DECEMBER 2012 THEME: LATTER RAINS
FROM THE PULPIT
The Night Cometh
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- By Pastor Samuel Obafaiye
HERE are few things in life that are certain. Things like money, fame, position, even spouse and children are not certainties of life. Apart from God, certainties of life include: seedtime and harvest time, summer and winter, cold and heat, day and night. These have never failed. Today I'm speaking briefly on two constants: day and night. Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Psalms 19:2-3 - 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. The inception of the 'day' of any man is ordained by God; the expiration of the 'night' is also determined by God. Some have longer days and shorter nights. E.g Joseph (Gen. 50: 22-26). Some have shorter days and long nights. E.g Solomon (Eccles. 1:17-18). Some might experience longer days and longer nights. E.g John the beloved (I John 2:1). Somehow, some have been allotted shorter days and equally shorter nights. E.g Jesus (John 19:26-27). Jesus knew He had short days to work with and so He did not joke with each day. John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. That is why He used the word 'must' rather than 'ought'. The question I ask myself is why did Jesus had to go to the cross at 33 years? Why not at 70 years? The night cometh! Jesus did not allow Himself to be distracted. He only had just 3 years to work with! Interestingly, no matter how short the 'day' of a person is, his assignment can still be covered within those days .Jesus completed His Divine assignment within 33 years. (John 17:4; John 19:30). John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. We all pray to live long. I sincerely pray for long life. I chose and pray for long days in life. However, it is what we do in space of the time we live that really matters and not how long. Unlike Jesus, we can not say categorically how long a time we have. More importantly, no one will be able to defend himself before God that they did not have enough time to deliver or complete their assignment. Methuselah had 969 years and what did he do? He only begat sons and daughters and then died. Stephen probably lived less than 40 years and the bible recorded the exploits he did for God. The beginning of each day often start nice and cool, but when the heat of the day is on, many run to hide, hoping to come back to work when it's cool again. Alas, shortly after the cool period, the night will come. May your night not come upon you unprepared in Jesus name. We need the mentality of 'must' to accomplish our Divine assignment for our day. If your mentality is that of I should, or I ought, you may not utilise your day to the full. What sort of 'work' are you doing in your day for God? How are you doing it? Are you doing it as a must or you are doing it as you like? One thing is sure, the night must come! PRAYERS Almighty Father, let my days be long Almighty Father, help me to finish my work on earth Almighty Father, do not let my night come upon me unaware
Excerpts of an exhortation delivered by Pastor Sam Obafaiye on Singles' Day on 23rd of December, 2012
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N some parts of the world, rainy season is experienced twice a year. The first one is called early or former rains which are essentially to soften the field for cultivation and for germination of the seed planted; while the second is called the latter rains and is necessary for the production of fruits and leading to harvest. Both rains are very crucial to cropping, but the latter rains have a greater significance on the planting process as it shows that the farmer’s efforts throughout the year were never in vain. As Jesus was going back to heaven, He instructed the disciples not to go out preaching until they had received the power from the Holy Ghost (Luke 24:49). About 50 days after Jesus ascension, the gift of the Holy Ghost came upon 120 disciples which signify their ‘early rains’ (Acts 2:1-4). This power propelled them to do great miracles and grant them courage. However after the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate by Peter and John, they were both arrested and tried by the Elders Council and the High Priest family. After been threatened and humiliated, it was necessary that God should re-charge them again, so they were sent a ‘latter rain’ (Acts 4:29-31). After this latter rain, they became unstoppable! In this Month of December, God is determined to send us ‘latter rains’ that will prepare us for our harvest season. He will cancel all threats of the enemies against us and eradicate all humiliations we are going through. He will also re-kindled our courage and endue us with renewed power and grace in Jesus name. By Pastor Samuel Obafaiye
