Members of Christ Apostolic Church across the globe on Sunday January 1, 2023 gathered for the first Sunday Service of the year. CAC News brings you compilation of first sermons of the year by some selected CAC Ministers
Read and meditate on the message for your spiritual growth and fulfillment in year 2023.
Below are the ministers and their messages:
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| Pastor Simeon Oladokun |
Message: Let Us Bring The Ark Back.
Text: 1 Chronicles 13:3
By: Pastor Simeon Oladokun
Regional Superintendent – CAC Anosike Region
Happy New Year to our fathers in the Lord and to all the CAC Members all over the world! It is my prayer that our greatest desire, both at the leadership and membership levels in our church this year 2023, will be to bring the ark of our God and all that it represents back to our church, back to our families, region by region, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Introducing the Text:
and let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul.” (1 Ch 13:3). NKJV
After David had taken Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it the capital of the then-united Israel and Judah, he desired to make it the religious centre as well. However, this could not be donetill the ark of the covenant, which was a symbol of God’s presence among his people, was returned to a permanent resting place in Jerusalem. Remember, whenever Israelgoes to battle, the ark goes before them.Whenever they have obstacles on their way, eg, crossing the Jordan River, the ark goes before them.Wheneverthey are confused and in need of guidance, they needed the ark to go before them. Because God’s presence among his people matters most to David, so he asked that the ark,which the Philistines had captured at Shiloh (1Sa 4:4,11), and displayed for several months in Philistia (1Sa 6:1) and now returned to Israel (1Sa 6:2-12) where it was housed at Beth Shemesh (1Sa 6:13-15) and KiriathJearim for a period of about 100 years, be brought back to themselves.
2. The Necessity of Bringing Backthe Ark to Us in 2023.
In CAC all over the world,for God to be among us in 2023, for Him to go ahead of us in 2023,for Him to fight our battles for us in 2023 we need to bring the ark back to us. If we value God’s presence among us, we will strive to bring the ark back to our midst.
3. The Mistakes We must Avoid When Bringing the Ark Back:
So they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.(1 Ch 13:7).When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. (1 Ch 13:9–10).
There are two costly mistakes we must avoid as we bring the ark back to our midst:
i. We Must Avoid Inventing New Methodologies for carrying the Ark.
“New cart” represents new methodologies, new ideas that are ungodly and foreign to the biblical way of leading the church and the family of God. In 2023, we will be enticed to do things just the way the people with uncircumcised hearts do, we must resist the temptation. It might be somepsychedelic ways of preaching the gospel; some humanistic methods of praying for healing, someatheistic spirits for leading the church of Christ; commercialisation and mcdonalization of the membership of the church of the living God! This is why God is angry most of the time, but it’s like we have become so insensitive to God’s wrath against his people nowadays, as long as we get what we want and make things gone our ways! In many assemblies, the ark is stumbling, yet it does not bother us! This is dangerous, because, the longer we stay under the undiluted messages from God and remain unchanged or unyielding, the less powerful the living Word of God becomes to us!
ii. We must Never Attempt to Drive or Lead God! (1 Ch 13:7).
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before him forever. 1 Chronicles 15:2 (NIV)
The ark was meant to be carried on your shoulder. You don’t push it, you don’t drive it, you carry it.Shoulder speaks of responsibilities.(Cf, Jos 4:5) In 2023, let each one of us carry out our responsibilities and not try to avoid them. We have leadership responsibilities, we have financial responsibilities, we have relational responsibilities, etc, they must be carried, and this is rewarding, because when you shoulder the ark of God, He himself shoulders you! Listen: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Is 46:4).
4. Note David’s Sound of Entreaties.
Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.
I charge you to check the people around you, are they the ones encouraging you to send the ark of God away or bring it back? Let us encourage one another in 2023 to bring the ark back. I’m asking you, DCC by DCC, Zone by Zone, District by District, Assembly by Assembly, Pastor by Pastor, Member by Member, let us bring the ark of our God back to CAC.The Ark of UNITY must be brought back. The ark of HOLINESS must be seen among us in 2023.We desperately need that ark of LOVE! The arks of TRUTH and SINCERITY must be sought for and be brought back. The arks of true submission and genuine humility must be brought back to the Christ Apostolic Church.
Finally, if we are successful in bringing the ark back to us in 2023, what are we standing to gain?
5. The Benefits of Bringing the Ark Back:
When the ark is brought back:
i. God’s Presence will be back
ii. God’s Power will be back
iii. God’s Praises will be back.
iv. God’s Prestige(honour, status) will be back to us in the Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas!
I pray we will all strive to bring the ark back to our midst this year, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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| Pastor S.A. Adedayo |
WHERE WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR ETERNITY?
By: Pastor S.A. Adedayo
Regional Superintendent, Akinyele Region
The World’s continental Time Zones varies, with differences in the times we arrived the new year.
As new year emerges, everyone should note that eternity is right before us all. There is therefore a pertinent question you have to examine as we welcome the New Year 2023, “Where Would You Spend Your Eternity?”
Life fades with the emerging new year. You grow old with the tick of every second. You therefore need to ask yourself: Where will you spend your Eternal Life?
Eternity is a life without an end. After this life, there are two categories of Eternity. They are:
1. Eternal rest or life
2. Eternal damnation or Death
In Luke 16:19-31, there are two characters in the parables Jesus told to His disciples. One was rich and the other was poor. The rich was wicked, egocentric and lived as if he would not die anymore, while the poor was earnestly dependent on God, despite his destitution. We do not have excuse to stand out in this perverse world.This and many instances in the Bible are proofs that our generation is not the worse.
Example:
During the pre-flood era, the entire world was godless and perverted, but Noah and his family stood out. Ditto for Lot and his family. All manners of Sexual Perversions were rampant such that they attempted to have forceful canal lust with the Angels of God who were on visit to Sodom and Gomorrah, and logged with Lot, in Genesis 19. Despite the moral decadence in the city, God still found Lot and his Family.
You may have lived rough all your life or missed it at a point till the close of year 2022, God has provision of eternal Life for you. You are required to do the following:
1. Repent now from your sins,
2. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour
3. Set the Eternal Life, promised by Jesus in John 14:1, before you.
4. Strive to be a source of encouragement and Comfort to those who are fallen.
THE TRUTHS JESUS SPECIFIED IN THE SCRIPTURE UNDER REVIEW (Luke 16)
1. Heaven and Hell are real - Luke 16:24
2. We will give account of how we have lived our lives some day
3. We will see and know ourselves but there is no privilege of crossing boundaries of heaven to hell and vis-à-vis – Luke 16:23
2023 is here again, remember so many had prospects for the year 2022 but were not enabled to see the end of the first month. Whatever minute you spend in life is an opportunity to make amends of your ways and live right. Maximize the privilege of being offered the year 2023 again to know God and live for Him all your life. God seeks that you stand out and make the difference for His glory in the year 2023.
