation); the five stones (ceaseless prayers); and the sling (the word of God), with these weapons you are well able to overcome.
David did a very important thing that we must emulate: He identified the weapons of the challenger (sword, spear & javelin), and realized the enemy was just the carrier/controller of his weapons. David, as the Bible says:”…But I come to you in …”, entered into his own weapons, that is, hiding himself by releasing himself for his weapons to use him. What weapons? The name of the LORD against the enemy's sword; God Himself against the spear; and the judgment of God against the javelin (1 Sam 17:1; 1 Cor 3:17) – what a great match! What can you imagine the battle will be like? You already know the result and the Lord expects us to go and do likewise (Lk 10:37).
Bimbola Olutade
1 Sam 17:45 – “The David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of host, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled.”
The time has come for us as Christians to realize that we ought to confront whatever challenge that exalts itself against us. Beloveth, are you having a Philistine standing against you? Could it be weakness, ill-health, disappointment, delay, financial challenges or whatever? Is it hereditary and no one in the family has been able to overcome it, but simply prefer to endure it just as the Israelites did and were demoralized? (1 Sam 17:8-10)
Your victory is now if only you can rise up! Do not let the symptom(s) of the situation scare you as it did to Elijah and as a result, the challenger out-lived him (1 Kg 19:2-4). All you need to do is to go ahead to challenge the challenger (Lk 14:1,27; 2 Kg 9:30-33), holding firmly your staff (salvation); the five stones (ceaseless prayers); and the sling (the word of God), with these weapons you are well able to overcome.
David did a very important thing that we must emulate: He identified the weapons of the challenger (sword, spear & javelin), and realized the enemy was just the carrier/controller of his weapons. David, as the Bible says:”…But I come to you in …”, entered into his own weapons, that is, hiding himself by releasing himself for his weapons to use him. What weapons? The name of the LORD against the enemy's sword; God Himself against the spear; and the judgment of God against the javelin (1 Sam 17:1; 1 Cor 3:17) – what a great match! What can you imagine the battle will be like? You already know the result and the Lord expects us to go and do likewise (Lk 10:37).
Bimbola Olutade
Saturday 20 February 2016
You are uniquely different
“Jesus answered them, is it not in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” (John 10:34-35)
“For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isa 60:2-3)
Beloved, a lot of us in the church do not truly know who we are. The passages above are the true pictures of the believer in the end-time church. We completely miss it when we identify with the world in the natural and miss our place in the supernatural. You are uniquely different.
Child of God, stop thinking the way the world thinks or you will keep suffering the way they suffer. Stop fearing what they fear or you will begin to fail the way they fail (Ps 1:1-3). Whatever the situation of the economy, as long as unto you, the word of God has come (John 10:35), you will continue to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). Why? 'You are a king and a priest in Christ packaged to reign on earth'. (Rev 5:10)
Though Job was perfect, upright, feared God and eschewed evil (Job 1:1), but he didn't realize that his case was different. Since he did not understand that he was under covenant, he feared what other businessmen of his time feared (Job 3:25) and also suffered like them. While Satan saw an hedge around him and all he had, Job was totally ignorant of who he was. (Job 1:10; Ps 34:7; Heb 1:14).
No matter the position of our economy today, no matter the number of sickness and plagues unleashed in the world today by the powers of darkness, if you are born again, you are completely secured in Christ and that makes you uniquely different!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
“Jesus answered them, is it not in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” (John 10:34-35)
“For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isa 60:2-3)
Beloved, a lot of us in the church do not truly know who we are. The passages above are the true pictures of the believer in the end-time church. We completely miss it when we identify with the world in the natural and miss our place in the supernatural. You are uniquely different.
Child of God, stop thinking the way the world thinks or you will keep suffering the way they suffer. Stop fearing what they fear or you will begin to fail the way they fail (Ps 1:1-3). Whatever the situation of the economy, as long as unto you, the word of God has come (John 10:35), you will continue to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). Why? 'You are a king and a priest in Christ packaged to reign on earth'. (Rev 5:10)
Though Job was perfect, upright, feared God and eschewed evil (Job 1:1), but he didn't realize that his case was different. Since he did not understand that he was under covenant, he feared what other businessmen of his time feared (Job 3:25) and also suffered like them. While Satan saw an hedge around him and all he had, Job was totally ignorant of who he was. (Job 1:10; Ps 34:7; Heb 1:14).