THE RCCG (EVERLASTING FATHER’S ASSEMBLY) 2012 PROPHECY THEME: OUR YEAR OF ASTOUNDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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STOUNDING is defined as bewildering or striking dumb with wonder; or so surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm. While accomplishments could be defined as the act of carrying out or achieving; something achieved or successfully completed; gained skills or talent; attainment of social grace, style, and poise. After God ordered Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor; Elisha left his lucrative mechanized farming and became a servant to Elijah. He would run errands for him and take care of his master. The time came when God was prepared to take Elijah away; Elisha’s contemporaries began to make mockery of him that he would soon be like them, but Elisha was determined not to remain as an ordinary son of a prophet; but as someone spectacular. So he demanded for the double portion of the anointing of God upon his master. The bible records that Elisha was able to fulfil the condition set by Elijah and so received the double portion of his master’s anointing! The sons of prophet that thought Elisha was already stranded at the other side of Jordan bowed before him and called him ‘Master’ after he parted the Jordan River and walked through it on dry ground! (2 Kings 2: 1-15). In the year 2012, the Spirit of God says He will make us to achieve feats that are astounding; gain talents and skills that are staggering; and enjoy attainments of social grace, style and poise that are startling! By Pastor Samuel Obafaiye
THE RCCG (WORLDWIDE) 2012 PROPHECY THEME: OUR YEAR OF NEW THINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS: 1. He said many considered to be absolutely barren will be fruitful. 2. He said family histories will be rewritten, including an end to premature death. 3. He said desperate prayers will get quick reply this year. 4. He said some will experience massive transfer of wealth from the wicked to the just. FOR NIGERIA: 1. God says He has surprises both for His own and for the enemies of the church. 2. He said before this year ends, it will be said of Nigeria; all is well that ends well. 3, He said we are to pray more for prominent Nigerians, so that those who see this year may see the next. INTERNATIONAL: 1. Daddy says there will be a lot of power transfer. 2. He said new phenomenon will startle scientists. 3. He said we are to pray against earth quakes of record magnitude, tsunamis of record proportion and massive hurricanes. if we pray they will be subdued. 4. The civil unrest that started last year, will begin to end this year. However, no matter what happens, 2012 is a Year of New Things. All is well. By Pastor Enoch Adeboye (Gen. Overseer RCCG Worldwide)
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN AWAY IN A MANGER Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing The poor Baby wakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side, 'Til morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to heaven To live with Thee there.
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DECEMBER 31 2012 - WATCHNIGHT SERVICE
Workers’ Trg, Teens & Children Sunday School - 09:40am Adult Sunday School - 10:15 am Call To Worship - 11:00AM Wisdom Spot Praise & Worship Liberty Prayers Special Number Message Offering Announcements Tithes Closing Prayers & Benediction - 13:00pm
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FROM THE PULPIT
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You Praise God, and the Rain will come Text: Psalm 103: 1-8 - By Dr Aderemi Adelugba
RETHREN it is very important to understand the place of praise in relationship to our rainfall of blessings. When you praise God, you are appreciating what He has done for you. You are also worshipping Him for His grace upon your family in 2012, and anticipating how He will decorate and promote you in 2013 and beyond. The Psalmist said in Psalm 103: 1-8 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases...(Therefore, if you fail to bless Him, the rain will stop). RAIN OF HONOUR: If you would honour Him, He will honour you in return. When you call to mind all His benefits, it will help you to bless Him. Particularly when you remember how He was born, and how He died for you on the cross of Calvary. How He forgave your sins. Think of how you have been made free. He freed you from every lying tongues and condemnation. Roman 8:1: There is therefore now no more condemnation, to them which are in Christ Jesus, who works not after flesh but after thy spirit. God destroyed your taste for sins and iniquities. Praise was the most important secret of David’s relationship with God – If you understand God, you would know how to praise Him. RAIN OF HEALING: Do you know the value of your health? Sickness can humble a man. He who is sick cannot feed, cannot do anything except to find how they would get healed. – So bless Him for the good health He made you to enjoy. So if you bless Him, He will cause more rain of excellent health to come down on you. If you praise Him, He will increase you financially, and every lack and want in your life will disappear in Jesus name. Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. To some in the world, it is a time to buy and to sell. The true meaning of the birth of Christ has become commercialised. As much as we should identify with the important gift giving at Christmas, we should also take some time to reflect on what the Lord has done for us. He came, and died for you. Therefore, Christmas should be your best opportunity to thank God for all He has done throughout 2012. The reason why we must do this is simply because; He sustained you and He can only continue if you would praise Him always. December 2012 has been identified the month of Latter Rains. This latter rain means showers of blessing. The only one who can make the shower to continue to pour out is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and the Everlasting Father, whose name is Jesus, whose birthday we are celebrating. The important message of this sermon is to remind ourselves of the importance of praise, which is key in ensuring the rain of blessings and favour to keep coming. Praise simply means the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something. That admiration and approval goes to our King of Kings. When you praise God, His power comes down and His favour begins to fall. Therefore, Christmas is that time when we should approach Him with the heart of thanksgiving and gratitude. It is time to bless and adore Him. Zechariah 14: 16-17 16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain. This festival seems to be a time when it was necessary to go up and praise Him for all He had done for them. It was a time of gathering, blessing and restoration as well as the time of coming together for everyone that was scattered abroad. Therefore, a thanksgiving and praise party was required. Zech 14:17: 17 if any of the people of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain. Everyone is talking about Christmas but how many are actually coming with the heart of praise and thanksgiving. The Psalmist says: God is able to keep your heavens opened so that the rain can come down everyday. He did it for a man called Obededom in his house for 3 months. When you praise the Lord, His heaven will open to you and your family. 1 Chronicles 13: 1-14 give the account of how Obededom was blessed in all areas of life. The scripture did not record exactly he was doing before the ark was dumped in his yard. But I want to believe he must have been crying and praising God, and guess what? The doors of heavens opened and the Lord blessed him and his family. Obededom must have possibly been an outcast or a reject of the society, but the Lord chose the day to keep his heaven open concerning him. The presence of God was what made a difference to Obededom and his family Psalm 103:4. Who redeemed thy life from destruction.. Praise kept Obededom from destruction: The redemptive power of our Lord Jesus Christ would make you untouchable from every power of witches and wizards. The power will protect you from death. Everybody was expecting to hear the announcement of Obededom’s death but the Lord blessed him instead, so shall it be for you in Jesus name. Amen. Rain of fertility and fruitfulness through thanksgiving: It is thanksgiving that can make heaven to continue to open concerning your fruitfulness. When you PRAISE Him, your ground will flourish and you will become fertile in Jesus name. Psalm 92: 1, 12. It is good thing to give praise unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Conclusion: The coming of Christ has brought the greatest downpour of God’s rains upon our lives in Jesus name. You will not miss yours in Jesus name. It is the abundance of rainfall in the rain forest that can cause the trees to be nourished to a full stature. Therefore, a thankful life will cause His rain and showers to come upon you continually in Jesus name. Excerpts of a sermon delivered by Dr Aderemi Adelugba at RCCG Everlasting Father’s Arena, York on December 23rd, 2012.
INVITATION TO WORKER’S CADRE If you are willing to serve within the Church in any capacity or you know how to play any musical instrument, please see the Pastor. NEW HERE TODAY? You are welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We really appreciate your presence. May the Lord visit and bless you. 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.
Seasons Greetings
Everlasting
Father’s Assembly
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CHURCH WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
SUNDAYS:
WEDNESDAYS:
SATURDAYS:
CELEBRATION SERVICE WITH SUNDAY SCHOOL: 10:15 - 13:00PM HOUSE FELLOWSHIP 5:30PM - 6:30pm 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 occured last month. . Some of them are: Brother Michael Agolom, Deacon Bolaji Cole, Brother Oladeji Fadairo, Sister Shade Akintolu, Dr. Abiye Hector Goma, Sister Ejiro Ubredi, Brother Arhyel Christopher, Sister Joan Omorojie, Sister Rufinah Sumah, Sister Gloria Ukpabio, Sister Bola Cole, Master Louis Obafaiye, Miss Cynthia Sumah, Miss Demilade Olobaniyi, Master Mofe Banks-Alonge. 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
30th DECEMBER 2012
ANOINTING SERVICE MINISTERING PASTOR SAMUEL OBAFAIYE/ PASTOR ADEMOLA OLADELE
Latter Latter Rains Rains DECEMBER 2012 THEME
December 2012 THEME
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