EVERLASTING

EVERLASTING A Publication of RCCG Everlasting Father’s Assembly, Leeds

Vol 14

July 2019

... But For The

Mercies of God PHOTO SPREAD -

Pages 10,12, 13 & 21 THE PATH TO EVANGELISING THE ‘NATIVES’ Page 15ANTHONIA PASTOR SAMUEL. & PASTOR (MRS) OBAFAIYE Hosts MAY GOD MULTIPLY HIS GRACE PASTOR SAMUEL. & PASTOR (MRS) ANTHONIA UPON YOU OBAFAIYE HOSTS Pages 11

monthly themes

OD intended Man to live an easy life at creation, but after Man fell, living became very difficult for Man as he has toil before eating; the ground is to bring forth thorns and thistles and not automatic fruits and herbs anymore. Pains and friction in a matrimonial relationship are to be common; so also are pains of childbirth. Man that was supposed to live eternally before, was from then on to return to dust where he was taken from and he will always be at war with Satan (Gen. 3:15–20). As these were not enough, when Men began to multiply over the surface of the earth and daughter were born to them, certain angelic beings polluted the human race, giving birth to giants and men of renown (Gen. 6:1-6). The earth became filled with wickedness and violence. Along the line, God had to wipe off all creation, starting another race with Noah. But not too long, the heart of Man yet became extremely wicked and began to perpetuate evil again. God later started a special race for Himself

through Abraham, He gave them a set of rules to follow, which they still struggle to keep. God eventually sent His only begotten Son to this world to die and save Man once and for all. It was the most costly sacrifice heaven could render for the salvation of Man (John 3:16; Rom. 10:9). Jesus came into this world, crucified at 33 years and paid the redemptive sacrifice. The way to obtain salvation from then on became ‘simple, cheap and common’. One would think that the whole world will be saved since Jesus had made salvation available to all and simple to obtain. But no, as it takes uncommon faith to obtain that common salvation. Essentially, one will need to ask God in Jesus name to forgive them of their sins to obtain this common salvation, very easy! After salvation, one will still need to demonstrate yet uncommon faith to guard their salvation (Phil. 2:12); and also to perform unusual exploits (Mark 11:23). As common as this salvation is, it’s surprising that Man still prefers to seek salvation from tougher sources: rulers of darkness or wicked spirits through

OVE is an inherent part of God’s nature. The bible says “God is love” (I John 4:8). Even though many unbelievers, including some ignorant Christians, may embrace twisted version(s) of what God’s love means. The truth is that God is loving. It is the love of God that made Him allow His only begotten Son to die for the sin of the world (John 3:16). The Bible makes us know that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and made a way of escape for us (Rom. 5:8).

August 2018

Common Salvation,

Uncommon Faith shedding of animal blood or spilling the blood of the innocent. God is counting on us to highly cherish the common salvation we have been given by Jesus Christ; to exercise uncommon faith to guard our faith and to engage in heroic exploits that will bring glory and honour to God while we live. It is my prayer that this become achievable in our lifetime in Jesus name. sovereign will and none can query Him (Rom. 9:10-19; Mal. 1:1-3).

t n a n e v o C d e w e Ren g n i l i a f n U e v o L Of

For those who surrendered their lives to God through Jesus Christ, God further demonstrates His enduring and everlasting love towards them (Psalms 103:11; John 17:9-12). God’s love is aimed at achieving holiness in those who believe in Him (Ephesians 5:25-26), and so to perfect this holiness in believers, God disciplines us in love when we do err (Heb. 12:6). One aspect of God’s love however that may be difficult to swallow is that He can bestow His love on anyone by special grace using His

N infusion can be defined as ‘the introduction of a new element or quality into something’. While dunamis can be defined as strength, power and ability, especially the power of the miraculous of or from God. The nature of power is that it is meant to do work; and therefore it can be expended, even when the power is from God as an anointing. As long as that power resides in man, it is susceptible to reduction and can even be exhausted through usage or abuse.

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July 2018

When Jesus was on Earth, though God incarnated, He seldom goes to quiet places to receive new dunamis from His

God singled out Saul and appointed him as the first leader of Israel, not because of his pedigree but by His special love of alone (I Sam. 9:19-27; 15:17). Saul however later committed two errors and the love of God upon his life elapsed (I Sam. 16:14). David was afterwards singled out by God as the next leader of Israel by special love, despite his low status (I Sam. 16:1-13). Likewise, David committed two errors as Saul, but the love of God upon his life stayed (2 Sam. 12:13; Psalms 89:20-36); although the state of the heart of the two men differ: Saul had a haughty heart; while David had a humbling heart.

Jesus summarised the whole duty of man into two laws: To love the Lord our God with the whole of our heart, soul, strength and mind; and to love our neighbours as ourselves. In this month of August, God’s promise to us is that the covenant of His unfailing love shall forever abide with us, by His own choice and will. He, however, wants us to equally render our own covenant of unfailing love to Him and to our neighbours as well.

September 2018

Infusion of

New Dunamis Father (Lk. 5:15-16), He also encouraged His disciples to do likewise (Mk. 6: 32-33). In Acts 2: 1-4, the disciples were infused with the power of the Holy Ghost to do the works of the ministry, of which signs and wonders were wrought through their hands. The leaders of the church and of the people rose up against them, they wanted to kill Peter and John, but after they had beaten them, they were threatened never to speak in Jesus name anymore.

When Peter and James got back to base, they gathered the disciples together and they cried out to God, requesting boldness to preach, and that healings, signs and wonders will be common in their ministry. They were then infused with new dunamis for service (Acts 4: 1-33). I am strongly persuaded by the Spirit of God that in this new month and beyond, new dunamis will be infused into us for the work ahead. That strength and ability to minister with boldness, as well as the prevalence of signs and wonders will be infused into this ministry that God has invested into our hands. May we all be partakers of the new dunamis in Jesus name.

editorial board

S T N E T N COIssue 14

Pastor Samuel Obafaiye Editor-in-Chief

We have every reason to celebrate and praise the Almighty Father who has continued to show His love towards us as individuals and as a parish. This is undeniable and His plan for us is evident in the mighty works He has been doing in our midst. His wonderful plan is bored out of the love and mercy He has for us His creation.

We are confident in His love, mercy and plans for us. This confidence is not ordinary but based on the scriptures. John 10:28-29 KJV says “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” There is no other assurance greater than this? As believers, we recognise the fact that we cannot do anything by ourselves. This is why we give Him the praises and also return the glory to him at every opportunity. The Almighty Father recognises our weaknesses, but for His love, He always finds a way out for us. He makes His Grace to be available to us in abundant measures. Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV) says: “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing”

Contributors: Pastor (Mrs) Anthonia Obafaiye Brother Ken Atigari Doctor Babor J. Aganren Photos: Brother Felix Olabode BlackFace Photos

I commend you to this edition of the EVERLASTING. You will find it an interesting read and also a tool for evangelism, which is the great commission. Morak Babajide-Alabi Twitter - @AGEGE_Bread http://www.babajidealabi.com

Design M. Babajide-Alabi 07869717613 Published by: RCCG EVERLASTING FATHER’S ASSEMBLY, LEEDS Tel: 01135328888, 07789758707 07940459067

email: editorial@rccgleeds.org.uk All communications to The Land of Mercy, 5-7 Walter Street, Off Kirkstall Road, Leeds Ls4 2BB.

Imagine in your state of helplessness, you could hear the voice of the Almighty Father singing and rejoicing over you. There is nothing more consoling than this. It is a realisation that no matter what we go through, or whatever situation we are, our God is always there for us. Our initial plan for this edition was to showcase as many testimonies of how God’s love has shown through for us as individuals and families in the parish. There is no denying the fact that He has wrought many miracles in our midst. We cannot deny any of His favours. On immigration, marriages, employment and many more He has always proved Himself to be the Almighty. We should never shy away from sharing our testimonies so unbelievers could know more what we gain as Believers.

Morak Babajide-Alabi Executive Editor

S T N E T N COIssue 14 THEMES OF THE MONTH JULY - DEC 2018 PAGE 2,18, 22, 24

THE SNAKE IS DEAD, YOU ARE ALIVE - PAGE 4 MAY GOD HEAR YOU - PAGE 8- 9 PHOTO SPREAD - PAGES 10, 12, 14, 23 SLEEP, DREAM, REALITY - PAGE 17 EVANGELISM - PAGE 21

DISCLAIMER:Opinions presented by our contributors in their write ups are personal and not necessarily those of the church.

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FROM THE EDITOR

welcome you on behalf of the Editorial Board, to another edition of our anniversary magazine – EVERLASTING. We have come full cycle again as we celebrate the 13th anniversary of the existence of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Everlasting Father’s Assembly, Leeds’ parish. To God be all the Glory.

You Are ALIVE

OR as long as I can remember, the story of Moses lifting up a bronze snake in the wilderness (Numbers 21: 6-9) confused me. Was this some sort of voodoo permitted by God? In later scripture, Jesus also referred to it: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up" (John 3: 14). Great verse, but still did not make sense to me. "Why would Jesus be compared to a snake?" I wondered. Years later, thanks to the Holy Spirit, the revelation finally came. I was able to glimpse what transpired. Prior to the revelation, I had a mental picture of the bronze snake as being quite robust and coiled around the post in a position of power as if to strike. No, it wasn't that way. The snake was not poised to strike. It was limp and dead. Imagine stretching out your arms with a belt or long piece of rope hanging loosely on both sides. That was how the snake hung from the pole. "But Brother Ken, this was not written in the bible." True. It's a revelation, my revelation, and you have every right not to accept it as your revelation. At worst, consider it as you would you would if sitting and enjoying a bible film that has lots of bits that were not written in the bible, but are added to help in the narration of biblical facts. The Israelites who had been bitten and who listened to Moses' admonition that they concentrate on the snake hanging limp on the pole recovered and lived (Numbers 21: 9). We are not explicitly told what happened to those who didnt, but we can hazard a guess that their situation did not change from its trajectory.

