FEBRUARY 2013 THEME: DIVINE CLEANSING
FROM THE PULPIT
A New Heart
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TEXT: Ezekiel 36: 24 – 35
- By Deacon Bolaji Cole
EBUCHADNEZZAR attacked Jerusalem in 597 BC and took about 10,000 Jews including Ezekiel to exile (2kgs 24:14). The strongest, princes, smiths and craftsmen were taken away and only the poorest, weak and feeble were left. Jerusalem was burned and ruined and God’s beautiful temple was destroyed and the land was desolate. God allowed the Babylonians to conquer the Jews for 70 years because of their idolatry which God was against and had warned them about but they did not heed to his warning. It was during this period that the word of the Lord came to Prophet Ezekiel that He would restore them back to their land, cleanse them, give them a new heart and a new spirit so that they would be able to worship him properly. God promised them this because He is a covenant keeping God who always remembers His covenant. My prayer is that God will remember his covenants for you and make His promises come to pass in your lives in Jesus Name. Amen. As a Christian, we should be praying for a new heart from God because it is fundamental to our Christian journey, our relationships with man and most essentially with God. Largely to an extent, it is our hearts that will determine where we will end up with God and in life. What is happening around us now can be likened to what happened in Babylonian times, now around us there are evils everywhere in the land and Christians are also partakers of these evils. Nowadays we cannot distinguish between Christians and unbelievers. Why is this so? Because our hearts are far away from God, it is corrupt and is full of evil, no wonder the bible says in Jer 17: 9. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked who can know it? If your heart is not right with God then it can not be right with man, it will have impacts on everything else in our lives. May God have mercy on us in Jesus name. Amen We need to know that our heart is the whole essence of who we are because it is the part of us that connects with God and other people. In other words, it is who we are and what we feed it we become. If you feed your heart with Godly things soon you will become Godly and righteous and if you feed it with evil things, you become evil. You cannot give what you don’t have. There are constant battles going on in our hearts and the one that wins the battle we become. When these battles come on in your hearts, I ask you which one wins. Is it the good or is it the evil? With this I came to a conclusion that ‘’you are your heart and your heart is you’’ So we have to guide our hearts against things that takes us away from God and His promises for us. Keep your hearts with all diligence for out of it springs the issues of life. (Pro 4: 23). The devil is constantly attacking our hearts with all forms of weapons in the form of disappointments, discouragement, surrender, hurts, unforgiveness etc. and if you are not careful you will become one of these hearts identified in the bible . May our hearts not become evil in Jesus name. Amen. TYPES OF HEARTS IDENTIFIED IN THE BIBLE The hard heart (Zech 7:12) It is possible to be a Christian and be hard hearted towards God and man. The evil heart (Heb 3:12). The condemning heart ( 1 jn 3:20). The cold heart (Mt 24:12). The faint /weak heart ( Lam 5:17). The slow heart (Lk 24:25). The good and Godly heart.(Lk 6: 45a) If your hearts falls within the first 6 then you will have to ask God for help and the good news is that as you ask Him for help, He will perform a heart transplant on you in Jesus Name and give you a new heart in Jesus Name. Amen. WHAT IS THIS NEW HEART FROM GOD? A new heart is a happy heart and a happy heart is a joyous one.(Psa 28:7) A new heart is a forgiving one. Mt 6: 14-15. it is not a vindictive one. It is a heart that knows that his forgiveness from God is based on him forgiving others. A new heart is a believing one. Rom 10:9, Mk 9:23. A new heart attracts helpers of destiny. EX 17:12. With destiny helpers journey of 10 years can be shortened to 1 year. A new heart is a thankful one. Psa 86 :12 . 1 Thess 5:18. A new heart is a praying one. 1 Thess 5:17 A new heart is a loving one. Loves God and people unconditionally. Deut 6:5 ,Mk 12 : 31 Blessings of new heart from God. You shall enter and dwell in your promised land again and God will be your God and you will be His people. Eze 36 : 28. God will cleanse from all impurities multiply that which is in your hands and you will never suffer lack again. Eze 36: 29 He will rebuild everything that needs rebuilding in your life and every area in your life that is desolate will spring to life again. Eze 36:33 Why is a new heart important for a Christian? Because it is only those that are righteous that will stand before the presence of the Lord to see Him. Mt 5: 8. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Ps 24: 3-4 How Can I Get This New Heart? *Surrender to Him and ask him for help to change your heart. Without Him you can do nothing (Jn 15:5). * Study the word of God regularly (2 Tim 2:15). *Fellowship with Him regularly in prayers. CONCLUSION Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. (Rm 7:15). What type of heart do you desire, a heart of sin unto death or a heart of obedience unto righteousness? The truth of it is that it is tour call and your choice which heart you want. So if you want a heart of obedience unto God, you can call upon him today and as you do so that He will answer you and perform that needed change in your hearts in Jesus Name. Amen. The bible say that there is a way that seems right to a man but the end is destruction and the same bible say that, see I have set before you life and death, choose life, so that ye may live. Today I say unto you, choose life so that you and your seed may live. Excerpts of a sermon delivered by Deacon Bolaji Cole on 17th February 2013.