God bless you
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| Pastor Gideon O. Oladokun |
KNOW THE HOLY
SPIRIT IN YEAR 2023
By: Pastor Gideon O. Oladokun
Superintendent, CAC Itire DCC, Lagos
The Holy Spirit is our great Teacher, Communicator. Nobody knows more than the Holy Spirit. When our Lord Jesus Christ was here on earth, He talked to the Father and the Father talked to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 16:13). Today, the Holy Spirit still talks to believers and intercedes for them daily (Rom. 8:26, 27).
EIGHT REWARDS FOR RECOGNISING THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
a. The Holy Spirit often warns us of impending danger: For whatever reason, he who chooses to ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit has himself to blame. Failure to obey Him is failure in life.
b. Knowing His Spirit could stop thousands of unnecessary deaths, tragedies and difficulties this year: If you suppress His still small voice, the devil will suppress you.
c. Knowing His Voice could prevent many failed marriage and broken homes this year: The Holy Spirit can instruct you on whom you should marry; listening to His voice has led many houses and marriages to enjoy God’s presence in their families.
d. Knowing His voice can unlock waves of favour and blessing this year: The Holy Spirit will lead you to whom you should relate with because He is the great connector. The voice will always connect you to successful people.
e. Knowing His voice brings inner-peace: It happened to the disciples during the storm while they were in the ship.
f. Knowing His voice unlocks uncommon success and prosperity: “All these blessings shall come on thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord they God” (Deut. 28:1, 2).
g. The voice of the Spirit can change the financial seasons of your life in a moment: The day you increase the size of your corner, your field will be increased. Your field is your “Income” and your “Corner” represents your “Outgo” (giving) Lev. 19:9 – 10. By obeying the Spirit of God in giving, God will increase your income. Knowing His Spirit enables you to know God’s purpose for your life and to fulfill it. His still small voice can activate millions of miracles that will change your life forever. There is power in knowing the mystery of His Spirit.
LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is a person, not fire, wind or a white dove. What you will become in life depends on how you listen to what you have known. Listen to Him brings quick actions that will transform us from our mistakes to our miracles.
WHY MUST YOU LISTEN?
a. The Holy Spirit created you: The spirit of God has made us and the breath of the Almighty has given us life. The Spirit gives life (Job 33:4; 2 Cor. 3:6; John 6:63).
b. The Holy Spirit authored the word of God: All scriptures is given by inspiration of God and prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved by the Spirit of God (2 Tim. 3:16 – 17; 2 Pet. 1:21).
c. The Holy Spirit selects the gifts and skills given to you by the Father: Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4 – 9).
d. The Holy Spirit knows the geographical location where your potentials will flourish and be celebrated: You must listen to His direction to avoid confusion in life.
e. The Holy Spirit intercedes for you every moment: “Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities” (Rom. 8:26).
f. The Holy Spirit is easily offended if you don’t listen to His voice: He withdraws His manifest presence (Eph. 4:29 – 32).
AVENUE TO LISTEN:
a.
Sitting
under the ministration of anointed men of God.
b. Studying the word of God.
c. Praying.
What you listen to determines what you speak. Therefore let it be your habit to listen to His voice before you listen to others in year 2023. Knowing and listening to his voice is the secret of life.
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| Pastor G.S. Dada |
Better Resolutions for Year 2023
By: Pastor G.S. Dada
Superintendent, CAC Oke-Ado DCC, Ibadan.
Introduction
1. As a New Year begins, I am reminded of the fact that we are one year closer to...
a. The day of our death, or the day the Lord returns
b. That day when we shall stand before the Lord in judgment - 2Co 5:10
c. That day when He will either say...
1. "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" - Mt 25:34
2. "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" - Mt 25:41
2. Since we are one year closer to that day when our final destiny will be forever determined, let me use this opportunity...
a. To provoke your thinking as to how you have used this past year
b. To suggest some resolutions for the coming year
[My goal is to encourage us to make better use of the time we have left, and to prepare us for the day of reckoning that awaits us. Let's begin, then, by asking...]
I. IN THE PAST YEAR
A. HAS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND CHRIST IMPROVED?
1. Have we drawn nearer to God? - cf. Jm 4:8
2. Bearing in mind that a close relationship depends upon good communication...
a. Have we been faithful in listening to God through His Word?
1. Another year has gone by; did we read through the Bible this year?
2. If not, and especially if we never have, can we honestly say that we are taking our relationship with God seriously?
b. Have we been steadfast in talking to God through prayer?
1. Any effective communication requires a two-way street
2. Therefore fervent Bible study should be joined with fervent prayer
3. Has our degree of prayerfulness increased or decreased this year?
B. HAS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BRETHREN IMPROVED?
1. Has our love for one another increased this year? - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10
2. Are we any closer to one another than we were a year ago?
a. E.g., have we been in the homes of brethren?
b. E.g., have any of them been in our homes?
3. Do we even know who our brethren are?
a. Each year brings new members into the family of God
b. Have we made the effort to know them? Even by name?
C. HAS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE IN THE WORLD IMPROVED?
1. As people of God, we have an important responsibility toward those in the world - cf. Mt 5:13-16
a. To be a positive influence ("You are the salt of the earth")
b. To demonstrate a better way ("You are the light of the world")
2. Have we made progress this year in developing meaningful relationships with people in the world?
a. So the light of Christ can be seen in our lives
b. So the gospel of Christ can be communicated to them
3. Or are we like most "neighbors" in this day and age...
a. Living next to each other, but not really knowing each other?
b. Having forgotten the lost art of "Southern hospitality"?
[The questions I am raising can be summarized in this way: "Another year has gone by; have we made good use of the time the Lord has given us, or have we wasted it?" It is likely that all of us in some degree have not made good use of the past year. But at this point, let's apply the words of Paul:
"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Ph. 3:13-14)
With this attitude of pressing forward, let me suggest the following resolutions...]
II. FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
A. RESOLVE TO DRAW NEARER TO GOD AND CHRIST...
1. By having a daily reading program of God's living and abiding Word - He 4:12
a. Read the Old Testament this year - cf. Ro 15:4; 1Co 10:11; 2Ti 3:14-17
b. Read the New Testament also - Jm 1:21; 1Pe 2:2
2. By being diligent in prayer - He 4:14-16
a. Let's be a thankful people - cf. Col 4:2; 1Th 5:17-18
b. Perhaps Daniel's custom of praying three times daily would be worthy of emulation - Dan 6:10
B. RESOLVE TO BECOME CLOSER TO THE BRETHREN...
1. By making it a point to learn every one's name - cf. 3Jn 14
a. Get a directory
b. Each week, connect a couple of names and faces until you learn them all
2. By having a different person or family in your home each month - cf. 1Pe 4:9
a. It doesn't have to be a fancy dinner
b. Just a simple visit to become better acquainted
3. Or by visiting a different person or family each month
a. It might not always be convenient to have people in your home
b. But you can arrange to visit them in their home (if you are alone, take someone with you)
C. RESOLVE TO GET TO KNOW NON-CHRISTIANS BETTER...
1. By having one new neighbor or co-worker in your home each month - cf. Ga 6:10
2. Or by visiting one new neighbor or co-worker each month
a. It doesn't have to be a fancy meal or formal visit
b. It is amazing how far simple hospitality and neighborly kindness can go...
1. To build meaningful relationships
2. In which opportunities can be created to share the gospel
CONCLUSION
1. These resolutions may sound simplistic; but if implemented, they go a long way...
a. To producing the kind of lifestyle that is becoming of Christians
b. To increasing closer relationships with God, our brethren, and the lost
1. That will bless our lives
2. And be a blessing to the church and our community
c. To create a clearer conscience next year at this time
2. Time is a precious commodity, given to us by God...
a. That is truly like a vapor - cf. Jm 4:13-15
b. That needs to be carefully redeemed - cf. Ep 5:15-16
-- I hope that these suggestions for resolutions for a new year will help you in making better use of it.
If you are not a Christian, or you are a child of God who has strayed from the Lord, you need to make the best use of the time you have now...
"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: `In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2Co 6:1-2).
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| Pastor J. Oluwemimo Akinyomi |
GOD IS IN CONTROL OF THIS YEAR
TEXT: I Chronicles 29:10-12
By: Pastor J. Oluwemimo Akinyomi
Superintendent, CAC Somolu-Olaleye DCC, Lagos
INTRODUCTION:
We need to have a strong belief and complete faith that God is in absolute control of this year, the world, and our lives.
The Bible calls this “God’s Sovereignty”. That means He is the absolute authority in life. He is the ultimate Ruler. He is in charge and He is control.
Not only God is in control of the world, not only is in control of History, God is also in control of our lives this year 2023. Therefore fear not! We need to walk in faith that whatever happens in our lives God can and will use it for our eternal purpose. God is in control.
There are three facts that we need to remember about God’s control. BECAUSE GOD IS INCONTROL
I. HE HAS A PLAN FOR OUR LIFE. Jer. 29:11
Many times people plan and live their lives without given any thought of God’s plans for their lives.
As Christians we should seek the perfect will of God for our lives this year and beyond. Prov. 19:21
We should make our plans counting on God to direct us this year.
Planning without prayer is presumption. It is not mush to use the first month of this year praying, asking for God’s direction.
II. HE HAS A PURPOSE FOR OUR PROBLEMS - Gen. 5:20; Rom. 8:28
Life has a meaning
Life has a purpose
As a believer, nothing comes into your life without the Heavenly Father’s permission.
Your problem has a purpose. God does not cause your problems, but He does permit them for your good.
He does use them for good in your life
God will use your problem to get you in the POSITION that He wants you in. Example was Joseph the son Jacob. He didn’t envisage for problem that day and that year he was sold to the land of Egypt, but God use it to place him into his position.
God will use your problem to get you to the place He has designed for you.
Our problems are opportunities to see God’s power work on our behalf. I Pet. 1:6-7
Your response is never get discourage, don’t give up.
III. OUR PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED. Eph. 3:20
If you can dedicate the first month (January) to seek the face of God it is profitable
Prayers are not a waste of time
Prayers make a difference
Prayer works because God is in control
Because God is in control, He can control the uncontrollable.
· You don’t have to know the key man if you know the man who holds the keys
God can do things that you never thought possible.
Prayer has an impact because God is in control
God’s sovereignty – If He wants to overrule nature He can. If He wants to overrule a human law, He can. If He wants to overrule government, He can.
He can do whatever He wants to do.
Trust Him, believe Him, adore Him this new year and He will direct all your affairs.
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| Pastor Joseph Omolola |
PREPARE TO LIVE BY THE BOOK
By: Pastor Joseph Omolola
Superintendent, Agbara DCC, Lagos
Text: Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Hymn 809 Stanza 1
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He shedson our way
While we do His good will
He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey. etc.
Preamble:
Glory be to God in the highest for yet another year.
Thanks to God in the life of our church authority who had traveled the new year 2023 in the spirit and came to tell us what the year entails to travel in it.
In this year 2023 all members of Christ Apostolic Church must pay rapt attention to the law of God which is the Word of God.
Every good thing in this year will only get to your life through discovering and obeying the law of God. Your seriousness with the Word of God is as important as your life.
If you will not walk in darkness and live a miserable life this year, you must be serious with the word of God, love the word and cherish her.
I. Brief Explanation of Psalm 119 and Verse 105
Psalm 119 was written by an unknown author. But it is generally believed that Ezra the Priest wrote it. It is termed the “Psalm of the Word of God.” We have 48 folds Description of the word of God spread across line 1 to 160.
In line 105, the psalmist realized that it is not within man to direct his own behavior in order to be pleasing to God. Therefore, He had made the Word of God the lamp by which He directed man’s life.
This is the same thing God, through our church authority is making clear to us, that in year 2023 you need God and His Word more than anything else. I pray the church and even our nation will listen to this serious warning and follow the Word of God.
II. You and the Book / Word
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
In our preparation to live by the book in this new year there are three things or steps you must take
A. You must recognize the word and God.
B. You must pay attention to the word of God
C. You enjoy the efficacy of the word
A. Recognition of the word – “Your word”
One of the major problems of “Christians” today is our inability to recognize the word of God. We find it difficult to differentiate between the word of man, and the word of God. We fail to know that not all that stand behind the pulpit with an open book are really speaking the mind of God.