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Take a moment to imagine the thoughts and conversations of some of the Israelites concentrating on the problems that they were facing - the strenght of the snakes biting them: "Look at that snake. It is the type that when it bites, it kills within 2 minutes". "Ah! look at the other one sliding towards me. It's called the "sliding dragon, hidden venom". It blows you up slowly before you die"

By Brother Ken Atigari

All of these would have been true, but there was a greater truth provided by God: "Look at the pole, see the snake weak, dead and lifeless. Unable to hurt you. Yeah, you feel the bite from the life ones, but don't concentrate on them, because the living snakes bring death. Instead, look at the dead one because it brings life." How does this apply to me, to us today? That dead snake that Moses lifted up, represents the bruised, battered, dead body of Jesus Christ. His death was the snake of cancer, limp on the cross as dead as a dodo. On that cross was the snake of deafness dead. On that cross was the snake of learning disability dead. On that cross was the snake of depression lying waste. On that cross was the snake of poverty stone cold dead. Name the snake, it was dead on that cross.

condemnation in that. However, by revelation (and not at all by clever doctrine) I have come to understand that I must take my eyes away from the sting of death and instead look to the cross were God the Father has made provision for victory and a mockery of death's sting. The snake is dead, but look, Jesus is arisen and has brought you gifts of good health, peace and wealth. Don't trade it for anything less. Brother Ken is a member of the Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship.

YOUTH SPECIAL SERVICE 2019

Brothers, sisters, it's tough not to concentrate on problems if or when they beset us. I know this very well. But let's face it, agonising over an issue won't take that issue away. If you or the doctors are able to cure the problem by complaining ceaselessly about it, all well and good. There is no

PERSPECTIVE

D ke s I e ad a The Sn

Note From The Pastor

ERCY can be defined as “compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion or benevolence”. It can mean “the disposition or discretionary power to be compassionate or forbearing”. It can also be defined as “an act of kindness, compassion, or favour; etc. Other synonyms for mercy include blessing, charity, clemency, forgiveness, generosity, goodwill, grace, leniency, pity, sympathy, tolerance, etc. God is unfathomable, indescribable and unexplainable. As mortals, we can only talk about Him by considering some of His names He has revealed; some of His attributes He has shown; and some of His deeds He has done. The names of God know to Man are many. For example, He is known as Elohim, El Shaddai, El Elyon, Yahweh, Jehovah Jireh, El Olam, Qanna, Abba, El Roi, Almighty, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Ropheka, The Lord God, The Creator, etc. God has demonstrated several of His attributes to us. Some of those He has shown are: He is omnipotent, self-sufficient, immutable, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, wise, faithful, good, just, merciful, gracious, loving, holy, glorious, etc. Throughout the scripture, the acts of God are visible and full of amazement. God can do and undo anything. With Him, all things are possible (Lk. 1:38). Some of His acts are: creating the Heaven and the Earth, the start of the Jewish race, the deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt and the associated signs and wonders, the leading of the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years with associated signs and wonders, the defence of Israel and Judah from powerful nations around them, the wonders wrought throughout the hands of the prophets in the Old Testament, the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ and His resurrection, the miraculous exploits of the apostles and other disciples in the name of Christ, and the miracles we experience today. One of the attributes of God is His mercy. Without the mercy of God, mankind will be doomed eternally. Following the fall of Adam and Eve, the bible says that the imagination and the actions of man are evil continually before Him and all have fallen short of the glory of God, such that the wages of our sin is death. But for the mercy of God, that made a way of escape for us, so that we can obtain eternal life in Christ Jesus. One of the messages that run across the whole bible is the mercy of God. God personally introduced Himself to Moses as a God who is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, abounding in goodness and truth (Ex. 34:6). The bible makes us to know that God mercy is such that endure forever (Psalms 136). Just as in the present-day law court, when we err before God, what we

must do is to plead for mercy; and as a father pities his children, God does have mercy on us and forgives us (Titus 3:5). The bible tells us that God is rich in mercy (Ephesian 2:4). The mercy of God is eternal (Psalms 103:17); it is very great (Psalms 103: 11); its unwavering (Psalms 66:20). God Himself also declares that He can have mercy and compassion on whom He decides by His sovereign will (Romans 9:15). Prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:21 that, it was of the Lord's mercies and compassion does not fail, that was why Israel was not consumed by the Babylonian empire. God allowed the enemy to take the strong people away into captivity for 70 years and used the hands of their enemies to rebuild Israel back. If it was not of the mercy of God, the Israelites would have been wiped off and their cities would be in ruins forever. The songwriter says, “Though we pass through tribulation, all will be well”. Again, this can only happen by the mercies of God. The bible makes us to know that where there is a readiness of will, there ought to be a performance (2 Cor. 8:11). Also, the scripture says that a diligent man shall be elevated in life (Prov. 22:29). Despite these necessities to become great in life, God can decide to chose anyone for elevation and none can label Him unjust. Such that in life, God's choice does not necessarily depend on human's will nor effort, but of God who shows mercy to whomever He will as a gift (Romans 9:16). The bible explained this with the life of to brothers born of the same parents. Rebekah conceived of twin boys by the same father – Isaac. While the twins were still in the womb and yet to be born, neither have they done anything, neither good or bad; but for the purpose of God as touching His choice and election of whom should become the next patriarch between the two boys to be known; not because of their works, but because of God's plan; Rebekah was told something strange, that the older one shall serve the younger; and that God loved the younger above the older.

persecutions; but glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as He has always delivered us from them all. We have experienced attacks on different fronts, the church however has always prevailed, not because of our power or might, but because of the mercies of God. Apostle Paul was telling the disciples in Corinth that their calling was just by the grace of God. Though they were in a civilised society; but their choice was not because they were wise, mighty or noble. But by the prerogative of God in order to confound the wise and mighty; so that no one will be able to boast before Him.

The privilege and favours we enjoy in Everlasting Father's Assembly is not as a result As the boys grew, it follows in their lives that of our wisdom, might or nobility; but by the despite their custom and tradition that favour mercies of God. It is vivid that we do not have the older than the younger, especially with anything to glory in, but in God alone. inheritance; coupled with other challenges that Jacob encountered in life, it was he that As we prepare to celebrate this 13th year became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel and anniversary, all I hear from heaven is “mercies of God”. God says we are here by His mercies; the carrier of Abrahamic covenant. and that His mercies will continue to see us Everlasting Father's Assembly continuous through. existence is by the mercies of God. It simply can not be the will of any man; neither is it because It is my prayer that every individual in of the active effort of any man. Even though this Assembly shall enjoy the mercies of these two were employed; the result of what God; every home shall experience we see today is only by the mercies of God. As God's mercies and the whole church the scripture has said; “For it is God who work in shall swim in the unfailing mercies of you both to will and to do His good pleasure” God in the coming years in Jesus name. (Phil. 2:13). God bless you! In the last 13 years of this church, there have been several challenges, afflictions and Happy 13th Anniversary!

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. . But For The Mercies of God

HEALTH TIPS

The Surprising

F religious faith could be packaged in a pill, the stock price of drug companies would soar. Religion, not merely spirituality, is a profound predictor of health. Spiritual practices can reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and help stave off some effects of mental illness about as well as many drugs on the market. In fact, the lack of religiosity is about as unhealthy as 40 years of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. If you care about your health, you might want to start going to church and praying regularly. Consider these five ways that faith is really good for you.

Link Between Faith And Health By Rob Moll

ability of cells to attack disease inside the body. Studies have shown that religion reduces stress in a number of ways. Prayer, in particular, can reduce high blood pressure that is due to stress. The anxieties and stresses of modern life tend to encourage the body’s fight or flight response. Prayer, worship and other spiritual activities can balance out this stress response by enhancing the body’s relaxation response.

FAITH ENCOURAGES HEALTHY In addition, people who are religious tend to think in ways that are healthy. Faith gives BEHAVIOUR “Don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t chew, and don’t go with girls who do.” Even the fundamentalist Christian high school I attended considered that line outdated. Nevertheless, the effect of behavioural change due to religion literally reduces your chances of dying. Your faith community may not encourage you to eat organic, non-GMO, plant-based, local and slow foods, but it probably still exercises some healthy influence on the habits you form and the activities you undertake.

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I discovered a stark example visiting the work of a Christian microfinance agency in Cambodia. Microfinance aims to help people out of poverty by giving small loans to start small businesses. But the loan client I met, a fisherman, told me that what really helped him was learning discipline through the small group of loan clients he regularly met with. Many of them were Christians, so he became one too. They helped him stop drinking, which ended the damaging home environment for his wife and children. Religion didn’t fix his life and help him out of poverty. But through regular exposure to a group with healthier lifestyles and habits, faith created an environment to make that happen in his own life.

FAITH REDUCES STRESS Stress has a direct negative effect on your immune system, reducing the

people a sense of meaning and purpose in life, which is linked to better health. The brain controls every aspect of our bodies, so how we think affects how our bodies work. In a similar way, religious people tend to be affected less by depression. Of course, real, faith-filled Christians still suffer from depression and other forms of mental illness. But while faith is certainly no cure for any mental illness, it does seem to offer an additional buffer against its worst effects.

HELPING OTHERS IMPROVES LIFE SATISFACTION Faith makes you healthier by providing you a community more willing to help you when life is difficult. Christians created the world’s first hospitals, and professional health care has long been essential to missions and ministry to the poor. But if you don’t find yourself seated among nurses or doctors in the pew, never fear. Faith’s greater health benefit comes to those who help. People who tithe, or give away 10 percent of their income, are on average 10 percentage points more likely to be very happy with their lives, according to sociologist Christian Smith. One study sought to determine which of two different methods would better help people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, but they found that MS sufferers who were providing help, not just receiving it, were actually the

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COMMUNITY IMPROVES EMOTIONAL HEALTH Having friends is good for you. Having religious friends is even better. In fact, one study found that “church membership was the only type of social involvement that predicted greater life satisfaction and happiness,” according to Harold Koenig, the Director of the Center for Spirituality at Duke University. (He writes about all these studies in his book, Medicine, Religion, and Health.) Another study found the same effects from informal social interactions with church friends—but not other friendships. Another study among older adults in Iowa found that frequent church attenders where 68 percent less likely to die over a 12 year period. The bonds we form as Christ-followers provide us with more than just a social calendar. They are a vital web that sustains our health through rich relationships that improve both psychological and emotional wellbeing.

SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS MAIN SERVICE - 11AM - 1PM WEDNESDAY DIGGING DEEP - 6.30PM - 8.30PM FREE TRANSPORT TO CHURCH For details of bus stops please email transport@rccgleeds.org.uk or call/text 07718079394 FREE PARKING SPACES FOR CAR OWNERS

HEALTH TIPS

Dementia: D

EMENTIA is an umbrella term that refers to a mental health illness common in old age affecting brain functioning. In this disease, there is a chronic progressive decline in memory and other cognitive functioning such as attention, thinking, o r i e n t a t i o n , comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgement, It can also lead to a change in personality. It is important to note that as we get older there is generally a decline in brain functioning but dementia is sufficient enough to impair activities of daily living.

There are different subtypes of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer's dementia, other types include Vascular Dementia, Dementia in Parkinson's disease, Dementia in Huntington's disease and other organic brain diseases It is worth noting a separate but similar condition called Mild Cognitive impairment; this leads to a decline in memory but not the severity in dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a diagnosed in people who have memory impairments greater than what is expected for their age and educational level but that does not interfere significantly with their daily lives. Some Studies have shown that people with Mild Cognitive Impairment can develop dementia.

A Brief Summary By Dr Babor J. AGAREN

Dependent on the type of Dementia, people can suffer with different Symptoms. Such symptoms include memory loss, changes in personality, as well as other conditions like depression and anxiety. People with Dementia have also reported unusual experiences like hallucinations and unusual thoughts. Dementia is diagnosed by mental health professionals after a comprehensive medical assessment. Research has shown that there are a number of ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia. These include lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, good healthy diet, regularly taking prescribed antihypertensive and diabetic medications if diagnosed with these conditions. Regular exercise and keeping your brain active are also necessary. Living with dementia can be difficult for both patients and their carers. There is help available ranging from medications, social help and respite. There are some activities that carers can perform to help those with dementia. Such as creating a safe environment, a predictable routine, encouraging physical and social activities as well as activities to keep the brain active, like crossword puzzles. There is support available from your GP and other professionals including Psychiatric doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social services, the Alzheimer's society also provides useful support. Dr Babor J. Agaren, a psychiatric doctor is a member of the Men’s Fellowship.

The Surprising Link Between Faith And Health ones to benefit the most. Since religious people are more likely to give money to charity and to volunteer, they are also more likely to experience the health benefits of helping others.

S P A C E F O R MIRACULOUS

T H E

We need not doubt the fact that God heals, sometimes in miraculous ways. More than three quarters of Americans believe that prayer can heal people from injury or illnesses. In a survey, the same number of doctors said that they believe in miraculous healings. In many cases, the truth of Christianity has been put to the test of its miraculous effects and found to be genuine. This was true in 9th century Egypt when one monk claimed that he knew of no one who had become a Christian “except for proofs which they have witnessed, signs which they have known, and miracles which they have recognized, which

compelled them to submit to it and practice it.”

Today the same is true in many places. In China, 80 to 90 percent of converts claim to have converted due to divine healing. In Brazil, more Pentecostal Christians claim to have experienced healing than to have spoken in tongues. Whether through prayer, laying on of hands, or some other miraculous intervention, those who claim faith can find in God health for both body and soul. Some have suggested that miraculous healings are actually a sign of a “placebo effect” in which Christian belief motivates the body to faster healing—and, it’s true, many studies have shown a positive correlation between optimistic outlook and effective recovery. But whether through placebo effect, divine intervention or, perhaps, some combination we do not

entirely understand, the truth remains: there are health benefits to believing that God has control over your health. We need to exercise caution when trumpeting the benefits of faith, as faith was never intended to be a pill and the Bible is not an exercise pamphlet. Faithful, believing Christians get sick and lead lives plagued by disease or physical ailments (many scholars believe the apostle Paul himself spent his life battling some sort of physical handicap). But if we believe that God’s authority stretches to the physical as well as the spiritual, then we can accept that He can manifest that authority in our physical health as well as our spiritual health. C u l l e d f ro m R E L E VA N T M A G A Z I N E http://www.relevantmagazine.com

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By Pastor Samuel Obafaiye

TEACHING/SERMON

entity.

You Are Precious A

MESSAGE of assurance or re-assurance to two kinds of people here this morning. You are losing confidence in God. You are not too sure about your place or stand with God. You are not sure if God is really there for you. To another person, you know that God cares for you; but you don’t know how much or how well. It is also to the church collectively as an

God says I should tell you that you are precious in His sight. The truth of the matter is God will always be God; He remains the same. The problem is that we His children sometimes entertain doubt and unbelief. So, this message is to serve as an affirmation from God to certain individuals and the church. What is precious? Something that is of great value, not to be wasted or treated carelessly. Greatly loved; dear; cherished or treasured by someone.Held in high esteem. God is saying that you are of great value to Him; you are not to be wasted or treated carelessly. You are greatly loved. You are dear to Him. You are cherished and treasured by God. He also holds you in high esteem. Isaiah 43:1-7. Prophet Isaiah reigned in the time of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Manasseh. These are kings who didn’t honour God, except for Hezekiah. Isaiah gave them warnings from God, but they won’t listen. Eventually, the people were taken into captivity in Babylon. At the time of writing this Chapter, they were about 50 years in exile. They had thought that God had forsaken them; they possibly were worshipping the Babylonian gods by now, as they would think that those gods were stronger than theirs for them to be conquered.

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God, however, sent Isaiah again to them in captivity to assure them of their position in His heart. That they were very precious in His sight. He will be with them in whatever they were to go through; and that He was prepared to make daring exchanges on their behalf. Also, He would gather them and bring them back to their land. There is an adage in Yorubaland, that says, “whoever says he will buy one a dress; one will need to judge

the person by what he wears first”. It is very unlikely that what he will buy for you to be higher than what he wears. So, it is necessary to look at this Person/Being who says we are precious in His sight. What does that mean? Of what benefit is that to us? How weighty or of what importance is the sentence He made? What is the attribute of the person who said you are precious to Him – The Lord – the One who has all authority, power and control over others. – The Creator of Jacob – brought them forth. – The Sculptor of Israel – reshape his life and destiny. – Your Redeemer – from Egypt and other oppressors – Your name Giver/Caller (Rom. 9:9-13; Gen. 32:26-30). – The Lord your God – their covenant God – The Holy One of Israel – holy God and their Sanctifier – Your Saviour – in times of trouble Why did God make these strong statements? Judah was going through a tough time. They have been in captivity for 50years. To let them know that He has not forgotten them. To re-confirm the covenant that He made with Abraham. To introduce Himself to a generation that had not encountered Him or see their homeland. To encourage their faith to rise (Heb. 11:6). He has pity for His people. What did God say to them? What did He ask me to say to you? – Whatever happens to you before has gone, but now the story is about to change. It’s a new dawn, it’s a new beginning. – They must not be afraid. We all do entertain fear. Fear is not of God. Fear of yesterday and tomorrow. Rather than just focusing on today. Jesus said the hardship of each day is enough. – They belong to Him. They are His responsibility. You are God’s responsibility. – He will protect them from all kinds of dangers: water (trials that send shivers through your spine, develop cold feet), rivers, fire (trials that are too hot to handle, fiery furnace), flame. None of these things will overwhelm them or consume them. – God may not build a bridge, a boat, a submarine or plane to fly across; but His promise is that He will be with you as you pass through.

– He has given Egypt, Ethiopia and Seba as the ransom for them. 3:1 ratio. – They have been precious and honourable to Him. – And He loved them. – He will give men to them; people in exchange for their life. – He is with them, so they should not fear. – He will gather their sons and daughters to Himself from the four corners of the Earth. – Also, everyone that has a relationship with Him; will enjoy these blessings for He has created such people for His glory, He has formed such and made them. There is a bible passage that always makes me marvel. It’s Jeremiah 15:1. Under Manasseh king of Judah (the son of Hezekiah), the land of Judah was greatly polluted with idolatry. Manasseh made the Israelites to sin more than even the nations around them. 2 Chronicles 33:1-9 - Manasseh led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel.

So, God spoke to Jeremiah that the sin of Judah under Manasseh was so grievous that they just must be punished. There are times when one misbehaves as a child, and one would need to look for a friend’s parent or an elderly person that is precious in the sight of one’s parent to plead on one’s behalf. That has happened with the Israelites when priest and prophets would intercede for them. Here, God mentioned two of the most precious persons to Him that had ever lived – Moses and Samuel. What a gem they were and are still in God’s sight.

SERMON

In My Sight – I must witness to others to experience the same (

Prayers Father let Your love and affection for me truly sink into my being. Father demonstrate to the whole world that I’m very precious to You. Father let Your presence with me be very glaring to see and know. The sermon was delivered on February 3, 2019

Moses Moses was the only one that saw God in person! He spoke to God as man to man. People will see the cloud God was speaking from and sometimes hear their conversations! Deuteronomy 34:10-12. Moses was able to intercede for the Israelites severally when God was moved to wipe them off. Ex 32:11-14 – at Mt. Sinai, why does your anger burn so much? Num. 14:13-23 – when the whole assembly rebelled after the 10 spies? He was so precious to God that he became like a god in his time. Exodus 7:1 – And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. Samuel While people were sleeping; God will quietly come down to have discussions and fellowship with Samuel. I Sam. 3:2-4 – the calling I Sam. 9:15-16 – the chosen of Saul I Sam. 15:10-16 – the sin of Saul I Sam. 16:1-2 – the chosen of David He was able to intercede for the people when they rejected Theocracy and wanted Monarchy. God pardoned their sin. I Sam. 12:16-25 – rain and thunder during wheat harvest as a confirmation of their sin

*Some members of the Protocol Department with Pastor Samuel & Pastor (Mrs) Anthonia Obafaiye. Below, the Elders Group.

I Samuel 3:19-21 – And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord. The same God says you are precious in His sight. I understand this a bit. Some 26 years ago, I heard God whispered this to me before. He stood by His word. Not because of my righteousness, but simply by His *Below some members of the RCCG EFA Wakefield. favour.

If God says you are precious in His sight, what should be your response? What should be my response? – I must not entertain fear of any kind anymore (Mt. 28:18-20). – I must reverence and honour Him in return (Psalms 124:1-6). – I must do things that are pleasing to Him and obey Him (Deut 7:11). – I should be full of joy and be glad (Psalm 126:1-3).

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Deuteronomy 7:7-8 –It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Marriage: A Treasure To Be Guarded

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Mathew13: 44 -46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

* Pastor & Pastor (Mrs) Obafaiye.