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LEANSING could be defined as: make something thoroughly clean; rid (a person, place, or thing) of something seen as unpleasant, unwanted, or defiling. To remove impurities, dirt, filth; to remove guilt; to purge; etc. when this cleansing is an act of God or done to please God, it would then be Divine cleansing. God is always looking for a cleansed vessel to anoint, empower and use for His own glory. Also, for someone to be able to experience and perform miracles, purity of heart and flesh are prerequisite. As the children of Israel were looking forward in anticipation to witness the miracle of the parting of the Jordan River in order to enter into their Promised Land, the call to sanctify or cleanse themselves was proclaimed throughout their camp to witness and partake in such an astounding occurrence (Joshua 3:5). As soon as that was achieved, the priests of God bore the Ark of the Covenant ahead and stepped into the River Jordan. Alas, the miraculous happened! The water was divided and the Israelites walked on dry ground! In this month of February, we are to sanctify and consecrate ourselves more for a greater anointing, empowerment and use by the Most High. We are to rid ourselves of any impurity and guilt. God will also purge our Assembly so that miracles, signs and wonders will be a constant experience among us in Jesus name . . By Pastor Samuel Obafaiye
THE RCCG (EVERLASTING FATHER’S ASSEMBLY) 2013 PROPHECY. THEME: OUR YEAR OF GOD’S REST Isaiah 65: 21-24, Isaiah 14:1-4
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WAS meditating recently to find out from God what will be our theme for 2013. There were certain challenges I saw in 2012 that I was asking God to completely eradicate in the next. God answered and said, "All covenanted ministries (whether individual or church) will hit major storm in their 3rd year. If the ministry escapes that by grace, a greater storm will come against it in its 6th year. If the ministry equally escapes the double storm, it will then qualify for the blessings of the 7th year”. For us in Everlasting Father's Assembly, there were storms that we went through at three years. To the glory of God, we escape them all. Also at six years, thank God for all the astounding accomplishments that we have enjoyed, we also escaped double storms. Glory be to God! So I asked God, since we have escaped the sixth year, what is the blessing of the seventh year? He took me back to the creation of the world. He said, ‘What did the bible says I did on the seventh day’? And I said that You rested from Your labours. So, God said "2013 is your year of My rest". Note that it is the God's rest, not our kind of rest. The bible says that God does not sleep nor slumber (Ps. 121:4). So it's not a rest of sleep. Neither is it of folding of hands. It is a rest from excessive labours and entering into excessive favours. The seventh day was a time when God stopped creating on this earth, but switched to watching over what He has created. In 2013, God will help us to look after what He has created for us and through us. We will supervise and oversee machinery that will run itself. Every system that God has helped us to create will begin to work for us. Grace will supersede haste. There was a time when the Israelites were fighting Canaan, the Israelites were outnumbered. So God began to use constellations to fight for them (Judges 5:20). God will assign hosts of heaven to work for us in 2013 . By Pastor Samuel Obafaiye
THE RCCG (WORLDWIDE) 2013 PROPHECY THEME: YEAR OF SIGNS AND WONDERS FOR INDIVIDUALS: 1. No matter the darkness around you, your star will shine brighter. 2. God says, He will speak peace to your storms 3. Certain individuals have been stagnated for sometimes, the reasons for your stagnation will become known, will be addressed and will be eliminated, therefore progress will follow. 4. In many senses of the word, this year will be of completeness. FOR NIGERIA: 1. The prayers of some of you minimized death of prominent Nigerians last year, don’t stop praying. 2. Before the middle of the year, many will say hope rising. 3. Learn from disasters of 2012 and take precaution soonest to avert bigger ones.. INTERNATIONAL: 1. The Lord says prominent world leaders need a lot prayers so as not to die in office. 2. Prominent Church leaders need prayers against planned scandals. 3. Weather conditions may get worse, much worst, unless prayers are intensified. 4. We should expect a major breakthrough in medicine this year. 5. Nations who pass unholy laws will have a taste of divine fury. By Pastor Enoch Adeboye (Gen. Overseer RCCG Worldwide)
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN OLD RUGGED CROSS On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, RCCG EFA LEEDS The emblem of suffering and shame; HOUSE FELLOWSHIP CENTRES And I love that old cross where the dearest and best LS1, LS2, LS7 & LS8 For a world of lost sinners was slain. Flat 147, 20-20 House, So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.