The Bible records the word of false prophets in 1 Kings 13:11-25, fake prophets with false prophecies are many now in our day because the word of God is scarce – 1 Samuel 3:1; There were so many men of God in Samuel’s time, yet the bible says that word of God was rare.
You need to know God and His word. This can only be possible if you give yourself to Bible reading and you will discover God in His word.
One of the reasons we do not have stable Christians and members again in our churches but moving brothers and sisters is because we do not know God and His word personally. We are just being tossed here and there by the word of Ministers – Ephesians 4:12-16.
It is the word that should guide us according to Psalm 119:105. The word of God is what we need in all our decisions in life. Proverb 3:5-7; career, marriage and other vital decisions of life. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.Psalm 73:24
More importantly we are to obey and live by the word of God that we discovered. Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the lord and to teach in Israel statute and judgement.
Acts 1:1… of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. People of the book are scarce today. We pay lip service to the word of God. We preach it but we do not practice it. The word you fail to practice can never benefit you.
Romans 16:17-18 Paul told us what happened in his own time which is also happening around us today. The words that fill our pulpit today are smooth words, flattering speech, arrogant word, vain babblings, etc. This is the time that churches are preaching what people want to hear.II Timothy 4:3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;Ministers are no longer receiving from God for the people. Ezekiel 3:17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: Isaiah 55:10-11
B. You must pay attention to the word – “Lamp to my feet”
It is one thing to recognize the word of God, it is another thing to pay attention to it. Isaiah 66:2For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.To pay attention means – To take notice of what the word of God is saying. It means to have very high regard for the word of God. to take special careof the word. To express interest in the word of God.
Paying attention will attract the following:
1. Read the Bible like a dose – Joshua 1:8
2. Read and meditate on it daily – Joshua 1:8
3. Study it until you get revelation – 2 Tim 2:15
4. Read to discover many things that are hidden in the law. Psalm 119:18
5. Set target to read it through once or twice a year
6. Pattern your life to what you have discovered from the Bible – Matthew 7:24; 2 Cor 8:1-5; James 1:22-25;
C. You enjoy the efficacy of the word. Psalm 119:99I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. Ex. 19:5, Isaiah 55:11
Every word of God discovered or received has creative power. If only our obedience can be put in place, we shall surely enjoy God this year 2023 in the following areas:
1. The word of God gives life – John 1:4, John 8:12
2. The word of God gives light;you will not walk in darkness- John 1:4, John 8:12
3. The word of God quickens the sinner, transform their life and make them sons of God. John 6: 63
4. The word of God heals.Psalm 107:20
5. The word of God gives hope to the hopeless. Psalm 119:14
Conclusions
The great tragedy among Christian is that too many of us are under the word of God, but not in it for ourselves.
We use to have a slogan in our early Christian days – we even wrote it in our Bible “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you away from this book.” That was true then, and it is still true today.
A dusty Bible will always lead to a dirty life. In fact, you are either in the word and the word is conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ, or you are in the world and the world is squeezing you into its mold.
Shalom!
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| Pastor Akinpelu O. Abraham |
LAMP UNTO MY FEET
(Joshua 1:1-9).
Pastor Akinpelu O. Abraham
Superintendent, CAC Agbala Itura DCC, Ibadan.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”(Psalms 119:105).
The undeniable truth is that every man needs a guide through life. The Bible makes us to understand that in the beginning:
“…the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep…” (Genesis 1:2).
We are all living in the world of darkness ruled by the rulers of darkness. (Ephesians 6:12). Hence, we need the light of God to successfully run the race of life. The ultimate plan of God is to give us every place the sole of our foot shall tread unchallenged. “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Joshua 1:3, 5).However, the devil can make breakthrough difficult and sometimes impossible. “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6).
Darkness is associated with:
Ø Satan
Ø Principalities
Ø Wickedness in high places
Ø Evil
Ø Emptiness
Ø Sin
Ø Despair
Ø Challenges of life.
It brings sorrow, tears, disappointment, failure, unfulfilled dream and eventually hell.
Therefore, we need light to guide us in order not to be consumed by darkness. (Job 29:3b).
A. FEET:
Literally and symbolically, feet are the foundation of the body. They help with one’s balance, posture and mobility.
Whatever that happens to the feet will definitely happen to the rest of the body.
Our feet can affect:
Ø The way we walk
Ø Cause back pain
Ø Cause joint problems and
Ø The way organs operate.
Feet symbolically, according to the Bible, can be:
Ø A symbol of life. (Psalms 18:33).
Ø Progress.(Joshua 1:3).
Ø A succession of kingdoms. (1 Kings 11:36).
Ø Authority. (Joshua 10:24).
Ø Victory (1 Kings 5:3).
B. THE LAMP:
“O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.”(Psalms 43:3).
Various kinds of lamps were mentioned in the Bible, some for indoor use (2 Kings 4;10) and some for outdoor use (Matthew 25:1) which were made of different types of materials like clay, mental or wood of different shapes and designs but functioned in the same way.
In the ancient world, lamp was essential for everyday living. It takes the word of God to lead us and bring us to the presence of God for fulfillment in life.
It is the symbol of:
Ø Life in man. (Proverbs 13:9).
Ø The Spirit of God. (Revelation 4:5).
Ø Holiness.
Ø Goodness.
Ø Knowledge.
Ø Wisdom.
Ø Hope.
Ø Divine revelation.
Ø Unbroken succession. (1 Kings 11:36, Psalms 132:17).
Ø The glory of God. (Revelation 21:23).
Ø God. (1 John 1:15).
Ø Jesus Christ. (John 8:12).
Ø Christian. (Matthew 5:14).
Ø The word of God. (Psalms 119:105).
“For the commandment is a LAMP and the law is LIGHT: and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”(Proverbs 6:23).
C. HIS WORD: (John 1:1-5).
Ø Stands firm in heaven. (Psalms 119:89)
Ø Is the source of life. (Psalms 119:25).
Ø Is light to the pathway of life. (Psalms 119:105)
Ø Makes new life possible. (1 Peter 1:23, 2 Timothy 3:15)
Ø Is sword of the Spirit to fight the devil. (Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 19:13-15).
This word must:
Ø Be eaten. (Jeremiah 15:16).