”

* Presentation of gift by Dr Funke Bakare and Minister Osas Iduoze. to Mr & Mrs Bankole winners of the “Know Your Spouse”competition.

Knowledge: Critical Factor To A Good Marriage

“

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

”

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* A cross section of couples.

* Mr Gboyega & Mrs Anu Onimole

“

* Mr and Mrs Simon Obute

Good Marriage? Be Married To The Lamb First 2 Corinthians 8: 1-5

Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace God has given the churches of Macedonia. In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, they pleaded earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

”

* Presentation of gifts to Dr Dare & Dr (Mrs) Adeyemi and another couple (right).

* Mr Adebayo & Mrs Modupe Daniel presenting a gift to Pastor Sam & Pastor (Mrs) Anthonia.

* Mr Akin & Mrs Wande Akinfenwa

sermon

Why Do Believers

Struggle? By Pastor (Mrs) Anthonia Obafaiye

BELIEVERS STRUGGLE BECAUSE ·They haven't understood success within their own terms, but compare themselves with others; ·Holding unto an expired season. (The victories of yesterday) The Bible says looking unto Jesus the Author & Finisher of our Faith, there is yet another victory to be won, new grounds to break fallow, new territories to conquer. ·The work of the enemy, they allow the enemy to distract or discourage them. Zechariah 1:19-21 ·Ignorance. An area of struggle is an area of ignorance. Hosea 4:6

·Laziness ·Ingratitude. We need to show genuine gratitude to every favour we enjoy, because every favour comes from God. (Human beings are God's vehicle for getting things done on the earth.) ·Disinterest towards the things of God.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO TERMINATING STRUGGLES 1. PRAY FOR REVELATION AND KNOWLEDGE - God telling you something or you seeing something you have never seen before, as God leads your through His word . Jeremiah 33:3 whenever you pray, your answer could come as an instruction that will be inspired in your mind. Your eyes will suddenly be opened to see what you should do . 2. ACCEPT 100% RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OUTCOMES OF YOUR LIFE What is in the heart comes out in times of pressure. They say when life throws you some Lemons make Lemonade from the lemons. Life is about choices, good and bad choices, they say how you make your bed, is how you will lie on it. But if you are being led of God, He will always order your steps and show you the way you should go, He will also take delight in your ways. Psalm 37:23

E + R +O EVENTS + RESPONSE + OUTCOME Example: David and his Might Men at Ziglag: 1 Samuel 30:1-18 David enquired from the Lord what to do, after he had encouraged himself in the Lord. 1 Samuel 30:8 'And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all'. 3. BE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Romans 8:14 4. OBEDIENT TO INSTRUCTIONS. Obedient to constituted Authority 2 Chronicles 20:20 Obedient to the Holy Spirit Obedient to the Word of God 5. STAY WITHIN YOUR TERRITORY. Don't run other people's races, run your own race with the grace that God has made available to you. 6. DISSATISFACTION WITH CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES. You cannot expect to be doing things the same way and expect different result, you might need to re-think and redo things in a different way. Woe to them that are at ease in Zion: Amos 6:1. The children of Israel went round a mountain several times for many years because of disobedience, they refused to go and possess the promised land, a land flowing with milk & honey that God had promised them (walking around in circles: the spirt of Kadesh Barnea, the spirit of almost getting there but never getting there, misbehaving at the edge of one's break-through).

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·Stubbornness.

WORKERS APPRECIATION BANQUET - 16 NOV, 2018

PREMIER BANQUETING, LEEDS

Ruth 2:12 “The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

* Sister Patricia and Brother Omoniyi presenting the highlights

* Pastor Samuel Obafaiye welcoming volunteers.

* Sister Chavwe Akoroda

* Pastor (Mrs) Anthonia Obafaiye.

* Minister Abraham Adeleye

* Brother Aimah Adeleye

* Brother M. Babajide-Alabi.

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* Left: Pastor Sam & Pastor Anthonia Obafaiye with members of the Board of Trustees, Dr Hector Abiye-Goma and Mr & Mrs Tomi Akintolu

interview

Pentecostal Church Looks To White Britons To Boost Congregations

By Harriet Sherwood Religion correspondent

Redeemed Christian Church of God is on ‘reverse mission’ to spread word in UK and plans to open another 100 churches

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which already has almost 800 places of worship in the UK, plans to open another 100 next year, according to one of its leading pastors. “We might not hit 100 but if we hit half that it will still be significant,” Agu Irukwu told the Guardian. “We’re a bit more intentional now about planting churches in communities other than the traditional places you would expect to find us.” He added: “Some people call what we’re doing ‘reverse mission’. I don’t use that term, but there’s a bit of truth in it. We’re working to bring the good news back to this country which in some ways has lost it.” The RCCG, founded in Nigeria in 1952, is established in more than 100 countries. It has grown from a handful of church communities in the UK 25 years ago to 779 at the end of 2016, with a presence in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as England. According to Peter Brierley, a former director of Christian Research and publisher of UK Church Statistics 2005-15, in the UK it now dwarfs longer-established Pentecostal churches such as the Assemblies of God and Elim. “The RCCG came to the UK in the context of ‘reverse mission’,” said Brierley. “They were concerned about the spiritual state of Britain. Britain had brought the gospel to them, but had lost its way and needed to be re-evangelised. It’s now in about 70% of UK towns.” Irukwu, who grew up in Lagos, leads the biggest RCCG church, Jesus House in Brent Cross, north London, which regularly attracts more than 2,000 people to its Sunday services. He said: “We believe this nation paid a big price in bringing the gospel to far-flung parts of the world.” Many had given their lives to their cause and to establish missionary schools and hospitals. “I see myself as fruit of the missionary effort and missionary sacrifice. People like me feel we owe these missionaries – and by extrapolation, their country – for a lot that has happened to us.”

MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

He said he would not describe himself as a missionary, although others did. But, he added: “I feel a church has to be open, has to reach out to all the groups wherever that church is – exactly what the missionaries did. London, especially, is a multicultural melting pot, and if a church is in London it should aim to look like London.” Five years ago, Irukwu was voted Britain’s most inspirational black person in a poll organised by Boris Johnson, then mayor of London,

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and the Metro newspaper. But the result also led to criticism over the RCCG’s adherence to traditional biblical teaching on sexuality, including same-sex relationships. Irukwu insisted the church embraced people of different backgrounds and lifestyles. “I might disagree with you about your lifestyle or orientation, but that doesn’t preclude me loving you and welcoming you,” he said. “Any church that condemns is not preaching the full message of the gospel of Christ.” The RCCG had a “fabulous relationship” with the Church of England, said Irukwu. He was a personal friend of Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, and had close ties with Holy Trinity Brompton, the west London C of E church which pioneered the evangelical Alpha course, now used all over the world. The Pentecostal and Anglican traditions had much to learn from each other, he added. “In black majority churches, prayer is a big thing. We have a culture of prayer. And the C of E is light years ahead of black majority churches on theology – we just don’t have the depth that the C of E has.” The RCCG had embarked on a radical programme of change, he said. “Society is changing rapidly. If the church doesn’t change too, it will be irrelevant in five to 10 years’ time. We’re going to chuck a lot of what we do because it just doesn’t work.” The key to appealing to the millennial generation was informality, contemporary music, creating “life groups” around thematic issues such as male identity, and harnessing technology, he said. Next month, the RCCG is launching an online prayer group, which is expected to attract up to 500 participants, initially twice a week and eventually daily. The age profile of the congregation at Jesus House is 25-30, according to Irukwu. It employs 50 full-time staff at its huge Brent Cross premises, supported by 600 volunteers. Its income was more than £5.2m in 2015, raised mostly by individual donations. The RCCG organises the Festival of Life, one of the UK’s largest religious gatherings, which attracts about 45,000 people and was addressed by the then prime minister, David Cameron. Published in the Guardian. http://www.guardian.com

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HE UK’s biggest and fastest growing Pentecostal church is embarking on an ambitious expansion programme in 2017, in part aimed at attracting white Britons to join its black majority congregations.

* Some members of the Youth Department (top) and below, the Treasury/Admnistration Department..

* Some officials of the Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Group (top) and below some members of the .

* Prayer Group (top) and below some members of the Welfare Group . * The Protocol Group (top) and left (below) the editor, right Pastors Olobaniyi (RCCG EFA York.

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* The Eternal Worshippers (below) .

sermon

Hitherto, Has The Lord Helped Us OD is delighted when His children recall and recounts the good He has done in their lives. Whenever that’s done; God is moved to do more.

their gratitude by raising an altar unto God and offer sacrifice for what He had done for them:

In Luke 17:15-19, Jesus expressed His commendation to the Samaritan that came back, and made him whole. In I Kings 3: 5-14, Solomon gave thanks and praises to God who had chosen him to rule after David over a mighty Kingdom and numerous people. (The speech pleased the Lord…). God gave him all that he didn’t ask for….

In Gen. 8:20-22, when Noah came out of the Ark and saw how God had been gracious to him, he built an altar and offer burnt offering to God. God was moved to bless him the more and vow not to destroy the earth again as He did.

In 2 Chronicles 20: 1-25, when three nations gathered to fight against the children of Judah, the only thing Jehoshaphat and the children of Judah were able to do was to sing songs of praises to God; such that their enemies began to deal with themselves.

– You are here, God had kept you safe from an evil episode… how grateful are you? In Gen. 12:8, when Abraham arrived in Canaan according to the promise and protection of God, there he built an altar and made sacrifices to God. – How did you arrive here? May be it was a wilderness experience before you arrive… how grateful are you?

The Bible tells us how David testified to how God had helped him to kill lion and bear with his bare hands, and he was therefore confident that the same God would help him defeat the Goliath of Gath, and God did.

PASTOR SAMUEL OBAFAIYE

Pastor Samuel Obafaiye

– God had delivered you from a form of slavery, He made you walk through a form of Red Sea… how grateful are you?

