ADAM WHERE ART THOUGH? – PART 2
TEXT: GEN. 3: 9-10 – And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Today as we look again at our theme for the month, we would be considering one aspect of our God that we often fail to give appropriate attention, which is that God knows our name. Let it be known that God knows our names, knows where we are and where we live. That is why there is nothing that is hidden from Him. When God has a very important question for any of His children or has a very important assignment for His children, He would call them by their names. That is why a lot of Christians are careful when they give names to their children. As Christians we are expected to give God-glorifying name to our children that God would be comfortable to identify with any of His children. Christians are not expected to just manufacture a name outside the leading of the Holy Spirit. Naming a child is a very important issue that should not be taken lightly by any born-again child of God. Not only does God call us by our names, but there are times when God can call you several times particularly if God intends to commit a great assignment unto you. For instance, we read that when our Lord Jesus Christ was going to hand over the Church unto Peter, He called him three times. The bible says in Jn. 21:15-17 that “when they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep (NIV). Our Lord Jesus Christ called Peter by his name three times because of the great assignment (the Church) that He was entrusting unto him. In our case study for the month, we would see that God called Adam by his name. God called him by his name because of the history of mankind that is about to be re-written because of the sins of Adam. As we all know, that encounter between God and Adam marked the beginning of man’s struggles and sufferings. The bible states in Gen.3: 9 – 10 that “But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (NIV). Brethren, what kind of call are you expecting from God. A call of recognition as in the case of Peter or a call of rejection or de-recognition? I pray that whenever God would call you by your name, it would be for recognition in Jesus name. The bible is replete with many reasons why God can call anyone. When He calls, He can call for different purposes. He can call to make a pronouncement of blessings; He can call to turn around a hopeless situations; He can call to pronounce a judgement; and can call to give an assignment. We would look at some other instances when God called certain individuals by their names in the bible. The first we shall be looking at is the case of Cain. In Gen. 4:9 we read that “then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (NIV). In this instance it was a question that would lead to the pronouncement of judgement on Cain for killing his brother. The second case is when God called Hagar. In Gen. 16: 8 we read that “and he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered” (NIV). If you read further to verse 10 you would realise that it was a call for blessings; a call of replacement of hopelessness with hope; a call into deliverance from confusion; peace into a life of crisis; and a call for joy from sadness. We can go on and on to see what that call of God unto Hagar got for her. That is why I know that for someone reading this today that an end has come to your confusion, fear, hopelessness and troubles in Jesus name. The third case is when God called on Abraham through His angels. In Gen. 18:9 we read that the angels called Abraham and asked about his wife in order to end his barrenness. “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said (NIV). Is any barren physically, spiritually or financially today? The word of the lord is coming to you right now. Your barrenness is over. Your barrenness expires today and you are receiving your fruitfulness right now in Jesus name. Can I hear your Amen? It is done in Jesus name. The fourth case we would be looking at is that of Elijah that we read in I Kings 19: 9, where God called on Elijah in order to strengthen and encourage him. The word of the Lord came to Elijah at Horeb while hiding in a cave, discouraged and actually wishing God would just take his life (Gen. 19: 1-8). It was recorded that “there he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NIV). Brethren, is any of you discouraged today? I bring you good news that an end has come to your discouragement. You would receive a word of encouragement from God today in Jesus name. The Lord would confront all your fears and lead you to your divine provision and sustenance in Jesus name. Have faith in Him and He would deliver you from
ADAM WHERE ART THOUGH? – PART 1
TEXT: GEN. 3: 9-10 – And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him,Where art thou? He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” This month we shall be looking at the question God asked the first man He created, Adam. We are looking at the question because God is still asking the same question from you and me today. Just substitute the name Adam with your name and you would realise how relevant the question is to you and I. To start with, we can see that ever since the beginning of creation in Genesis chapter 1, God has not stopped speaking with men. As it was in the beginning with Adam, it is now and ever shall it be that God would continue to speak with men. One of the lessons that we can learn from this passage is the fact God has not stopped talking with men. This is perhaps understandable considering the fact that man was a part of God and an image of God. We were told in Gen.1:26 that “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” (NIV). In Exod. 33:11a we also read that “the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (NIV). This is a clear example of the kind of closeness that God can have with anyone whose ear and