Skinner lane LS7 1BE (Ajayi’s Residence)
LS3, LS4, LS5, LS6, LS12, LS13 & LS16 15 – 17 Walter Street, Off Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, 2BB(Church Premises) Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above LS10 & LS11 To bear it to dark Calvary.
1 Murray View,
Middleton, Leeds, LS10 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, 4GD (Iduoze Residence) A wondrous beauty I see, For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, YORK ROAD To pardon and sanctify me. 98 Cartwell Drive LS15 0PD.
(The Adunmade’s residence)
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, BRADFORD Flat 9, Thirkhill Court, Ripley Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Divine Cleansing
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FROM THE PULPIT
Purge Yourself & Have Rest On All Sides Text: 2 Chronicles 14: 1-7;- 15:By1-15Dr. Aderemi Adelugba
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HE month of February has been declared the month of Divine Cleansing by God Almighty through His prophet. The simple meaning of cleansing is purging. Purging away of all uncleanliness is required before you can have rest on all sides. Un-cleanliness means iniquity, sins and filthiness. If all these are not purged, it would result in complication and unpleasant situations like afflictions, lack of peace, failure, lack, unproductiveness, joblessness, sickness and many more. Therefore, it is absolutely important to acknowledge our transgressions and recognise that, only the King of kings can purge and wash us clean. We have to turn away from all crookedness, wickedness and ask the Lord for a clean and pure heart. Isaiah 55:7: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon”. Repentance and restoration are two fundamental experiences a man must undergo before he can be separated for the Lord’s use. Without these, they would not enjoy God’s rest. Sin is not to be covered up. If you cover up your sins, God can come down with heavy hands. But when you call upon Him, He will purge and restore you for favour (Psalm 32:3-5). May the Lord cleanse all our iniquities and make His spirit to dwell in us in Jesus name. The Israelites were God’s own people. He had compassion over them and, they were highly favoured. He even called them His son (Hosea 11:1). But unfortunately, they continued to disappoint God who had planned their repentance. They were engrossed in sins and uncleanliness. Still, God was so keen to bring them back to righteousness. For their joy to be full, and for them to have rest on all sides, they needed to get rid of all the strange gods (2 Chronicles 14:3). God on numerous occasions raised up Judges, Priests, Prophets and Kings. King Asa of Judah was one of them. In 2 Chronicles 14:1-7, King Asa inherited a nation full of greed, idolatry, anarchy and all forms of sins and uncleanliness. Asa’s first responsibility was to purge the land of all sins. King Asa led a powerful revival that lead to cleansing and restoration of the people. The focus of this sermon was to reiterate that a child of God must purge himself or herself before they can have peace and rest. The scripture says in Asa’s days as king, the land was quiet for 10 years. I don’t know what stronghold or turmoil you are experiencing, but now there shall be peace in Jesus name. Peace and prosperity: These can only happen when people put God first, and walk away from all uncleanliness. Asa did just that, he destroyed all alters of Baal and high places. God would not abandon His people, if they can turn away from all uncleanliness and turn to Him. He would invite and cause them to enjoy peace. God reacts to our actions: Asa acted, and God honoured Himself in the life of His people. 2 Chronicle 14:5 “Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him”. If you choose to get rid of your filthiness and sins, the Lord is sincere, just and faithful at all times to help and respond to your willingness. He is our constant help in trouble. For a long time, Israel was in the hand of Jeroboam and, the misbehaviour of Rehoboam after the death of Solomon. They paid dearly and were ruled over by godless kings. But when King Asa came, divine turn around came for them. Every atrocities or mistakes you have made in your life that has caused you problems, the King of kings will cleanse and restore you back in Jesus name. For you to have rest on all sides, you must seek Him wholeheartedly: The Lord destroyed the Ethiopians and restored His people (2 Chronicles 14:11-14). To seek God wholeheartedly would mean to ignore sins and remain cleansed. In this month the Lord will give you rest all around in Jesus name. In 2 Chronicles 15:15. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about”. Humility is required, if you must remain purged: The Prodigal son returned to his father in humility Luke 15:11-22. We saw how the prodigal son landed himself in a deep mess. He spent all his inheritance lavishly, drinking and living in sin with boys without future. But one day, after he had hit the bottom of his failure, feeding with swine and dwelling in poverty, he discovered the need to be cleansed and return in humility. Luke 15:18 “He said, I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father I have sinned against heaven and before you”...The Lord will grant you the courage to arise and be purged. He will receive you and grant you rest on all sides in Jesus name. You must meet Him daily in fellowship, praises and thanksgivings: In Luke 19:1-10, the bible showed us how the man Zaccheus encountered the Lord Jesus Christ. This unpopular wealthy short tax collector was hated by his fellow Jews as a terrible sinner. He might have been hearing about the powerful miracles the Lord Jesus had been doing, and he desired to know Him. For Zaccheus to be purged, he needed to meet the Lord. The Lord is waiting for you. Desire Him and He will dine with you. Following the encounter, Zaccheus enjoyed the salvation of the Lord with his household Luke 19: 910. The god of money in his life was dethroned, and the saving Lord was enthroned in His life. Therefore, you are also a candidate of heaven. God can purge and heal every sickness: Only the Lord of heaven can purge us of all infirmities. Not a king or prince of this world. He can undo what the earthily doctors have declared concerning your health. God spoke his word through Elisha into Naaman’s leprosy that, he should go and wash in Jordan seven times. Following this, Naaman’s flesh became like that of a little child (2 Kings 5:1-19). I don’t know what your sins have been, how much you have wrongfully received from people, what the doctors have spoken concerning your health. The Lord is inviting you back to himself and He will perform wonderful miracles in your life and, you will have rest on all sides in Jesus name Amen. Excerpts of a sermon delivered by Dr Aderemi Adelugba at RCCG Everlasting Father’s Arena, York on 17th February, 2013
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SINGLES HERALD Please note that MARRIAGE COUNSELLING is available for those in courtships; as well as for those that have the leading to initiate a lifelong relationship. Ask the Pastor for guidance. PRAYER REQUESTS? Please drop in the PRAYER BOX in the reception or email to info@rccgleeds.org.uk.
CHURCH WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
SUNDAYS:
CELEBRATION SERVICE WITH SUNDAY SCHOOL: 10:15 - 13:00PM HOUSE FELLOWSHIP 5:30PM - 6:30pm
WEDNESDAYS:
SATURDAYS:
DIGGING DEEP - 6:30pm - 8:30PM INVITATION TO BANQUET (2nd & 4th Sat) 3:00PM DRAMA MEETING - 5PM CHOIR MEETING - 4.30PM (Every Saturday) SINGLES’ MEETING (1st & 3rd Sat.) - 3PM
CHURCH MONTHLY ACTIVITIES Celebration of Life Service: 1st Sunday of the month Anointing Service:- Last Sundays of the month Holy Communion:- Last Wednesday of the month Women Fellowship - 3rd Saturday - 1.00PM Men Fellowship - Last Friday - Bimonthly - 6.30PM NIGHT VIGIL FIRST Friday of the month (10PM - 1AM) VENUE:LAND OF MERCY, 15-17 WALTER STREET, LEEDS
Congratulations!!! We collectively want to congratulate our brothers and sisters on their birthday celebrations, which occurred last month. Some of them are: Bro Ukeme Okon; Sis Tope Babalola; Bro Richard Akinduro; Sis Maua Mpankuli; Sis Anu Onimole; Sis Adejoke Ige; Sis Modupe Daniel; Bro Tobi Akintokun; Bro Kweku Antwi; Mas Daniel Akintolu and Mas Dolapo Owohunwa. May God be gracious to you all; bless you and make His face to shine upon you all in Jesus name.
Pastors Samuel & Anthonia OBAFAIYE
24TH FEBRUARY 2013
MAIN SERVICE MINISTERING PASTOR SAMUEL OBAFAIYE
2013 Our Year Of Rest Isaiah 65: 21-24, Isaiah 14:1-4
Divine Cleansing
FEBRUARY 2013 THEME
Cleansing
THE LAND OF MERCY, 15-17 WALTER STREET, by Machine Mart, Off Kirkstall Road, LEEDS. LS4 2BB Tel:- 0113 279 3400; 07789758707; 07940459067; 07941631678 email: info@rccgleeds.org.uk, samuel_obafaiye@hotmail.com websites: http://www.rccg-leeds.org; http://www.rccgleeds.org.uk