In Joshua 4:1-8, when God miraculously In Gen. 26:23-25, when God settled Isaac in If you look back enough, you would be able to Canaan and blessed him to the extent that he took Joshua and the Israelites through the see the good things that God has done Jordan River, the hindrance to entering for you so far; either in the course of this into Canaan. Joshua was asked by God PSALMS 92:1-4 – It is a good thing to give thanks year or in your entire life. to set up twelve stones where they dwelt unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O that night as a memorial for what God most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the Jacob testified how God had been very had done. morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an gracious to him, such that in a space of instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; just 20 years, he had become so mighty I Sam 7:5-17, prophet Samuel gathered and wealthy, having started with upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, Lord, the Israelites in Mizpeh to seek the face nothing. hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph of God; when their enemies heard that in the works of thy hands. all Israel had gathered together, they There is a Yoruba adage that says, “The decided to attack them. The Israelites one that is think-full will be thankful”. were not prepared for war, so God became the envy of a nation; he was thankful Those who are not grateful are those who fought for them with thunders and usually do not think deep or well enough. God to God, he built an altar and made sacrifices to lightning. God. wants us to thank Him always. For if not for Him, we couldn’t have been able to help After the victories, Samuel built an altar – In the midst of famine, you live in plenty, ourselves, and vain is the help of man.. and offer sacrifice to thank God. people are even envying you… how grateful

“

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– The journeys you have made… – The food and drinks you have taken – The air you have breathed – The medicine you have taken – The dreams you have had – The accidents you even may have had. None of these has seen the end of you. God had preserved you and I for a purpose. We need to be grateful to Him. In Biblical days, the patriarch of faith were not only grateful in their heart and with their mouth; they would go ahead to demonstrate

are you?

In Gen. 35:1-7, Jacob went to Bethel, built an altar to make a sacrifice to God who delivered him from the hands of his brother Esau who would have wasted his life. God was happy with him and blessed him the more. – People have sworn that they would have you for breakfast, lunchtime has even passed, you are still afraid of supper… how grateful are you? In Exodus 15: 1, Moses and the children of Israel gathered to praise and to thank God for delivering from slavery in Egypt, Pharaoh and his hosts, having walked through the sea on dry ground.

I believed as families and as individuals, you must have experienced similar scenarios as well. It is not your strength or that of another that has helped you. It was and is still the Lord! Hitherto, the Lord has helped you. Glory to His name. The magnitude of what had come against us and the manner we escaped from it; demonstrates that it can only be God. When you are faced with a little challenge and you scaled

Continued on Page 18

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My work today is to take your focus away from whatever your present circumstances might be and to concentrate on all evils you have escaped and all blessings you have received from God in the course of the year.

SPECIAL REPORT

Thy Kingdom Come 2019 Trafalgar Prayer Day

HOUSANDS of Christians gathered in Trafalgar Square on Pentecost Sunday to celebrate Pentecost, and to mark the end of the Thy Kingdom Come initiative.

Organisers of the event said that between 7000 and 10,000 people, of different denominations, attended the London event alone. Other beacon events took place around the country, including at Winchester, Gloucester, Exeter, Salisbury, and Blackburn Cathedrals. Organisers reported beforehand that the initiative, begun in 2016, now had a global reach, and was this year being marked by churches from more than 65 different denominations in 114 countries around the world. Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement, which asks people to join together in prayer between Ascension and Pentecost (Comment, 24 May). 2019 is its third year, and people were expected to take part in 114 countries. Speaking on Monday morning, the Revd Barry Hill, Team Rector of the Harborough Team Ministry, and a Thy Kingdom Come board member, said that the Trafalgar Square event was the “most incredible day”. He said: “One of the real encouragements was that Trafalgar Square was just one of dozens of beacon events around the country . . . it was really exciting.” Sung worship was led by Matt Redman, Lou Fellingham, the Kingdom Choir (who performed at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex), and Sounds of New Wine. The Archbishop of Canterbury addressed the event, as did the RC Archbishop of Westmnister, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and the Coptic Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos.

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Archbishop Welby said: “We’re all different, we look different, we have different cultures and backgrounds, and yet in Jesus, we’re bought to be one.” He continued: “We will see our society transform. We will see the despairing given hope; we will see the weak given strength; we will see those we’ve neglected and turned from loved and embraced; and we will see a change in our future. And it’s all because of Jesus. “Pray for five people you know and you love, reach out in prayer for them every day that they may know who Jesus is. Be able to explain in less than one minute, because people get bored, why you are a Christian, without ever using religious jargon.”

by ADAM BECKET Mr Hill said: “It was beautiful to see the leaders of most of the UK denominations kneeling together, praying for our country. . . I can’t remember a more moving occasion of Christian unity. “The service wasn’t part of some imperialistic church project: it was about Christians working with society and the community.” During the event, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, interviewed the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, who thanked Christians for their help in tackling knife crime. “Over the last several years, we’ve seen too much violence affecting our young people in particular,” she said. “Although I can see signs of this is improving, there’s still far too much. And the other thing I would call out is the divisions in society, whether those divisions lead to extremism and terrorism, to hate crime, to angry protests, to sheer nastiness between people on the street, these are big problems for our city. . . “Police people need inspiration, and we do need support. My officers and staff are out there now doing incredible things on the streets of London, and every now and then if someone says thank you, it makes a good difference. I would love it if people could pray for the people of the Metropolitan Police.” Mr Hill said: “The fact that it [the Trafalgar Square event] was focused on people coming to know Jesus Christ was amazing — thousands have come to Christ because Christians are more comfortable in offering prayer and showing faith.” At the end of Archbishop Welby’s address, some came forward to make Christian commitment, which Mr Hill said was “not something you see every day”. He continued: “For those who say the Church is dead, Trafalgar Square was amazing. If this was a business strategy, we could not do anything close to what [Thy Kingdom Come] has done over the last three years. “It has grown from almost nothing to this vast thing, and is only increasing. There is a real desire: people have caught the vision, and God wants to call people to him.” Archbishop Welby had concluded: “If you’ve never met Jesus, if you want to meet this Jesus who changes everything, come and meet me. If you have met him but you have begun to walk at a distance, come along, I’d love to pray for you and with you.” CULLED FROM THE CHURCH TIMES https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/

FICTION

I Slept, I Dreamt, & Woke Up To Reality By Morak Babajide-Alabi

The sermon seemed to keep everyone engaged. I joined in the chorus of laughter but I didn’t really know why other members were hyped up, but it seemed the speaker had hit a raw nerve that got everyone going. There is nothing that gives a sleeper away in church than shouting Amen or “Hallelujah” out of context. Unfortunately, the sleep was still troubling me. Sleep, it is said, is no respecter of man or woman. It can grip you at the least unexpected places, however, it would be ridiculous if I, a “top ranking brother” was caught sleeping in the congregation. “Satan, you are not winning this battle”, I said to myself. Then I attempted unravelling why I felt so sleepy. I knew why. I had ate from the leftover jollof rice from the previous night’s dinner? I had woken up that morning with a heavy hunger but it was no justification to descend on the bowl of leftover jollof rice. This overindulgence was almost causing a big embarrassment for me at this point. And to think that I finished the portion before realising that it was our church's corporate fasting weekend. Satan is indeed a loser, but in defiance, I said to myself: “Pastor would never know if I had eaten or not.” The words of my Pastor rang out loud in my head. He had never wavered in espousing the scriptures, especially on living holy and keeping the faith. He would quote Isaiah 58:67 on why we must always fast. “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” I looked sideways and caught the eyes of a brother seated in the third row. He looked at me conspiratorially and smiled. He had bloodshot eyes that made him a suspect of having come back from a deep slumber just like me. A few seconds after, I stole a glance in his direction to check his “status”. We locked eyes, with the understanding of each other’s plight – two sleeping brothers. We did not speak a word but we understood each other as we communicated over three aisles. We read each other’s minds as we sat there in solidarity

for the indulgence on a Sunday morning It was for a short time as I drifted back to sleep. In my dream, I looked around to check how many people are in our situation? I could not find any. And I felt the guilt hammer. Some of these men and women had come directly from night shifts, while some would go from the service to resume work. They are the true worshippers whose love for God transcends their body requirements. I felt ashamed of my sleeping self, realising that some of these brothers, sisters, elders; ministers had genuinely worked 12-hour shifts. There was no justification for my shameless sleep. The preacher was expounding the word of God, “powerfully”. I had to get my head clear to follow the sermon. I was not going to come to the church this Sunday only to sleep. But I kept thinking about the committed believers who had braved the cold winter weather to attend the service. I felt, in a developed country, there should be a connection where people can join services online or on social media. Then my inner voice said: "You want a chance to sleep while pretending to be in service." Honestly? No, I was being serious. There are many examples of churches making good use of social media to propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The likes of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter etc. are now used to reach the unchurched or the unbelievers. Facebook is reported to have over 2.38 billion monthly active users, Twitter has over 238 million and Instagram has over 1 billion. Imagine the potentials of these platforms. I have seen how one-minute video clips on these channels go viral and change lives. This can work for the propagation of the Word and bring more people to the realisation of Jesus Christ. The monthly RCCG Holy Ghost Festival streamed via social media is an example of how to attract the unchurched or unbelievers. Souls could be saved by posts via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, while personal testimonies could also impact how unbelievers are converted. As I was about rounding up my thoughts, the speaker's voice boomed on the loudspeakers “Social Media is evil! It is a fertile ground for all sorts of nonsense”, he said. Within seconds, my lofty social media dream dissolved. He continued: “I have seen a lot of people waste their precious time on social media, posting pictures and irrelevancies. They will go to hell if they do not stop. I don’t use social media”. My breathing suddenly became laboured.

The speaker was not in a world of his own. It is now a trend among some religious leaders to use the pulpit to lambast the “evil” social media. Many try so much to disabuse the minds of Christians on why social media is everything but a tool designed by the devil. It is disturbing to hear some of these arguments and the more painful as ignorance of the proper use of the platforms are celebrated as reasons for non-engagement. No doubt, social media could be a dark place, but what you put in is what you get. Your aims on social media will determine what objectives you fulfil. This boils down to the understanding and knowledge of the platforms. Despite the obvious lack of understanding and education, I smile when church speakers strive to paint a picture of a dark social media world. Some try, albeit unsuccessfully to quote scriptures to support their positions. Using these platforms can be compared to a new resident in a city. If he/she does not understand the workings of the city, he/she will not know the “downtown” postcodes he/she should not visit after 7pm. Lack of knowledge is no excuse for condemning the platforms or users. These are modern times and technology is drastically changing the way and manner we do things. As a result of these developments in the past ten years, the world had learned to adjust our behaviours, our lifestyles and many things. The word of God has not changed, but the means of propagating it has shifted slightly. For more people to hear it, popular channels have to be used. Now back to the speaker. We clapped for him, the more. He loved it and took the cue to lay more into the "evil" social media users. “All of you using social media, you need deliverance and repentance, if not, your journey to hell is a one-way ticket”. We clapped the more as we wanted more education on social media. But time was no longer on our side. Then I felt a kick of my chair from behind. The brother behind me brought me back to reality. It was time to say the grace. Morak Babajide-Alabi is a columnist with Nigeria’s Sunday Vanguard. You can read more of his writings on his blog www.babajidealabi.com This piece is a fiction of Morak’s imagination. It has no reflection to a particular church or individuals or group of individuals.