heart is prepared for His voice. God actually cherishes His relationship with His creation, man. In Num. 12:8a we see God confirming the level of closeness He shared with Moses. God said “with him (Moses) I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles” (NIV). Do you want God to speak with you mouth to mouth as He spoke to Moses? God is still speaking to the children of men today as it was in the days of Adam. But it must be emphasised that not everyone whom God is speaking to are hearing Him for so many reasons. For God to speak with you, you must endeavour to open a line of communication between you and Him. Dear reader let it be known that even though God is always talking to people, not everyone can recognise His voice for so many reasons. One of the reasons why many may not recognise His voice is because of sins. Of course, sinners cannot hear from Him because He is far from them. According to Prov. 15: 29, “The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous (NIV). Because God is far from sinners, they cannot hear from Him. I pray that God would not be far from you in Jesus name. Brethren, when God is far from any man, such a fellow is opened to all kinds of evil. The farther God is from a fellow, the closer the devil is to that fellow. If you doubt this, then ask King Saul. I pray that your case would not be like that of King Saul in Jesus name. We were told about how Saul was tormented when the Spirit of God departed from Saul in I Sam. 16: 14. It was recorded that “now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him” (NIV). It went further and more clearly in I Sam. 16: 23 that “whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (NIV). Samson was another example of someone who had a great priviledge of carrying the Spirit of God but lost it. We were told in Judges 16: 20, “then she called “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him” (NIV). I pray that the Spirit of God would not depart from you in Jesus name. That is why it is dangerous for anyone to assume that he/she is standing on the basis of past experiences. This is why the bible warns in Phil. 2:12 that we should work our salvation with fear and trembling. Brethren, God always desires to speak to anyone whose hear and heart is prepared to receive from Him. I am sure that you know that the level of communication between you and a fellow is a function of your relationship with that fellow, except where you have to speak with some people in official and work-related capacity. How much personal information you are ready to share with a person is directly related to the level of relationship that you share with the fellow. No wonder you hear people say I am not in speaking terms with someone they have fallen apart with. Similarly, when you fall apart with God, He would not be on a speaking term with you. This is because at that point, you would have nothing in common with Him as His Spirit would have left. My prayer is that God would not reject you in Jesus name. His Spirit would not depart from you in Jesus name. Shalom HYMN: I AM THINE O LORD, I HAVE HEARD THY VOICE Dr. Yinka Okude Pastor – in – Charge RCCG, Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton.
HIGHER GROUND – PART I
ISAIAH 58: 14: Then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken. Dear reader, I welcome you to Part 1 on this series of teachings on the theme of higher ground. I am confident that your journey to higher ground is about to begin in Jesus name. Nothing would stop you from reaching the top in Jesus name. Let me assure you that where you are today is not a true reflection of your next position and destination at the top. What you are seeing at the moment is the build-up of your evidence to support your testimony that you are going to share soon. I am convinced of the infallibility of the God we serve. He is not a man that He should lie or the son of man that He should repent (Num. 23: 19). He has spoken and He would make it true. I may not know many things but one thing that I am sure that I know is that He is faithful and would do what He has promised (Rom. 4:21). Dearly beloved, let me assure you that your journey to higher ground that has just begun is not going to be by your strength and wisdom but by His leading. If you look at our text, the bible says “I will cause you to ride on the heights”. It is God who would cause you to accomplish this journey to higher ground. The bible tells us in I Sam. 2: 9 that by strength shall no man prevail. This tells me that your getting to higher ground has nothing to do with your present position. We are told in I Sam. 2:8 that the God we serve is the one who “raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap (garbage dump); He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; upon them He has set the world” (NIV). Can you fathom the extent of such a transformation? Can you imagine God taking someone who has gotten to the point of eating and dining from a garbage dump and to the position of eating and dining with princes? It is like God transforming a homeless to the position of becoming a regular guest of the Queen at Buckingham Palace. I am sure some of us may not have a clear understanding of what it means for one’s daily supplies and sustenance to be dependent on the rubbish thrown away by others. As the Lord lives, no one reading this piece today would experience this in Jesus name. The bible spoke concerning David in 2 Sam. 7:8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel” (NIV). So it does not matter how seemingly impossible your situation may be, God would cause it to happen. This is why I am confident that your own journey to higher ground is not a difficult thing for God to do. This is because my bible tells me that the God, the creator of the heaven and the earth, is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). It