Ø Dwell in us richly. (Colossians 3:16)
Ø Be received with all readiness of mind (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 2:13) which will help us to grow. (1 Peter 2:2)
Ø Be put into one’s heart. (Psalms 119:11)
Ø Be relied on. (Psalms 119:92)
Ø Be obeyed. (Psalms 119:17, James 1:22-24)
The Benefits:
Ø His word will help us to see ourselves. (2 timothy 3:16-17). We must see ourselves in the light of the word of God. Sin must be exposed and dealt with expressly in our lives. His word must be able to give us the needed strength to overcome darkness. (Job 42:5-6). You cannot see God and remain the same. (Luke 5:8).
Ø His word will reveal God to us. His nature, power and what He is expecting from us. (Isaiah 6:1-4).
Ø His word will show us how to walk in the journey of life.
Ø Light the way.
Ø Give direction for each step. (Psalms 23:1-2).
Ø Give wisdom for long range (path way).
Ø Corrects.
Ø Leads.
Ø Rebukes.
Ø Teaches.
Ø Sustains life. (Deuteronomy 8:3).
His word must be a LAMP to our feet and to our path to lead us into fulfillment in all ways. This is the best way to journey through the New Year. Life without light will end up in total darkness now an in the world to come.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and thou shalt have good success,” (Joshua 1:8).
Happy New Year!
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| Pastor Mich ‘Tunji Oladapo |
MORE THAN A CONQUEROR BY THE POWER OF HIS PRESENCE
ROMANS 8: 31-37; Psalm
124: 1ff
By: Pastor Mich ‘Tunji Oladapo
Superintendent, CAC Life and Power Zone, Lagos
INTRODUCTION
We bless the name of the Lord for our triumphant crossover from year 2022 to year 2023. It is by His grace and mercy. Some people see this as a common thing but it is not. The last week of the year 2022 was full of disaster and calamities. Or what would you say about a man who lost his wife and his only two kids to ghastly motor accident barely FOUR DAYS to the end of the year? Is your triumphant crossover a common thing? What about the many cases of kidnapping, abduction, killings, etc that many experienced during the year? In all these, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us and had always been with us and for us.
I. The Power of His Presence:
If God be for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8: 31. It is the presence of God that made us invincible, undefeatable and unconquerable.
Ø We are more than conquerors through His presence that was available for us and with us – Romans 8: 37.
Ø Greater is the One who is in us than he who is in the world – 1John: 4: 4.
Ø If not for His presence, enemies would have prevailed against us – Psalm 124: ff.
Ø Their whims and caprices would have been fulfilled on our lives – Exodus 15: 11ff
Ø Surely we are not afraid of any evil by the reason of His presence that we enjoy – Psalm 23: 4. Surely, even though we walked through the valley of shadow of death, we feared no evil because He was with us.
Ø His promise to be with us even in the midst of fire and waters of life was unfailing; His presence gave us victory - Isaiah 43: 1-5.
Ø Because He was with us like a fearsome warrior, our persecutors stumbled and they could not prevail- Jeremiah 20: 11.
Ø Enemies fought against us but could not prevail because the Lord was with us – Jeremiah 1: 19.
II. Some instances of demonstration of the Power of His Presence in the Bible
Ø His presence was demonstrated in the lives of the three Hebrew men; He appeared to them as the FOURTH PERSON in the fiery furnace of fire – Daniel 3
Ø He demonstrated His presence to Daniel in the den of lions – Daniel 6: 16-28.
Ø His presence gave Joseph favour everywhere he went – in the pit, in Potiphar’s house, in the prison, etc such that he prevailed over and against the evil plots of his brothers and that of Potiphar’s wife – Genesis 39: 2, 19-23.
Surely, His presence shall give you victory, and you shall be more than a conqueror in the New Year. He promises that His presence shall go with us and He shall give us rest – Exodus 33: 14.
III. How to secure His perpetual presence for victory
Ø Do those things which please Him always (like Jesus did) – John 8: 29.
Let your ways please the Lord. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him – Proverbs 16: 7.
Ø Honour Him with all that you have; those that honour Him He honours - 1 Samuel 2: 30.
Ø Obey Him in all things – Isaiah 1: 19.
Ø Live a pure and holy life; there is no victory without holiness.
Ø Connect yourself to victory through prayer and fasting – 1 Thess. 5: 17; Luke 18: 1
Ø Love God with all your hearts, and love your neighbours as yourself.
Ø Embrace humility. Proud and arrogant people are enemies of God. Learn lessons from the boastful and arrogant Goliath. He who exalts himself shall be humbled…
I see you live a victorious life, and you shall be more than a conqueror in this New Year and beyond, in the name of Jesus Christ.
I WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR, IN JESUS’ NAME.
SHALOM.
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| Pastor F. F. Daramola, Ph.D |
VICTORY IS MINE IN 2023
By: Pastor F. F. Daramola, Ph.D
Superintendent, CAC Oshodi Zone, Lagos
Text: I John 4:4. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. I Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
INTRODUCTION
Victory is very attainable for every child of God because He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world! No matter the challenges of life, it is the will of God that you shout victory at last! He did it with David and He can do it with you! To have victory at last means winning despite opposition and oppression. It is lasting and constant victory. It is converting failure to success, and defeat to victory! The state of failure is not final – victory is achievable if you keep pressing and believing for it! To have victory at last is to live a triumphant life. It is to win every day of the week. It is moving from breakdown to steady and unhindered progress.
THE AREAS OF LIFE WHERE YOU MUST ENJOY VICTORY IN 2023
1. Your Health:
Exodus 15: 26 – “And said, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you, which I have brought on the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that heals you.” III John 2 – “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”
2. You have victory over sickness and death!
I Corinthians 15: 53-55 – “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?”
3. Your Business & Job
Money will come to you despite what the economy and organizations are saying! Psalm1:3 – “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
4. Your Family
Isaiah 8:18 – “Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwells in mount Zion.”
5. Your Finance
Philippians 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Psalm 34:10 – “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”
Examples of Victorious People:
ü David – I Samuel 17:48-50. So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. II Samuel 3:1. Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. David enjoyed victory over Goliath and over Saul.
ü Hannah – I Samuel 1:15. But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Hannah moved from barrenness to fruitfulness and from breakdown to growth!
How to Enjoy Victory in 2023?
1. Acknowledge that you belong to God. Psalm 118:7 – “The LORD takes my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire on them that hate me.” II Corinthians 5:15 – “And that he died for all, that they which live should not from now on live to themselves, but to him which died for them, and rose again.”
2. Maintain the victory mindset. If you cannot believe it, you cannot enjoy it – have a victory mindset. Believe you walk in victory and triumph. I John 4:4. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Proverbs 23:7. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, said he to you; but his heart is not with you.”