No matter the position of our economy today, no matter the number of sickness and plagues unleashed in the world today by the powers of darkness, if you are born again, you are completely secured in Christ and that makes you uniquely different!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
Sunday 31 January 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
Go back to your old sin, your problem comes back
“After Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him; Beloved, thou art made whole; sin no more lest a worst thing come unto thee” (John 5:14)
This statement of Jesus clearly explains to us that once you obtain healing and deliverance from the Lord, you are expected to abstain from sin in order to maintain the healing or deliverance. A return to the old sin or another sin will result in you having the problem back even in a worst situation (Matt 12:43-45).
Total ignorance of this old spiritual rule and/or the deliberate refusal of many in the body of Christ is the reason there are many sickness and deliverance cases in the church today.
Beloved, it is very obvious from the passage that it was sin that caused the man's impotency of thirty eight years, and that was why Jesus was simply charging him to sin no more. Sin is dangerous and can make a person, family, business or ministry completely impotent spiritually, physically, financially, and otherwise.
It is the mercy of God that brings healing to one, but truth sustains it (John 8:32) and the marriage of mercy and truth guarantees righteousness and peace (Ps 85:10).
As we end the new year's fasting and prayer, let us sustain and perfect our healings and deliverances by abstaining completely from old habits and sins we have destroyed or renounced. If you build again the things you have destroyed, you not only make yourself a transgressor, but welcome back expressly old problem(s) in worst situation.
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
“After Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him; Beloved, thou art made whole; sin no more lest a worst thing come unto thee” (John 5:14)
This statement of Jesus clearly explains to us that once you obtain healing and deliverance from the Lord, you are expected to abstain from sin in order to maintain the healing or deliverance. A return to the old sin or another sin will result in you having the problem back even in a worst situation (Matt 12:43-45).
Total ignorance of this old spiritual rule and/or the deliberate refusal of many in the body of Christ is the reason there are many sickness and deliverance cases in the church today.
Beloved, it is very obvious from the passage that it was sin that caused the man's impotency of thirty eight years, and that was why Jesus was simply charging him to sin no more. Sin is dangerous and can make a person, family, business or ministry completely impotent spiritually, physically, financially, and otherwise.
It is the mercy of God that brings healing to one, but truth sustains it (John 8:32) and the marriage of mercy and truth guarantees righteousness and peace (Ps 85:10).
As we end the new year's fasting and prayer, let us sustain and perfect our healings and deliverances by abstaining completely from old habits and sins we have destroyed or renounced. If you build again the things you have destroyed, you not only make yourself a transgressor, but welcome back expressly old problem(s) in worst situation.
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
HYMN
LORD, ABIDE WITH ME
· 1. Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens. Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
· 2. Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day.
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me!
· 3. I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!
· 1. Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens. Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
· 2. Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day.
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me!
· 3. I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: FOUNDATION OF FAMILY LIVING (PT1)
TEXT: Deut. 6:1-25; Psalm 78:1-8
CENTRAL TRUTH: The Bible Must Be Taught In The Home
Memory Verse: Deut. 6:7
LESSON OUTLINE
1. WE MUST TEACH GOD’S WORD
2. WE MUST KNOW OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE
TEXT: Deut. 6:1-25; Psalm 78:1-8
CENTRAL TRUTH: The Bible Must Be Taught In The Home
Memory Verse: Deut. 6:7
LESSON OUTLINE
1. WE MUST TEACH GOD’S WORD
2. WE MUST KNOW OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE
MORNING MANNER
THEME: THE NAME OF JESUS
TOPIC: CONCLUSION, USING THE NAME OF JESUS WITHOUT DEFILING IT
TEXT: Isaiah 9:6
TOPIC: CONCLUSION, USING THE NAME OF JESUS WITHOUT DEFILING IT
TEXT: Isaiah 9:6
PRAYER BULLETS
1. O Lord, be praised for Your faithfulness and mercy over me, and my family.
2. Father, Let Your praise continually be in my heart, in Jesus name.
Psalm 23
3. Father, be the Shepherd of my family and the church as we go into the new month.
4. Let Your goodness and mercy accompany me throughout in new month and this week.
5. This week, I shall not lack any good thing, spiritually, physically, maritally, academically, financially, emotionally, materially etc, in Jesus name.
2. Father, Let Your praise continually be in my heart, in Jesus name.
Psalm 23
3. Father, be the Shepherd of my family and the church as we go into the new month.
4. Let Your goodness and mercy accompany me throughout in new month and this week.
5. This week, I shall not lack any good thing, spiritually, physically, maritally, academically, financially, emotionally, materially etc, in Jesus name.
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Bible Study holds every Wednesday, by 6pm.
2. Next Sunday: Prophetic and Holy Communion Service.
3.Evangelism Team meeting holds today immediately after service, for all the evangelism members.