may look impossible with man including you, but with God nothing shall be impossible. Mary in Luke 1: 34 when she was told by the angel (Luke 1: 30 -33) that she would give birth to our Lord Jesus Christ asked the angel “How will this be,” …, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered in Luke 1:35, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” This tells me that your getting to higher ground is not going to be by your power but by the power of the Most High God who is the creator of the heaven and the earth. That is why it should not be your problem to reason out how God is going to make it possible. Yours is to confess as Mary did after her initial doubt that “I am the Lord’s servant,” … “May it be to me as you have said. …” . If you believe that God is able to take you to your higher ground, why don’t you sincerely with faith confess as Mary did and say this prayer “Lord, I am your servant, take me to my higher ground that you have promised in your word”. May it be unto you according to your faith in Jesus name. You would reach the top in Jesus name. Shalom. HYMN: I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY Dr. Yinka Okude Pastor-in-Charge RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton
SKILLS AND GIFTS: THE PERFECT GIFTS OF SALVATION – PART 4
PROVERBS 18: 16 – A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great (NIV) Happy Easter to every one of you that is reading this exhortation of encouragement. Indeed, Christ is risen. Hallelujah! May the resurrection power that quickened the mortal body of our Lord Jesus Christ, quicken every good thing that is dead in your life in Jesus name. What a wonderful opportunity to talk about the wonderful gift that is associated with the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this last in the series on our theme skills and gifts, we would be looking at how His death has brought gifts of salvation that money cannot buy. Through His death and resurrection, we have the gifts of eternal life. Therefore, it is not of work that any should boast. The bible says in Eph. 4: 8 that “this is why it says: When He ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people” (NIV). Also, in 1 Pet. 1: 3 – 9, we read that through His resurrection Christ has given us new birth into a living hope. What a promise. My prayer is that you would not lose your hope in Him. Amen Indeed, salvation is the greatest gift from God to mankind through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, which unfortunately many have failed to accept and some that have accepted have failed to appreciate the full extent of its message. There are many differences between earthly gifts and the gifts of salvation. The gift of salvation is permanent, and if well nurtured can never perish like all other earthly gifts that would perish over time. I cannot imagine any human gifts that would not perish, at best may last a lifetime as in some cases such as gifts of houses. Any other gift is generally of very short life spans. Not only would earthly gifts perish, but it also diminishes in values with time. Many gifts such as houses, cars, clothes and to mention a few would not only experience wear and tear, but would eventually become outdated. Praise God because the gifts of salvation are new every day (Lam. 3:23) and increases in values with passage of time. The bible says in 1 Pet. 1: 3 -4 says that He has given us an inheritance that can never perish or fade “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (NIV). Another major difference between earthly gifts and the gifts of salvation is that all earthly gifts are only useful in this terrestrial earth. However, the gift of salvation is not only associated with abundant life in the earth but also heavenly and associated with eternal life. The bible tells us in I Cor. 15:42 that “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable …” (NIV). Since salvation is a gift, then no one should boast about it but give praise to God for the gift. The bible makes it clear in I Cor. 15: 31 that “therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” We are saved by His grace and not by the works of our hands. In Eph. 2: 8 the bible says that “for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (NIV). Beloved what are you doing with the gifts of salvation that you have been freely given? Would you let His death and resurrection be in vain over your life? May the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ not be in vain over your life. Amen. Happy Easter. Shalom. Dr. Yinka Okude Parish Pastor RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton HYMN: PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN
SKILLS AND GIFTS – PART 3
PROVERBS 18: 16 – A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great (NIV) Brethren, the ushering of a giver of gift into the presence of the great is not only referring to man but also to God. Of course, we know that our God is greater than the greatest. So, it means that just as your gifts can usher you into the presence of great men, it can also usher you into the presence of the Almighty who is the greatest. Gifts can be given to men, a cause and, more importantly, to God. Giving is a very important aspect of Christian service and you cannot proclaim to be a true Christian if you do not give cheerfully into all of the aforementioned causes. You would find it difficult to convince anyone that you are a Christian if you find it difficult to give gifts either to God or to man or to a cause. Matt. 7: 16 say “by their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” (NIV). Giving gifts is a sign of surrenderness unto God all and the willingness to spend and be spent for the cause of the things of the kingdom. Interestingly, giving has great gain which is what is emphasised in out text for the month. If your gifts can give you access into the presence of great men, it can do much more. For instance, your gifts can usher you into the presence of the great God, who is the creator of the heaven and the earth. A good example of someone whose gifts enabled him to enter into the presence of God is Solomon. We are told in 2 Chron. 