3. Refuse to quit! What God has said, He is able to perform – refuse to doubt or quit! Let your action correspond with your prophecy, be action-oriented! II Kings 3:15-18. But now bring me a musician.” Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. 16 And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ 17 For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ 18 And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 19 Also you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall cut down every good tree, and stop up every spring of water, and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” You enjoy victory by staying on!
4. Resist the enemy against your victory. Do not give the enemy chance over your life. James 4:7. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
5. Confess your victory. Confession is important for a life of constant victory.
Psalm 107:2. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy…” Joel 3:10. Beat your plowshares into swords. And you are pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ ”
CONCLUSION
From today, choose a lifestyle of victory – believe it, confess it, refuse to be deterred by whatever is happening around you!
Prophetic Declarations:
Ø I win always! I am moving to a season of unhindered progress.
Ø Every area of defeat in my life are being converted to success. I enjoy victory!
Ø The Goliath of pain, sickness, failure is falling in my life!
Ø I am getting stronger and stronger! Every long-time battle in my life and family are coming to an end! I will shout “victory at last!”
Ø Oh Lord God, I receive victory over the attack of sickness and death!
Ø Every arrow of sickness and death, I command go back to hell in Jesus’ name! Sickness is under my feet! COVID-19 has been swallowed up in victory!
Ø I resist the devil over my life and over my health in the name of Jesus.
Ø I receive supernatural provision all through this season!
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| Pastor ‘Doyin Adeyemi |
2023 MY YEAR OF SUPERNATURAL ACCELERATION
1KING 18:46
By: Pastor ‘Doyin Adeyemi
Superintendent, CAC Light of the World Zone, Lagos
It is with great joy that I welcome to the year 2023. God has been faithful to us and we won’t take his goodness for granted. We have many challenges last year but God stood by us. It is of the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed. All power belongs to Him and we enjoy the fullness of his power last year. All his promises came to pass and he proved himself to be a living and faithful God to us. Glory to his name Hallelujah.
In this year 2023, God has promised us that it will be a year of supernatural acceleration which means we will enjoy divine speed in all our endeavors this year.In this year, your journey will be faster than your imagination. Our text is taken from 1 Kings 18:46
“And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel”
The word acceleration means an increase in how fast something happens per time. It is also the rate at which a vehicle increases in speed. In physics, Acceleration mean; change in velocity per time. Hence there is a time and speed factor in acceleration.
The word supernatural simply means beyond the natural law and natural course of life. supernatural accelerationtherefore means increase in speed per time which is not normal and beyond explanation of any natural law. According to what we read in the scripture the hand of the Lord rested up on Elijah and he outran Ahab who was on a Chariot and has gone before him. Elijah met him on the way and get to Jezreel before him. How would you explain to a common Man that someone walking on foot is faster than someone on chariot. This can only happen by divine enabling. There is a divine grace that makes a man cover up and meet up with those who have gone ahead of him. That grace is coming upon you in this year 2023.
God promised us in Joel 2:25 that he will restore the years that the locust has eaten. This year you are recovering your lost years in Jesus name. it does not matter how far others have gone ahead of you in achievement and other good things but I have God’s mandate to announce to you that you will cover up this year.
Your progress will enjoy speed, your expansion will enjoy speed, all your projects will enjoy speed. You will be a wonder to people around you this year. Whatever is expected of you to achieve in twenty years will be achieved them in less than one year.
If it is possible for our God to finish the creation of the heavens and the earth in six days and you are created in the image of God carrying the breath of God that means, there is no limit to what you can achieve through God. Just believe this is your year and you shall enjoy diving speed.
But for you to enjoy supernatural acceleration this year. Thereare somethings you must do.
1. You Must Accept Jesus into Your Life: Elijah enjoy speed because he was a member of God’s family. The family you belong determines the heritage you enjoy. You are not entitled to God’s heritage if you are not a member of God’s family.
2. Follow Divine Direction: Paul told the RomanChurch that those who are led by the Spirit of God are called the Sons of God (Rom 8:14). God premised us in Psalm 32:8 that; I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you”. Abraham's life enjoy supernatural progress because he followed God’s directions to leave his people and go to where he will instruct him. As Abraham obeyed and followed divine direction, he became a reverence point as far as blessing his concern.
There was a famine in the days of Isaac but God told him to stay where he (God) ask him (Isaac) to stay. That year Isaac enjoyedbountiful harvest in every area (Genesis 26).
When you obey and follow divine direction, you will enjoy supernatural acceleration
3. Serve with Excellence's Mentality. Job 36:11.People who enjoyed supernatural acceleration are people who will not serve with entitlement mentality but with excellent mentality. Proverb 22:29 says have you seen a man diligent in his business he will serve before the king not before mean man. Joseph had unexpected promotion because he had an excellentmindset. Daniel had unexpected promotion because he had an excellent mindset. Life is not for mediocre, how you think determines how far you will go in life. Elijah wasn’t the only prophet but he was the one bold enough to standout.
At every point of service this year either in church or outside the church you must standout.
4. Believe God for Supernatural Acceleration. Faith is a major catalyst in enjoying the fullness of God’s promises. In mark 9:23 Jesus told that man that all things are possible to him that believe. In mark 11:24 He also said that whatever you desire when you pray, believe that you have received them and it shall be granted unto you. when you doubt God, you are downgrading his ability and there is no how you will downgrade someone’s ability and expect to get the best from him. Abraham believed God and he was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6) with faith in God there is no limit to your achievement.
I prophesy to your life just as I have received from heaven this year: you will enjoy speedin your achievements, financially, spiritually, physically and in every ramification.
God bless you and Happy New Year
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| Pastor Timothy O. A. Yerokun, Ph.D |
2023, My Year of Divine Enlargement Beyond Limits…
By:Pastor Timothy O. A. Yerokun, Ph.D
Superintendent, CAC Amazing Grace Zone, Lagos
Text – Isa. 54:2-5
INTRODUCTION
A critical look at Isaiah 54 from verse 1narrates the historical prophesy about Jerusalem restoration under Darius, and also the future prosperity promised in response to Israel’s complaint of being forsaken.
Apparently, it explicits the good news of the atoning work and exaltation of the servant is followed by a command to the barren woman (Israel) to prepare for expansion of Yahweh’s covenant family. Israel in captivity is compared to a barren woman, an object of disappointment and scorn in the ancient world.