4. Our 4th Anniversary comes up next month, 26th to 28th February, 2016.
2. Next Sunday: Prophetic and Holy Communion Service.
3.Evangelism Team meeting holds today immediately after service, for all the evangelism members.
4. Our 4th Anniversary comes up next month, 26th to 28th February, 2016.
Sunday 24 January 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
Does the end justify the means?
“Is not this word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness”. (Ex. 14:12)
In this passage, Israel preferred to remain in Egypt as slaves than to go through the wilderness for freedom. Wilderness represents hardship, trials, afflictions, persecutions and sufferings, and everyone that would live godly in Christ will surely have plenty of it. (2 Tim 3:12; Ps 34:19; Matt 16:24; 1 Thess. 3:3)
The truth is that Israel did not want anything to do with wilderness, and this attitude is a true reflection of the actions of many people in the church today, who would rather be serving sin, the flesh and pleasures of the world (1 Jhn 2:16) than the light afflictions in Christ (2 Cor. 4:17). Why do we always choose Egypt when confronted with issues concerning our faith? It may be probably because of the short-term reliefs and solutions it offers one in the midst of challenges, as 'the end justifies the means'.
Does the end truly justify the means for anyone? The answer is NO! The short-term relief or solution may give you what you want but you may not like what you receive at the end. The cases of Judas (Matt 27:3-5), Naboth (1 Kg 21:18-19) and Abimelech (Judg 9:53-57) are clear proofs that the end does not justify the means.
Beloved, note this: No child of God has ever gone to Egypt for solutions without paying dearly for it. For instance, Jacob left the promised land with his entire family in Pharaoh's wagon (Gen 46:5-7) in search of short-term relief and economic respite but ended up putting his descendants into 430 years of bondage and slavery (Ex 12:40). Obviously, Jacob got the short-term relief from Egypt but his unborn generation ended up as slaves in return. That decision was taken without considering the spiritual consequences.
Child of God, if you choose to serve the Egyptians in your place of work, business or career, marriage, ministry, academics, etc instead of going through the godly way approved for you, at the end, like Jacob, you will discover that you had only taken two steps forward and twenty backwards.
The scriptures have shown us of people worthy of emulation, like Moses (Heb 11:24-27), Joseph (Gen 39:8-9), Daniel (Dan 1:8), Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17), and Paul (Phil 3: 7-9) – all in their lives esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the riches and treasures of Egypt. It is up to you today!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh
HYMN
Simply trusting
Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly does His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly does His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
TOPIC: JESUS’ MODEL OF PRAYER
TEXT: Luke 11:1-13
CENTRAL TRUTH: The proper motive for prayer is not to get our will done in Heaven, but to get God’s will done in the earth, through us.
Memory Verse: 1 Thess. 5:17
LESSON OUTLINE
1. REQUEST AND RESPONSE
2. SEEKING AND RECEIVING
TEXT: Luke 11:1-13
CENTRAL TRUTH: The proper motive for prayer is not to get our will done in Heaven, but to get God’s will done in the earth, through us.
Memory Verse: 1 Thess. 5:17
LESSON OUTLINE
1. REQUEST AND RESPONSE
2. SEEKING AND RECEIVING
MORNING MANNER
THEME: THE NAME OF JESUS
TOPIC: HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED THE PRINCE OF PEACE
TEXT: Isaiah 9:6
TOPIC: HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED THE PRINCE OF PEACE
TEXT: Isaiah 9:6
PRAYER BULLETS
1. O Lord, I thank You for Your endless love and kindness upon my life, family and the church.
Zech 8:12
2. My seed shall be prosperous in Jesus name.
3. My work, business, career, ministry, begin to give your fruit unto me in Jesus name.
4. All I lay my hands upon shall begin to give their increase unto me in Jesus name.
5. O my heaven, in the name of Jesus, release you dew over my life.
6. Every of my possession that has be taken away, now I pursue, I overtake and I recover all in Jesus name.
Zech 8:12
2. My seed shall be prosperous in Jesus name.
3. My work, business, career, ministry, begin to give your fruit unto me in Jesus name.
4. All I lay my hands upon shall begin to give their increase unto me in Jesus name.
5. O my heaven, in the name of Jesus, release you dew over my life.
6. Every of my possession that has be taken away, now I pursue, I overtake and I recover all in Jesus name.
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Our prayer meeting holds this Wednesday by 6pm.
2. The final vigil in our month of fasting holds this Friday, 29th January, 2016, by 11pm.
3. The will be workers’ meeting immediately after the service today, kindly make yourself available.
4. This is the final week of our fasting and prayer, may God Almighty continue to strengthen you as you continue in this spiritual exercise faithfully in Jesus name.