1:6 that “Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the LORD in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it” (NIV). That was an unprecedented gift by a man that has become a memorial today. There was no record of any such acts of giving before or after that is recorded in the bible or even in real life. Beloved, as we see in our text, that an act of giving made Solomon to have an access to the presence of God. In 2 Chron. 1:7, we read that “that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (NIV) Of course, that marked the beginning of his greatness. Solomon’s gift took him to a level that no one has attained and perhaps would ever attain in terms of riches and splendour. Brethren, many atimes, the key to our breakthrough lie in our gifts. For instance, the bible says in Lk. 6: 38 “give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV) The unprecedented riches of Solomon after the offering of a thousand burnt offerings unto the Lord confirm the truth and the sacrosanct of Lk.6:38. The bible makes it clear in Exo.23:19 that God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (NIV) This means that His promises concerning gifts and giving is “Yea and Amen.” When you give gifts either to God or to man, you are implicitly positioning yourself for a supernatural and monumental promotion and blessing. In Heb. 13:16 Apostle Paul wrote “do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (NIV). This means that giving gifts shows that we practice what we learn and read about our God. We are by implication confirming to the world that we are His children. People say, like father like son. No wonder the bible says in 2 Cor. 9:7 that “each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (NIV). If you are a cheerful giver, then you can be rest assured that sooner rather than later, God would smile at you and give you your deserved reward. Why is God interested in cheerful giver? God is interested in cheerful giver, because giving of gifts is a show of love. Our God is a cheerful giver also. The bible says in John 3: 16 that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV). Giving gifts to God is a command that we should not take very lightly at all if our desire is to please Him. The bible says in Exo. 23:15 “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt. “No one is to appear before me empty-handed (NIV). My prayer is that the Lord would open your eyes of understanding if you are one of those who have been failing God in the area of tithe and offerings according to God’s command in Jesus name. Shalom. Dr. Yinka Okude Parish Pastor RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton Hymn: All to Jesus, I surrender
SKILLS AND GIFTS – PART 2
PROVERBS 18: 16 – A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great (NIV) Gift is a seed both to the giver and the recipient. This means that when you give, you are actually sowing and someday the harvest would come. The bible says “Give and it shall be given unto you…” and in the corollary, do not give and it shall not be given unto you. Unfortunately, there are many who do not give but wishes to receive. God forbid, the bible says that “God forbid, whatever a man soweth, that he shall reap”. Sow plenty, reap plenty; sow nothing, receive nothing. Interestingly, because the harvest is always in the multiples of twenties; thirties; sixties; hundreds and thousands, it means your harvest of nothing or something would be in multiples. Whatever the bible says if you check it out there would be examples of people of old whose experiences have demonstrated this. Let us look at a couple of examples. There are many other examples of people that sowed in the bible through their acts of giving include and were appropriately rewarded. Beloved, we have a God who never lies and who would not owe any man. The bible says in Num. 19: 23 that God is a not a man that he should lie… The bible also says that we have a God who would not owe any man. Are you a giver? Do you believe that you are receiving in return according to the word of God or you do not appear to be receiving according to your gifts? I mean, it appears that your gifts have actually not yielded the expected harvest? I urge you not to be discouraged as there is always a gestation period for every conception, including gifts. The bible says you should not stop giving… because the bible says in… in Eccl. 11:1 that you should cast your bread upon the waters: for you shall find it after many days. Are you ready to wait? Many times, the length of your waiting period is commensurate with the size of your testimonies. So, if you are not prepared for a long waiting, then you may not be prepared for a great harvest. I pray that the Lord would open your eyes of understanding in Jesus name. Shalom. Dr. Yinka Okude Parish Pastor RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton Hymn: Oh Worship The King All Glorious Above Hymn
SKILLS AND GIFTS – PART 1