To sing in the face of such a state would be a cruel act, were it not for the power of song. Isaiah’s word is to deal with the barrenness through worship, to enthroned God in song in order to release His miraculous provision.
Ever since humans have walked the earth, history has revealed the dark side of human nature- the human propensities for rage, violence, aggression, unscrupulousness, domination, and tyrannical behaviour. All previous forms of social organization have demonstrated the truth of this fact.
On the other hand, violence and aggression have been in the driver’s seat of social status hierarchies with centralized decision making chiefdoms and states. The resulting positions of leadership open the door for a plethora of injustices and cruelties that come with warfare, slavery, and other types of exploitation by unchecked power-wielders. Because of this, discouraging, limiting, restraining, and punishing tendencies of the dark side of human nature are the order of the day.
Having said the above, a thorough study of Psalm 25:9-14 narrates that God guides and enlarges those that fear Him and do His will. In fact, we discover that God confides in those who fear Him. This seems to make it clear that God will be willing to guide and enlarge anyone who is humble and fears Him. But the question remains, how does God enlarge. In this teaching, we pray that the Almighty Himself will teach us on how to walk toward the right path of His enlargementin Jesus mighty name. Amen.
THE CONCEPT OF ENLARGEMENT
The enlargement means act of increasing in dimensions, scope, or inclusiveness, such as in expansion, extension, and spreading. It is an act of increasing or rising. To enlarge is to make bigger, to expand, extend, grow, to increase, to build up, magnify, to deepen and to heighten, to stretch beyond limits.
Enlargement means making room or becoming bigger. It refers to growth, increase and expansion. Divine enlargement is when God intervenes and brings about growth, expansion and increase in someone’s life, family, ministry, business or career. It is the antidote to stagnancy and limitation that are attacking the destinies of people.
When divine enlargement takes place, stars will arise and begin to shine, caged destinies are loosed, fallow grounds are broken, yokes are destroyed, captives are set free, territories are possessed, and there will be revival, recovery and restoration.
Stagnation is the state of being still, or not moving. This is the literal meaning of it if we search the thesaurus. The consequence of stagnation is dangerous just like the stagnant water which attracts mosquitoes that would go on to spread life threatening diseases like malaria and dengue. Similarly, stagnation in spiritual life is wrong as there would be absence of the Holy Spirit within us and complete detachment from the love of God.
Eventually, we would be spreading adulterated gospel which would put our soul and others’ into the lake of fire for eternity. Alas! This is not what our Father in heaven wants; He has prepared the only way to salvation which is through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
THE POWER OF GOD IN ENLARGEMENT OF TERRITORY
There are different kinds of blessings God can give a person. Blessings from God can simply be categorized into spiritual blessings and physical blessings. Peace is a spiritual blessing. Joy is a bubbling, contagious spiritual blessing. Uncommon insight and revelation from God’s Word is a much needed spiritual blessing in these trying times and days of strange doctrines and teachings. Favour is a wonderful spiritual blessing you need if you want to go far in life. Spiritual blessings are actually what lead to your being loaded with physical blessings. For example, if God favours you, it can lead to your getting a better job or bigger salary. It can grant you a visa to travel abroad. Or it can give you a scholarship or good success in an examination. We need God to shower us and fill our lives with both spiritual and physical blessings.
In Haggai 2:19, God says something very prophetic. He says “From this day on I will bless you.” God has declared that from this day you will be blessed. Believe Him with everything in you. See yourself as someone blessed by the Most High. By that simple declaration from God, He has given you an assurance of a change, a better life, answers to prayers, increase, expansion and enlargement.
There are countless examples in God’s Word of people who received all manner of spiritual and physical blessings. In Luke 5:5-11, the blessing of enlargement was released on Peter’s life.
This season, God will release the blessing of enlargement on your life. Peter had worked very hard, he had tried everything in the fishery books, he had followed all the best known principles of success, yet he had nothing to show for all his labours. Bad or poor grades, lack of sales, no job, singleness, or a failing marriage doesn’t necessarily imply a careless, purposeless, lazy and unserious life. Peter’s empty net is symbolic of people who are determined, hardworking, have good ideas, put in so much effort, try everything possible, yet there’s nothing to show for all their labours.
When God blessed Peter with the blessing of enlargement, his once empty net was overflowing with fishes; failure was turned into outstanding success. This season the Lord will release the blessing of enlargement on you and past failures will be replaced with good success. People were amazed at how Peter’s empty net started bursting with fishes. The kind of success God will give you this year will amaze people.
The blessing of enlargement can move you from obscurity to limelight. It can give you a story that will become the talk of the town. It makes you a channel of blessings to others. When Peter hadn’t caught any fish and he had an empty net, he was all alone in his boat. But when God blessed him with the blessing of enlargement and his net and boat were overflowed with fishes, other fishermen had to come to him. They came to share in his blessings. Their own boat and net was also filled with fishes (Luke 5:6-7). God will give you a blessing that will attract others to you. God will release on you a special blessing and aura that will make people come to you; that will make people want to associate with your ministry, family, business, idea, proposal, vision and plans.
For everyone who saw what happened to Peter that day, how his empty net was filled with an astonishing number of fishes, how his boat was overflowing with fish that others had to come and help him carry the fish, they had something great to talk about. An uncommon thing happened to Peter that day. God will give you an uncommon breakthrough and testimony that will become the talk of the day.
Peter did a simple thing that made him a recipient of the blessing of enlargement. He allowed Jesus enter into his boat and use his boat to preach. Jesus is looking out for people who would allow Him enter fully into the boat of their life. People who will give Him absolute control and allow Him stir the boat of their lives. People of total surrender. People who will say “Lord, here is my boat; here is my life, here are my talents, skills and resources. I surrender them completely to you, use them for your glory.” This indeed is a proven and tested way to enjoying supernatural abundance and a lifting up from God. It’s the simple secret to receiving a blessing that will overwhelm and saturate your life with the goodness of God.
REASONS FOR NOT LIVING A LIFE OF ENLARGEMENT.
A thorough study of Nehemiah 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 9:12, vehemently analyses the reasons for not living a life of enlargement. In the first reference we read of those who conspired to hinder the work that God’s people were undertaking in the Lord’s name; and in the second reference the apostle indicates his concern that no action should be taken which could possibly hinder the progress of the gospel. It is clear, therefore, that it is possible for God’s work to be hindered, and noone will disagree with the statement that God’s work is being hindered today and that there is a paralysis in the life of the Church.