2. The final vigil in our month of fasting holds this Friday, 29th January, 2016, by 11pm.
3. The will be workers’ meeting immediately after the service today, kindly make yourself available.
4. This is the final week of our fasting and prayer, may God Almighty continue to strengthen you as you continue in this spiritual exercise faithfully in Jesus name.
Sunday 3 January 2016
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
The great irony of the Xmas celebrations
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shall honor Him; not doing thine own ways, not finding thy own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shall thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isa 58:13-14)
Although this passage is specifically addressing the sanctity of the Sabbath, I will not fail to liken the Christmas day and its celebrations, as of the same solemnity and importance, to a Christian. Christian celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, to respect and honor Him as their Saviour and Redeemer. It is a period of complete gratitude to God for all He has done and are doing for Christianity and mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Beloved, it is very sad to say here that despite the number of churches and their attendant worshippers all over the world, a lot of us do not know the essence of Christmas and its celebrations. Many today are celebrating the Christmas and its holidays without knowing or respecting the very One who it is ordained for. Several of us are doing the wrong things, married to church activities and programmes that does not truly reflect the solemnity and importance of Christmas. Several carols and other activities of this period are packaged only to entertain and not to lead people to Christ.
The truth dear friends, is that the church have turned away from the essence of Christmas; Each one is doing his or her pleasure, speaking his or her own words, and only a few see this season as a holy and delightsome period unto the Lord. The fact is that Christmas day and its celebrations are not for ostentations display of wealth, worldly parties, misplaced priorities and fashions. Rather, it is a period that God requires all Christians to turn away from doing our own pleasures, acting on ways that are not in consonance with the will of God, but to delight in the honor and adoration of God.
Most assuredly, if you delight yourself in the Lord and celebrate the true essence of Christmas, the Lord shall cause you to ride the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father. (Isa 58:14)
Wishing you a merry Xmas and a prosperous 2016!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shall honor Him; not doing thine own ways, not finding thy own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shall thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isa 58:13-14)
Although this passage is specifically addressing the sanctity of the Sabbath, I will not fail to liken the Christmas day and its celebrations, as of the same solemnity and importance, to a Christian. Christian celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, to respect and honor Him as their Saviour and Redeemer. It is a period of complete gratitude to God for all He has done and are doing for Christianity and mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Beloved, it is very sad to say here that despite the number of churches and their attendant worshippers all over the world, a lot of us do not know the essence of Christmas and its celebrations. Many today are celebrating the Christmas and its holidays without knowing or respecting the very One who it is ordained for. Several of us are doing the wrong things, married to church activities and programmes that does not truly reflect the solemnity and importance of Christmas. Several carols and other activities of this period are packaged only to entertain and not to lead people to Christ.
The truth dear friends, is that the church have turned away from the essence of Christmas; Each one is doing his or her pleasure, speaking his or her own words, and only a few see this season as a holy and delightsome period unto the Lord. The fact is that Christmas day and its celebrations are not for ostentations display of wealth, worldly parties, misplaced priorities and fashions. Rather, it is a period that God requires all Christians to turn away from doing our own pleasures, acting on ways that are not in consonance with the will of God, but to delight in the honor and adoration of God.
Most assuredly, if you delight yourself in the Lord and celebrate the true essence of Christmas, the Lord shall cause you to ride the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father. (Isa 58:14)
Wishing you a merry Xmas and a prosperous 2016!
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh
HYMN
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
1. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
o Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
1. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
o Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
PRAYER BULLETS
1. O Lord, I thank You for the gift of life, for seeing me and family even unto this new year.
2. My soul, praise the Lord, for His endless love unto us.
3. Father, I give You all the glory for Your faithfulness and Your mercies, whereby I, my family and the church were not consumed in the past years.
4. Lord, I thank You for all that You have set to do this year and for the table You have set before me this year.
ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Next Sunday: Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship service
2. Bible study holds by 6pm on Wednesdays, don’t miss it.
3. Our fasting and prayer commences today till 31st January, 2016. Please partake.
4. There will be night vigil this Friday, 8th January, 2016 by 11 pm.
5. Welcome to 2016 - Our Year of UNCOMMON REWARD (Gen. 15:1)
2. Bible study holds by 6pm on Wednesdays, don’t miss it.
3. Our fasting and prayer commences today till 31st January, 2016. Please partake.
4. There will be night vigil this Friday, 8th January, 2016 by 11 pm.
5. Welcome to 2016 - Our Year of UNCOMMON REWARD (Gen. 15:1)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)