PROVERBS 18: 16 – A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great (NIV) I welcome you all to the month of March 2013, which is the third month in the year 2013. To God alone is the glory for the month of January and February that has passed. Brethren, inspite of our situation and circumstances, we need to thank God for His mercies and particularly for the gift of life. As we consider the theme for the month, it is important that we recognise the life we live as a gift from the Almighty. Our view of the life we live would determine how well we value the giver of our life and our creator. The bible says in Acts 17: 28 that “for in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.” Job in Job 12: 10 also say “in his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (NIV). A gift has been described as an object that is given by someone without the expectation of payments in return. Ideally, a gift is expected to be free. Nothing can be more apt as an example of gift as that of the gift of life. Why? This is so because the Father has given us life very freely for which none of us have paid for. If we receive this life that we live freely, it is expected that we should also give that life freely also. The bible in Matt. 10: 8b state that “freely you have received, freely give” (NIV). That is why no man can purchase the gift of God with money, else the world would have only been filled by the highest bidder and the poor would have had no place to live. An incident was recorded in the book of Acts 8 when Simon requested Peter to give him the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8: 20 “Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money” (NIV). What we are driving at in this introduction to the theme on skills and gifts is the fact that if we believe that God gave us this life that we live, then it is important that we use the same to the glory of God and to the obedient of His commandments and ensure that we make positive impacts to the life of others. Just as men would not be happy if our gifts are not appreciated, then we can be sure that the Lord Almighty would not be happy if we fail to recognise the life we live as gift from God. Therefore, we must use this life to please the giver of the life, the Lord Almighty. Shalom. Dr. Yinka Okude Parish Pastor RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton HYMN: WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SIN
HIS CHURCH – PART 4
MATTHEW 16:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it (NIV) One of the beauties of walking with God is that He never thinks the way man thinks. This is why in a lot of cases men often look at God’s ways as unsearchable; and for those who work by sight some of His ways may appear seemingly ‘foolish’. That is why the word of the Lord in Isaiah 55: 8 – 9 says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV). That is why Jesus would decide to build His Church not upon the learned, the richest, the talented, the tallest, or based on any earthly accomplishment, but rather based on the state of the heart of men. As you all know, fishermen are one of the lowest group of persons at the time of our Lord Jesus Christ and they command little respect from the Society because of their lack of refinement or education. In Acts 4:13, the bible says “ . This is why I am confident that there are some of you reading me now who would soon become mighty men of valour in the hand of the Almighty notwithstanding what men may think of you (Acts 4:13) or you may think of yourself (LK. 5:8). It does not matter how far you have walked away from God, His plan concerning you in the building of His Church would be fulfilled in Jesus name. All you need is to be with Him. He said in Jn. 15: 5 that “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (NIV). Beloved, the Church of the Lord is not built on sand but on rock. This is because a rock is a pillar. Rock represents something that is strong; that is not easily destroyed; that can withstand shakings and challenges; a tower of strength; and, that is dependable. This tells us that God wants people who are faithful, strong, reliable and dependable; who would not be blown away by the care of this world or the challenges of this world or disagreement with fellow brethren. The parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matt. 7:24- 27 aptly describes the difference between rock and sand. In the parable, we are told 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash (NIV).” Because the Lord is the master builder Himself that is why He turned Peter into a rock upon which His Church was built. I pray that the Lord would transform you into a rock in Jesus name. Our Lord Jesus Christ has been described by the Psalmist as the rock. In Psalm 18: 2 the Psalmist says “the LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (NIV). Peter also described Him in Acts 4: 11 as the Cornerstone. This means that when He says He will build His church on Peter whom He described as rock, He was actually confirming the fact that Peter is in Him. He was affirming that Peter would stand unto the end. As a result, no matter how much the devil may try to derail Peter and would want Peter to abandon his commission, and by implication stop the spread of the gospel, the devil failed. That was why when Peter and John were arrested in Acts 4 and asked to stop speaking or preaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4: 18), they answered in Acts 4:19 “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (NIV). My dear brethren, how many of us can confidently declare likewise that we are sold into the great commission and so cannot help speaking about what we have seen, heard and believed. I pray that the Lord would transform you into a rock and a pillar as He builds His Church in Jesus name. Shalom Dr. Yinka Okude Parish Pastor RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampto Hymn: My Hope is built on nothing less
HIS CHURCH – PART 3