If we compare things as they are today with the record of the early Church in the Book of Acts, we soon conclude that today, the Church is powerless and ineffective. What is wrong? What is it that hinders the work of the Holy Spirit? Why is it that God’s power is no more evident in the preaching of the Word and through the testimony of His people? Why most of the believers are living a life of hand to mouth? Consideration of the following five factors would explain why believers are not living a life of enlargement, that outrightly paralyze and turn church to ineffective body in the society.
1. UNCONVERTED WORKERS ( MINISTERS).
It is very solemn to realise that there are many people engaged in God’s work who do not know the Lord. They seek to serve Him but have no saving experience of His grace. They are like those described in 2 Timothy 3:5 and in Titus 1:16, like one of old who came to Jesus (John 3:1-16). The first requirement, if we are to serve the Lord, and if we are to be a channel through whom the Holy Spirit can work in bringing blessing to others, is that we should know the Lord ourselves, know that we have been born again (John 3); that we are a child of God (1 John 3:1); and that we know what it is to be washed in the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). One reason why the Church, and even believer is powerless ( not living an enlargement life) is because many who are working in the Church do not know the experience of Romans 1:16. Look up Matthew 25:11-12 and Luke 13:25-27.
2. UNSURRENDERED MEMBERSHIP.
There are two kinds of Christians: those who have surrendered to the Lord and those who have not; and the apostle had this in mind when he wrote Romans 6:13 and Romans 12:1. It is possible to be a Christian, but not a separated Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14-18); to be a Christian, but worldly and not spiritual (1 Corinthians 3:1-4); to be a Christian, but not disciplined (Matthew 11:29); to be a Christian, but walking after the flesh and not after the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). Believers are not living an enlargement life because we are not wholly dedicated to the work of God. We are not like Caleb, who followed the Lord “wholeheartedly” (Joshua 14:14). We love the world (1 John 2:15-17); we neglect meeting for prayer (Matthew 6:6); church attendance is not our priority (Hebrews 10:25), and our lives are inconsistent and ineffective.
3. EXPANSION OF UNREPENTANT MESSAGE.
Over and again God’s prophets stood up to say, ”Thus saith the Lord…”(KJV); and when the Apostle Paul gave his farewell address before the Ephesian elders, he said that he had declared”the whole will of God.” So often today, however, the whole will of God is not declared. Many great truths in God’s Word are not proclaimed with authority and power. There is little mention of sin, judgment, heaven, hell, of the need for repentance and for personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Is it any wonder that the Church is powerless when God’s message is not proclaimed, or when a ‘different gospel’ is preached? (Galatians 1:6-9); or when men apologise for the true message!
Today gospel ministers are slave to well to do people in the society and church. The truth of the Word of God is no more beingdeclared. Encouragement of sins are on high rate. Youths are allowed to dress as they like, even to the house of God. No more contentment, the love of money and worldly things is on high rate… It is a pity that our society is even worse than the time of Sodom and Gomorrah of the Bible.
4. UNSCRIPTURAL METHODS.
Another reason why the Church is not enlarged and so powerless is that she often employs unscriptural methods for delivering her God-given task. For example, using of sand, candle, etc.Worldly methods are adopted for attracting the unbeliever, and instead of the Church going into the world and fulfilling her commission, the world has come into the Church (Matthew 28:19). Unscriptural methods are used for raising money for God’s work; the scriptural method is to honour God and He gives us a special promise when we do this - look up 1 Samuel 2:30. In all situations we are to look to Him in prayer and trust Him to do His gracious work in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then God will work, but while we rely on man’s methods, the Holy Spirit ceases to work, for He is “grieved”(Ephesians 4:30).
5. UNENERGISED MACHINERY.
Years ago I visited a factory where electric light bulbs were manufactured. At that time it was one of the most modern factories in this country, equipped with the latest machinery; but everything was silent and still. Why was this? The reason was that no power was switched on, so no machinery could work. It was polished and beautiful to look at, but it was ineffective and unproductive.
This is the situation in the Church today; we are professing God of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, Prophet Babajidebut not ready to live a dedicated, discipline, contented life, to mention but a few of most of our patriarchs. We lack the power of Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit whose power alone can sweep aside every hindrance and can accomplish the true work of the Church, which is the salvation of souls, and the building up of the Body of Christ in anticipation of when the Lord Himself will come and gather His people to Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
The one urgent word for us today is the word of the Saviour Himself as recorded in Acts 1:8. The fresh anointing of the Spirit for service will bring about fruitfulness and effectiveness in the lives of God’s people for His glory.
THE EXPECTATION OF GOD FROM HUMAN IN ORDER TO ENLARGE.
Deut. 10:12-17
In the above Bible verse, five items were listed as a prerequisites of God’s expectation in order to live in an enjoyable and enlargement life, such as, we are to fear the Lord, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him with all our heart and all our soul, and to keep His commandments and statutes.
1. Fear the Lord your God.
[Pro 1:7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
[Pro 9:10] “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
God expects us to fear Him. The fear of the Lord will uprightly quench ignition of atrocity, such as kidnapping, killing, stealing, just to mention few in our society and establish enlargement.
2. Walk in all His ways.
2Sa 22:31- As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
The way of the Lord is perfect and proven and can be found in His Word.
3. Love the Lord your God. 1 John 4:7-21
[1Jn 4:7] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
To show that you love God, you must love your fellow brother or sister. We cannot claim to love God if there is hatred towards a fellow brother or sister. We are expected to love the Lord our God and prove that love by loving our fellow brothers and sisters.
Christianity as a body is seriously lagging behind, because peace is no more found in our midst, a lot of atrocities had crunched in, and no more enlargement in the body of Christ.
4. Serve the Lord your God with all your heart.
We are not just to serve the Lord, we are to serve the Lord with all our hearts.To be born again is not enough, but be spirit filled. It is not enough to come to church and but do what the scripture says. You cannot serve God and mammon.
5. Keep His commandments.
[Ecc 12:13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s duty.
Enlargement can only come to those that fear, walk, love, serve God and keep His commandment. Are you part of them?
CONCLUSION
The wisest decision any person can ever make is to link your life to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, and from point on to live in accordance with God’s promises—in other words, as Russell Carter expressed it in his great hymn, “Standing on the Promises of God.”
God remains faithful and ever truthful, the enlargement of God easily come to those that surrender to Jesus Christ, live the life of the Bible and uphold the promises of God. Give your life to Him…
Shalom…
Happy New Year (2023). It is our Year of Divine Enlargement beyond Limits… says the Lord of Host…