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WOKE up with a jerk, grabbed my Bible and was about to jump up and shout hallelujah. Instead, I looked right, left, up and down to be sure no one noticed that I just came back from the dreamland. I did not see any judgemental faces. Everyone was lost in the presence of God.

The Birth of New Hope

Before the birth of Solomon, God had already told King David that it would be Solomon that would reign after him (I Chro. 22:7-19; 28: 1-6). As David became older and frail, one of his eldest sons – Adonijah exalted himself and proclaimed himself as the king over Israel. He had the backing of the powerful men of David (Joab, the Commander of the Army; Abiatha, the High Priest, and other special dignitaries). To make the matter worse for Solomon, he had not heard that King David had challenged nor call Adonijah to order, meaning he might be carrying out the king’s order. Not only was the hope of Solomon to become the king rendered shattered, his hope of being alive and that of his mother; including that of the siblings from his mother’s side was very slim. God however used Prophet Nathan to birth a new hope for Solomon. Nathan risked his life and gave Bathsheba a counsel that did not only save their lives; but also enthroned them as the king and the king’s mother. Bathsheba was asked by Prophet Nathan to enter the chambers of

God’s Special Treasures February 2019

REASURE can be defined as “valuable or precious possessions of any kind; someone that is considered especially precious or valuable; a thing or person that is highly prized or valued”. There are all kinds of possessions that are kept by man; the way we treat them usually depend on the worth or value we placed on them. This may be due to how much we paid for them; the reason for their purchase; the personal attachment we have for them; etc. God is the Creator and Maker of all things. He, therefore, owns everything. However, as tough as this might sound to the ears, God has things that fall into general possessions of His, and He also has things that are special treasures to Him. There were many nations, tribes, tongues and languages all over the surface of the Earth about 4,000 years ago. They were all God’s possessions. Yet God called out one man and his wife – Abraham and Sarah from the Ur of Chaldeans in order to raise a people that will be a special treasure to Himself – the Jews (Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5). These people enjoy special treatment from God. They were given land originally occupied by other tribes as their inheritance; given planted field they did not labour for to harvest; cities they did not build to inhabit; vineyards and olive yards they did not plant to enjoy; etc (Joshua 24: 11-13). Whenever any foe rises up against them; God makes sure that it is He Himself that goes to battle to defend them. Whenever they err, God always corrects them in measure, and the nation that God used to humble them will, in turn, be punished by God!

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It is interesting and possibly shocking also to hear from the mouth of Jesus during His earthly ministry that some possessions of God can be classified as ‘children’ while some can be classified as ‘dogs’ (Mt. 15:22-28). Even though He made them all. God did witness to my spirit this week that we are not just ordinary possession of His, but a special treasure unto Him and in His hands. He promised that we shall reap more harvests than the ratio of seeds we have sown; that our benefits shall exceed our labours. He said He has carved out an inheritance for us within inheritance; He will fight our battles; He shall only be correcting us in measure; nevertheless, His loving kindness will not be withdrawn from us; neither will He make His faithfulness to fail in our lives (Psalm 89:20-37). May these all be evident in our lives this month and beyond in Jesus name.

the king and remind him of his promise that Solomon was to be the king after him, and to tell him what Adonijah had done; and that while she would still be talking; he would join them in the conversation as well.

monthly themes

IRTH can be defined as “the January 2019 process of bearing young; the act or fact of being born; the beginning or coming into existence of something; the origin of something”; etc. Hope on the other hand is “to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfilment; to expect with confidence; a desire accompanied by expectation of belief in fulfilment; a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen”; etc.

After listening to them, King David avowed that Solomon would still reign after him; to make sure that this was the case; the king gave immediate orders to coronate and enthrone Solomon as the king in Jerusalem while he was still alive; and he himself also bowed on his bed to his son as Solomon sat on the throne. When Adonijah and the people that were with him heard that Solomon has been made king in Jerusalem; all the people with him ran away and he had to take refuge by the altar in the temple (I Kings 1: 1-53). In this first month of 2019; it has been impressed upon my spirit by God that new hopes will be birthed as touching the fulfilment of our destiny. He said that challenges, oppositions and threats to our pre-ordained destinies will be quashed. God said He will raise the ‘Prophet Nathans’ who will help stir up our hopes and expectations. Hopes that are dormant and dead will be revived. Expectations that are dying will be re-fired. There shall be a performance of long-awaited hopes and dreams in Jesus name.

March 2019

Uncommon Revelation

NCOMMON can be defined as “out of the ordinary; unusual; rare; unconventional; unexpected; unfamiliar; extraordinary; outlandish; etc”. While revelation can be defined as, “a surprising and previously unknown fact (especially one that is made known in a dramatic way); a disclosure; divulgence; report; news; leak; etc”. Three of the seven Spirits of God are Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding (Isaiah 11:2). So, no one can boast of having the possession any of these; as they all come from God. Even though we see the traits of any or combination of these in men; God seldom bestows uncommon measures of them on whom He favours. As a matter of fact, God can endow the life of a man with His Spirit to operate in an uncommon way in any of these dimensions; such that the individual will become a marvel to mankind (Daniel 6:1-3). In Daniel 2:1-49, the Bible tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar dreamt and forgot his dream. All he could recollect was that the dream was troubling, so he summoned all his wise men, magicians, astrologers, sorcerers to reveal his dream and also interpret it. That if they failed to do so, he would cut them in pieces and turn their houses into dunghill. The people made the king understand that no mortal can disclose the dream of another; except one has entered the calibre of gods. That the wisest of men can only interpret. The king then sought to kill all the wise men in the land. At this point, Daniel and his friends prayed to God; that same night the dream was relayed to Daniel and its interpretation as well. King Nebuchadnezzar was so stunned hearing his dream and interpretation from Daniel that he got up from his throne and worship Daniel and also asked that burnt offering be sacrificed to him. King Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel great; gave him many gifts; made him a ruler over all the Provinces of Babylon and also the Chief of Governors over all the wise men of Babylon. As we approach the end of this month of February, God spoke to me and said, “Son, I will now begin to disclose to you uncommon revelations”. I am told that the spirit of outstanding, extraordinary, unusual, out of the ordinary, rarity will rest upon us. That from now, what we will achieve and enjoy will simply be uncommon and out of the ordinary. May this grace rest upon the whole Assembly in Jesus name.

teaching

May God Hear You And Defend You By Pastor Samuel Obafaiye

The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee - Psalm 20:1

The Lord God that heard David in those days of trouble, may He hear you and defend you today in Jesus name.

ERE King David was praying for himself as it was the custom of the people in his days to offer prayers for their rulers. He wanted God to hear him and defend him as God defended Jacob. One may want to ask, Did God actually heard and defend Jacob? Yes, He did.

God specializes in hearkening to His people when they are in trouble and He always defends them. For everyman/woman, there is or will be what can be classified as day(s) of trouble. At such times, what one can only do is to cry out for help. I pray that when yours come, may God defend you.

In Gen. 25: 27-34, we read how Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, without any witness. Along the line, Esau still wanted to claim ownership of that birthright (bless you before I die); knowing fully well that it didn't belong to him again. God had to demonstrate that He heard the transaction and defended Jacob. This can be demonstrated in the following scenarios:

In Gen. 21: 8-21, Hagar was serving her masters Abraham/Sarah, before they put her in the family way. Later, her son was behaving somehow to Isaac, and they were sent packing. Hagar was given a ration for a day and to look for another settlement to dwell, but she got lost in the wilderness and her son was about to die. But God heard the boy's cry and sent an angel to help them. They both lived and her son became a mighty nation.

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

·Rebekah heard; Both children were hers, even twins. It should not be the junior she should put forward. ·Bush meat that Esau usually prepare should taste somehow different from domesticated meat Rebekah must have prepared; ·Hairy human skin of Esau should be different from coat of goat skin Jacob wore; ·Kiss me! Isaac should have caress where clothes were not on Jacob's body; ·Esau's voice could not have changed dramatically to become like Jacob's; ·If Isaac was in doubt, he could have requested for the other son to be called or their mother; ·The promptness of the meal prepared by Rebekah for Jacob was suspicious.

All these could have given Jacob away. Yet Isaac pronounced the Abrahamic blessing on him. Yea! He shall be blessed. It was because God heard their conversation and came to Jacob's rescue. Esau planned to kill his brother Jacob, so Rebekah advised Jacob to run away to Laban her uncle in Syria. Jacob travelled by foot through the wilderness through the day and through the night alone. He could have been killed by wild animals; wicked people; and hostile communities; he got to Haran safely. For the next 20 years, Jacob went through different troubles; deceptions, cheating, fraud, and likely assassination; but miraculously God defended him against Laban; Esau and the inhabitants of Canaan. Without any doubt, God hears. He made us in His image and likeness; such that we are able to hear. It means that He hears as well: In Prov. 1: 22-33 God was speaking to fools who refused to seek knowledge and fear Him and said when they call Him in the day of trouble, He will not answer and that He will hide Himself. David was however someone whom God heard his prayers and defended right from his childhood to his old age: From lions and bears From Goliath of Gath (I Sam. 17: 31-51). From King Saul (2 Sam. 22: 1-4). From the Amalekites (I Sam. 30: 1-19).