MATTHEW 16:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it(NIV) God established His Church for a purpose. Like every of His creation, there is a purpose and plan for His Church which would be fulfilled with or without any man. So, we should count it an opportunity and privilege to be counted worthy to be used in the building of His Church. That is why He stated categorically in Matt. 16:18 that His Church would march on and the gate of Hell would not prevail over it. This tells me that no matter how much the devil himself or any of his agents in human form, demons or principalities try, they would always fail. His Church has come to stay. Hallelujah. The essence of the existence of His Church is that it might fulfil the mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ as written in Isa. 61:1-3. For any congregation that is part of His Church to march on, the Spirit of the Lord must be upon the Church. The bible makes it clear in 2 Cor. 3: 16 that “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant–not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. His Spirit gives life to a Church. When His Spirit is in a Church, the Church thrives, prospers and does well physically and spiritually. I pray that His Spirit would not depart from Jesus Sanctuary in Jesus name. My prayer also is that His Spirit would not depart from you and your home in Jesus name. As seen in Isa. 61: 1 – 3, the Church can only fulfil her purpose when it is filled with His anointing. The bible says in Isa.10:27 that “and it shall come to pass in that day, that His burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and His yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing” (KJV). One of the roles of His Church is to brake and destroy every yokes in the life of His children in that congregation. Yoke can only be broken by the power that comes with His anointing. That is why I am confident that if anyone is operating under any yoke today, that yoke shall be broken through His anointing in Jesus name. Again, another role that the Church is expected to fulfil is to proclaim the good news for the poor. Beloved, the mandate given to His Church is to proclaim the good news to all, particularly the poor. When the bible talks about the poor, it does not necessarily mean poor in terms of monetary value alone. If you are always sick and unwell, it means that you are poor in health. If you have problem communicating with the Holy Spirit or problem standing in His presence, then you are poor spiritually. Or if you are always having problems in relating with people, then you are poor socially. Of course, if you are unable to meet your financial obligations and the basic necessity of life, then you are poor monetarily. Whichever poverty that may be operating in your life, I have good news for you today. The word of the Lord says in Mathew 5: 3 that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (NIV). Also, in James 2: 5 the bible says “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? (NIV). What a wonderful promise and assurance. Beloved, are you weary and discouraged because the word call you poor? I have good news for you. The owner of His Church, the King of kings and the Lord of lords has you as part of His plan for His Church. This mean that just as His Church would march on and the gates of hell cannot prevail over it, you would also march on and the gate of hell would not prevail over you in Jesus name. The Lord would visit you today and you would march on unhindered in Jesus name. Shalom Dr. Yinka Okude Parish Pastor RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton HYMN: Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us Hymn
HIS CHURCH – PART 2
MATTHEW 16:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it(NIV) Brethren, the bible in Psa. 127: 1 says “unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (NIV). This passage tells us that our being alive today or our being saved or our being sane and sound in our body, soul and spirit is not because we are smarter or more righteous above others. My prayer is that the Lord would continually watch over you and all of your interest in Jesus name. In our text for the theme of the month, Matt. 16:18 our Lord Jesus Christ says “and I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (NIV). Beloved, His Church refers to His people. So, His Church is not a physical building but believers united together in and with Christ. The Church refers to people and not building. So, if you are truly united with Christ and with other fellow believers then you belong to His Church. The members of His body (His Church) are the people that God was referring to in 2 Chro. 7:14 that “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (NIV). Beloved, it takes humility for any man to give his or her life to Christ. It takes humility for you to realise the importance of uniting with other brethren through regular gathering to give Him pleasure inspite of the many differences. It takes humility for you to recognise that because we are different, we are not likely to view things in the same way and therefore learn to tolerate and forgive one another when we are offended. It takes humility for you to give your fellow brethren the benefit of the doubt at all time when you think they are wrong. Brethren, may I inform you that your level of humility would help greatly in receiving answers to your prayers. In other words, God would only hear the prayer from those who belong to His Church, His people. My prayer is that the Lord would hear your prayers in Jesus name. Again, one of the reasons why God hears the prayer of His people (His Church) is because He wants to build them. He is aware that they exist in a world where there is so much pain, distresses, and all sorts. That was why He assured them in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NIV). His Church would march on because He has overcome the world. This also assures me that as a member of His Church, you would march on as well as the Lord would overcome the world for you. I pray that you would march on physically, spiritually, financially and emotionally in Jesus name. The Lord would build you as He builds His Church in Jesus name. Shalom. Dr. Yinka Okude Parish Pastor RCCG Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton HYMN: BE GLAD IN THE LORD