There is someone reading this, your 'bottle of water' is running low, God says He will give you a 'well' instead. To another person, death is threatening what could be like a son to you. The Lord will not allow that to happen. You are reading this, it is not just a foe that is giving you trouble, but many foes. God will defend you Himself. Every confederacy against you shall be destroyed. Every gang up against you shall be crushed by God. If there be anything that is troubling you, may God cut off its strength in Jesus name. Every power of Sennarcherib troubling you, may they be defeated and be put to shame. May God make their own hands to be against themselves in Jesus name. The children of Israel were enjoying Egypt in the days of Joseph. But when Joseph era passed, they began to suffer. God then raised Moses as a deliverer for them who misbehaved. It was forty years later when God sent Moses back to them to bring them out of slavery. God specifically told Moses that He had seen the affliction of His people; He has heard their cries; He knew their pains and sufferings; and He had come to rescue them and to bring them to a land that is flowing with milk and honey. It is a twisted theology that will claim that a child of God cannot go through affliction, the truth is, we will; the comforting thing however is that God will defend us. In Mk. 4: 35-41, Jesus already told the disciples that they were going to the other side of the sea, but on their way, storm arose. As the boat was about sinking, they ran to Jesus and cried for help. Jesus rebuked the sea and the wind, and everything went calm. There is someone reading this, it seems to you that Jesus is 'sleeping' on your case, the storm is raging at you, as you cry unto Him, both the sea raging at you and the wind fuelling it will be silenced in Jesus name. Finally, even Jesus had what we can call trouble days. One of such was the day he was betrayed by Judas. He was feeling

Continued on Page 20

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WORKERS APPRECIATION

May God Hear You

And Defend You Pastor Samuel Obafaiye, Pastor Victor & Deaconess Olobaniyi (RCCG EFA York) (left) and right Pastor Gabriel and Pastor (Mrs) Felicia Adunmade

Continued from Page 19 sorrowful throughout the day, to the extent that He asked His Father if there was an alternative plan; He however resolved that the will of the Father be done (Lk. 22: 42-43).

God heard His Son; and defended Him. An angel was sent to Jesus to encourage and strengthen Him; such that He was able to focus on the future glory and thus sacrificed Himself for our sins. David was anointed as a replacement king for Saul over Israel. He was tempted to kill Saul; he had to wait 13 years to reign over Judah and another 7 years to reign over the whole of Israel. It took time, but it wasn't late.

* Ushers Department (left) and Teenage Class (right)

Abraham was chosen by God to start a godly race. He travelled thousands of miles through the desert to live as a sojourner in tents in a land that he was promised to inherit. He was tempted by his wife; he had to wait 25 years for the promised child. The promise tarried, yet it came to pass. Moses was born to be a deliverer of the children of Israel; he was tempted by his passion and he had to wait 40 years for his appointed time to come again. It was a long wait, the promise came to pass.

Hitherto, Has The Lord Helped Us

If waiting time is not handled properly, it can lead to something bad. It can degenerate to - Anxiety/Worry - the Continued from Page 14 Israelites at Red Sea, if Moses did not say through, it is possible to think you were smart. But when it was a big deal; and it didn’t deal with you "Wait & see..." They would have drown. permanently, surely it can only be God.

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- Doubt/Unbelief - Abram, almost On the same ground where God defended the Israelites under Samuel at Mizpeh, they had lost 4,000 derailed the plan of God for his life twice, and 40,000 men before under Eli. They even lost the ownership of the Ark of the Covenant. But 20 with Abimelech king of Gerar and Hagar years later, it was a sweet lasting victory for them. the housemaid. - Fear - Saul making sacrifice, Elijah I am always emotional whenever I try to testify to God’s goodness. It is because He has done so very escaping from Jezebel. much for me. I’m not sure how long it takes for flesh to completely decay from bone; but mine would have gone a long way by now. As humans, we are very time conscious, even though we can't make everything When Samuel raised the stone and said the place would be called Ebenezer. He actually said the happen the time we want them. God meaning was “Hitherto, has the Lord helped us”. I checked the meaning of the word hitherto in the however is not just timely but also dictionary. It means, “up to this time; until now; to here; to this place or point;” etc. So when Samuel said timeless. He does things on time; yet He is not bound by time. What we can only do hitherto, what he meant was that up to this point, it had been the Lord that had helped them. is written in Psalms 37:5 Commit thy way unto the What that also meant is that there are other points ahead to be covered; Lord; trust also in him; and RCCGEFALeeds mapped and owned. There other challenges ahead to be faced; confronted he shall bring it to pass. and overcome. There are other glories ahead to be attained; won and As this year advances; is enjoyed. RCCGEFALeeds there anything God has promised you that is yet to Such that Samuel moved forward from Ebenezer. You too shall happen? Write the vision move forward from here. Truly, challenges may be ahead of you; down. Make it plain in bold but you shall overcome. Truly, territories may lie ahead of you; but RCCGEFA letters. Run with it. Though you shall occupy. Truly, glories may lie ahead of you; but you shall it delays, wait for it, it shall obtain. Where the children of Israel gathered on that day is called surely come to pass, it will Mizpeh – meaning watchtower. not be late. RCCGEFALeeds An excerpt of the sermon delivered on Sunday, December 30, 2018.

YouTube: The Key To Youth Evangelism? By Cara Bentely In May 2017, Youth for Christ found that 94% of young people engage with social media daily and 75% engage with YouTube everyday. The report also identified YouTube as the most effective space for sharing Jesus with young people online. A second blind survey of 1001 11-18 year old young people was then done across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Half the children and young people were asked about their habits and attitudes towards social media, whereas the second set were asked about their use of YouTube. Youtube had the most popularity when it came to how young people wanted to spend their time online and it ranked top

m s i l e g n a v E g n I i v a e L p Sto s l a n o i s s e f o r P e h To T - Great Commission

didn’t take it. I had an opportunity , as clear as day, to share the gospel in a random Written by Thomas McConaghie/ e n c o u n t e r this week From Evangelical Alliance and I didn’t take it. I kept remembering the rest of the day and even a week later, I’m still raging at myself. Particularly as it came just over a week after I made a point about evangelism in a sermon to my church. We’ve been doing a series in Acts and I had chapter eight, but not the fun bit when Philip shared the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch who wanted to get baptised immediately, after which Phillip teleported. That story’s some craic. I was dealing with the chapter. A quick point of context as a refresher… Acts 1:8 is a thesis for the rest of the book: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The first seven chapters are all about the disciples witnessing in Jerusalem, fulfilling that part of Jesus’ promise. From chapter eight, we see the next part of Jesus promise being fulfilled; the disciples begin to share the good news of the kingdom of God in Samaria. But here’s the kicker. Why did they leave Jerusalem to go to the rest of Judea and Samaria? Because a “great persecution broke out.” Saul led a campaign of destruction going from “house to house”, a horrible echo of the description of the exact places that the disciples gathered after Jesus ascension (Acts 2:46 and 5:42). This campaign erupted after Stephen – one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem – spoke out against the Pharisees and was murdered. Jesus’ promises were being fulfilled through the persecution of his people.

when asked to state their top three platforms. Music streaming and vlogs were the most commons reasons for going on Youtube and within vlogs, 61% said they like to watch youtubers talking about their passions. Speaking about how these results can help the church evangelise to young people, Church Resources Director, Laura Hancock, told Premier: "A high percentage as well said stuff they'd viewed online has changed their mind or opinion. "As an older generation we have wisdom that we can pass on to younger generations about how to effectively share faith - where they have the tools maybe we have the wisdom. "It's an incredible window to share faith if you're actually able to communicate in that space in an effective way".

Isn’t that incredible? The death of many in one community led to the life of many, many more in another. It reminded me of Genesis 50:20, what man intends for evil, God uses for good. Then, there’s this little nugget in verse 4, right before we meet Philip, the protagonist of most of the rest of the chapter: “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Those who had left their homes for fear of their lives (i.e. refugees), were the ones who were spreading the gospel (missionaries). From refugees to missionaries. It’s not the apostles doing the work here – they remained in Jerusalem. It’s the normals. The everyday folk. This is a momentous moment in the life of the Church. For the first time, the message of Christ is leaving Jerusalem at large. And that’s happening through normal followers of Jesus, in middle of fear and persecution. Their faith is being shared in the middle of their flight. It’s untrained, it’s unforced, but it’s beautiful. The disciples didn’t consider themselves refugees but as missionaries. They had been so transformed through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus and the falling of the Spirit that their persecution paled in significance to the need to share the good news of Christ’s kingdom to those around them. This episode is instructive for the Church today. Particularly those of us who have a tendency to leave evangelism to the professionals. I fell into the trap of worrying that I didn’t have a perfectly crafted gospel message for my encounter last week and that led to me not saying anything. I needn’t have worried. Let this be an encouragement. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you don’t know how to share the gospel. It’s not meant to be this big presentation, complete with PowerPoint slides and the latest statistical data from Barna. Part of the beauty of it is that it’s on the hoof, as you go, in your normal everyday life. This article first appeared on Threads on the 27th July 2017. Threads is a collective of Christians from all walks of life who are living, working and trying to carve out their identity in their worlds.

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EW research suggests a high percentage of Gen Z have changed their mind because of something on Youtube. With 94% of 'Generation Z', those born ater 1995, on social media daily, a Christian organisation says the church need to be there too if they are going to hear the gospel. The Christian charity Youth For Christ have conducted research into the online habits of young people to see how the church can reach them appropriately. In the report, released on Monday, 'Generation Z' were found to be much more involved in Youtube than they were in previous research, seeing themselves as 'curators' rather than consumers of content.

monthly themes

October 2018

Divine Magnification

HE verb ‘magnify’ could mean “To extol, laud; to cause to be held in greater esteem or respect; to increase in significance, or to enlarge in fact or in appearance”. The noun ‘magnification’ on the other hand could mean “The action or process of magnifying something or being magnified; especially visually”.

It is possible for an object to be magnified by humans (as with magnifying glass); it is possible for humans to magnify another human (Acts 12:21-23); it is possible for humans to magnify a deity (Ex. 32: 1-6); it is possible for demons to magnify a human (Acts 8:9-11); and it is possible for God to magnify a human (Joshua 4:14). God is higher than any other being, yet it is possible for Him to magnify the work of His hands in the sight of other creatures of His so that the glory of that life will be ascribed unto Him. God created the whole universe: all race, nationality, culture and ethnicity were created by Him. But at a particular point in human era, God decided He wanted a special race unto Himself. He raised up Abraham for this purpose (Gen. 12:1-3). So Abraham became the progenitor of the Children of Israel – the magnified race of God’s creation (Ex. 19: 5-6; Dt. 7:6; I Kgs. 8:53; I Chro. 17:22).

At a later time in human era, God sent His only begotten Son to this world to die for the sin of Man, those who believe in this work of redemption become a magnified race on earth amongst the creations of God (I Peter 2:9; Rev. 1:6; Rev. 5:8-10). It is important to say that when an object is magnified by an apparatus, as soon as the apparatus is removed, the object goes back to their original size. The same thing goes for when a human is magnified by another human or when demons magnified a human. As soon as the ‘magnifying device’ is removed, the person goes back to their real size or even smaller. However, when God magnifies a being, the individual assumes that magnified status throughout their lifetime and even carries it on posthumously, except the person later misbehaves (Joshua 4:1-14). The Spirit of the Lord says we should be prepared for His magnification. He says that among His creations, we are a special race to Him; and that He has chosen to demonstrate how special we are to Him to the world. He says that He will make it known that we are ‘a kingdom of kings and priests unto Him’. May these be evident in our lives in Jesus name.

December 2018

Progression

NABATED can be defined as “Without any reduction in intensity or strength; sustaining an original intensity or maintaining full force with no decrease. It can also be without losing original force or violence; undiminished; with undiminished force, power or vigour”. Progression can be defined as “The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state”. One of the common goals of every man is to make progress or to move forward in life (regardless of whether the person is diligent or not, everyone desires progress). But making progress does not come easy; even to a diligent person, there are several factors that can still try to hinder one’s progress. Some of these are: Environmental factors: e.g climate (Gen. 26:1); soil (2 Kings 2: 19). Household enemies (Gen. 37:4). Demonic influence (I Peter 5:8). A prevailing curse on general humanity (Gen. 3:16-19).

Cultural factor (Esther 3:1-6). Personal error (Gen. 13: 9-11) etc

You Always

HE Lord Jesus Christ came to redeem mankind from sin, world, satan and eternal damnation. He began His ministry at about 30 years of age and worked continuously for the next three and a half years. Within those years; He had some disciples and twelve chosen apostles. While His disciples followed Him; Jesus was able to demonstrate a little of the extent of His power to them: He made the storm to cease; made the blind to see; the lame to walk; the dead to rise; etc. Afterwards, Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross, He was buried and He spent two nights and three days in the tomb; during this short period, most of His disciples went into hiding as they didn’t understand that Jesus had to die to fulfil His mission. But when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, He appeared to His disciples and strengthened their faith. Within a period of about forty days, He continued to charge them with His words.

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Unabated

Specific generational curse (Ex. 20:5).

Lo! I Am With

November 2018

As His physical departure was imminent, Jesus addressed His disciples and made them to understand that though He was

Joseph was destined to make tremendous progress in life. He began well by being the going away; yet He would be with them in favourite of his father. As he grows up, ministry always. He will be with them all the however, he faced a series of hindrances. days, all the times, not just to the end of the lives of the then disciples, but to the end of this From the plot of his ten brothers who wanted present world. He actually told them “Lo”, to kill him and later sold him into slavery; to which can be interpreted as “Look” or “See”. the plot of his master’s wife who lied against Jesus was invariably telling them that in him; to the action of his master who threw whatever situation they would find themselves, him in prison without trial or mercy; to the whether grim or bright, they should look negligence of Pharaoh’s Chief Butler who carefully, He would certainly be there (Mt. forgot to make a plea of release for him 28:18-20). before Pharaoh.

This must have been very comforting and encouraging to the disciples, such that they were able to go everywhere and anywhere without any fear or intimidation because they were confident that the all-powerful Jesus was with them always.

God, however, bridged all these hindrances and granted Joseph an unabated progression in life; as predetermined by Him, as Joseph became the second in command to Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of their time.

God has impressed it upon my spirit as we approach the end of this year that I should tell His disciples amongst us that we should remember, take notice and be confident that He is with us always. That He will strengthen us; assist us; defend us; protect us; direct us; speak for us and abide with us. That this goes beyond a promise of what He intends to do; but a confirmed notification of what He is doing. May we all experience this in Jesus name. Amen!

The Spirit of God has impressed it upon my spirit that we shall enjoy unabated progression in our destiny as a group and unabated destinies as individuals. Regardless of any or all hindrances we are facing or might face; we shall still attain to what God has predetermined for us as His special people in Jesus name.

MOTHER’S DAY 2019

FATHER’S DAY 2019

23 | EVERLASTING

ELDERS’ SPECIAL SERVICE 2019

monthly themes

April 2019

May 2019

Favours All Around

AVOUR can be said to be “approval, support or liking for someone or something; overgenerous preferential treatment; an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual; etc”.

The Bible makes us know that King Solomon enjoyed all round favours as the third king of Israel. Solomon was not in the league of the first six sons of David and therefore did not qualify to be a contender to the throne, yet he became the next king after his father. The circumstances surrounding the birth of Solomon were such that he should not have even ‘smelt’ the throne, yet he was the one that was favoured by God. The reign of Solomon in Israel was spectacular in that the kingdom of Israel reached its widest extent during the reign of Solomon; yet he scarcely fought any war (I Kings 4: 21).

Favoured Like

No Other

AVOURED can be defined as “preferred; special; chosen; favourite; selected; singled-out; recommended; endowed with the special advantage of gifts; regarded or treated with preference or partiality; enjoying a special privilege; supported over anyone or anything else”. God loves everyone the same (Zech. 10:1; Mt. 5: 44-48). But His level of favour upon us actually differs (2 Sam. 7:14-15). This He does by using His prerogative and sovereignty which no one can question nor flaws. In God’s plan for the redemption of Man, God thought of beginning a special race from which the Messiah would emanate from. He, therefore, searches through the whole earth and decided to single-out a man called Abraham for this special favour. The choice of Abraham by God was an act of His benevolence, as the Ur of Chaldeas where Abraham comes from were also idol worshipper, so God wanted him to come out of that spiritual pollution and contamination.

God asked Abraham to leave his comfort zone in Mesopotamia and should proceed to an unknown place, which God promised to show him; that in that place, Abraham would be made a great nation; he would be The Israelites also had great peace and tranquillity in the time of blessed; his name would be great; he would be a blessing; that those that Solomon; their number bless him will, in turn, be blessed; those increased, and their that curse him will, in turn, be cursed; June 2019 land enjoyed rest round and that through him, all the families about (I Kings 4: 2-,24). of the earth shall be blessed. Abraham believed all these God’s promises; and God granted Solomon was led by God to Canaan (Gen. 12:1HE feet of man is capable to take him to many places and into 4). special favours to many scenarios: good or bad. It is possible for the feet of one to lead govern the people. He them into shame; error; failure; success; promotion; prosperity; Abraham descendants later became h a d w i s d o m , favours; etc. understanding and the nation of Israel; a race blessed by the Almighty God; having a great largeness of heart. He For example, the feet of David walked him into fame and honour when name and through which the whole was a marvel to the he appeared on the battlefront between Israel and Philistine (I Sam. 17: 17- families on the earth are being world of his time (I Kings 18). The feet of Sapphira, however, walked her into death when she blessed. The Abrahamic generation is 4: 29-34). appeared before the apostles having not seen her husband for over 3 therefore favoured like no other (Ex. hours (Acts 5: 1-11). The feet of Haman walked him into shame and 19:3-6). Solomon also received destruction when he appeared before King Artaxerxes as he wanted to favours from kings and Everlasting Father’s Assembly, Leeds take permission to hang Mordecai (Esther 6: 1-14; 7: 1-10). queens surrounding his has been especially singled-out and kingdom: Queen of So also, it is possible for one’s feet to lead one into favour. The Bible records selected by the Almighty God for His Sheba; King Hiram of that the donkeys of Kish of the tribe of Benjamin were missing. So, Kish favour. Towards the end of 2001, God Tyre; Pharaoh kings of asked Saul – his son to go with a servant and searched for the donkeys. As made the progenitor of this Assembly Egypt; and many other they searched districts and regions for these animals, little did Saul knew leave what was then his comfort zone superpowers of his time that his feet were walking him into favour to become the first captain of in London and was led to proceed to a loved Solomon; they place unknown; only to be asked to Israel. God revealed this to him not too long afterwards (I Sam. 9: 1-27). demonstrated this by stay in Leeds. In 2006, God enabled giving their daughters him to start the Assembly; and In the land of Israel, during the harvest of wheat, the poor people were promised him that He will be with to him in marriage (I allowed to follow reapers behind and pick leftover grains for their families him; that the Assembly will be blessed; Kings 10: 23-25). to eat. Ruth’s feet surprisingly walked her in the path of favour as she that the group shall be a blessing to In this month of April followed the labourers of Boaz; a wealthy near kinsman to her former many; that the Assembly shall be as a and afterwards, God husband who later married her and brought her into the genealogy of city that is set upon a hill which cannot says it shall be a time for Jesus Christ (Ruth 2: 1-23; 3: 1-17). be hidden. In simple terms, God us to enjoy favours all promised that the Assembly shall be around. We shall enjoy In this month and beyond, God has impressed it upon my spirit that our highly favoured. the unintermittent feet shall walk us into diverse favours. Some might desperately be favours from God and searching for ‘donkeys’; unknowing to such, their feet will be leading them So just like the nation of Israel is a also sacrificial favours to favours predestined. They will only realise this when a sudden and favoured race unto God; Everlasting from man. exciting announcement shall be made to them. May the zeal of the Lord of Father’s Assembly is equally endowed with special advantages and gifts by Hosts perform this in Jesus name. Jehovah. God said He will treat us with God will bless us with peace and tranquillity; God has impressed it upon my spirit as we approach the end of this year preference and fondness; that we will He will grant us the that I should tell His disciples amongst us that we should remember, take continue to enjoy special privileges grace to enjoy rest; to notice and be confident that He is with us always. That He will strengthen from Him; and that increase in number; to us; assist us; defend us; protect us; direct us; speak for us and abide with us. we shall be supported reign with ease and also That this goes beyond a promise of what He intends to do; but a confirmed o v e r a n y o n e o r anything else. May we make us a marvel to the notification of what He is doing. all enjoy these in Jesus world of our time in name. Jesus name. May we all experience this in Jesus name. Amen!

A Walk Into Favour

EVERLASTING - The 14th Edition of the RCCG Everlasting Father's Assembly Leeds Magazine

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