Sunday, 30 March 2014

DIVINE DIRECTION: GOD’S PEOPLE, GOD’S HERITAGE DEUTERONOMY 32:9-13


When we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our daily living, it becomes easy for us to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. Hence, divine direction paves the way for a proper understanding of God’s purpose.
The essence of divine direction is to know and to fulfil God’s desires. It gives us the assurance that we are walking in the centre of God’s will (1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1).
Romans 12:1-2 says Only those who have been born into the household of God, are referred to as the people of God and His inheritance. The benefits of the kingdom of God are the exclusive rights of His people.
Unto such, it is given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God.

Some of the benefits enjoyed by God’s people:

1. God finds/locates His people
We were once lost and left wandering about, in the wilderness of the world, but the Lord found us. God is still in the business of finding His lost sheep (Luke 15).
How does God find His people?
God finds His sheep (people) through His Spirit and His Word. Luke 19:10
The Word of God searches our hearts, tries our thoughts and discerns the intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 139:23; Deuteronomy 8:2).
The Spirit of God searches all things (including our hearts) – 1 Corinthians 2:10; Romans 8:27.
Henceforth, the Word and the Spirit of God will locate you and place you on the path of righteousness.

2. God leads His people
God deliberately led His people through the way of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:17-18).
God deliberately determines the steps of His people, in order to establish His own purpose in their lives.
Let Him take the lead, because He alone knows the way!
The leading we receive from the Holy Spirit is the ‘token’ of our ‘sonship’ in the kingdom of God (Romans 8:14).
3. God instructs His people
The instruction of the Lord involves teaching, commandment, exhortation, chastisement and correction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
Psalm 94:12; Deuteronomy 2:6; 9
Receiving instructions from God is an exclusive privilege, enjoyed by the beloved of the Lord. May the Lord count us worthy to receive His instructions...

4. God keeps them as the apple of His eye
Psalm 91:1-4; Psalm 23:4
He suffered no man to do them harm.... (Psalm 105:14-15)
The Lord will keep you as the apple of His eye, and hide you under the shadow of His wings – Psalm 17:8
Sometimes, it will look as if the Lord has forsaken you, if you remain committed to His Word, you are safe.

5. God exalts (lifts) His people
Isaiah 58:14; Psalm 75:6-7
God enables His children to soar higher than the challenges of life.

6. God prospers His people
Your hands will be sufficient for you (Deuteronomy 33:7).
The earth will yield forth her increase on your behalf (Psalm 67:6)
Whatsoever you do shall prosper.
The Lord will make a way for you, out of seemingly impossible situations.



                       Pst.Nathaniel SADELA
                         RESIDENT PASTOR

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DIVINE DIRECTION: GODS WAY (Lesson text: Isa. 55: 8-11, prov. 14:12, Ps. 25:1-5)


WHAT DO WE MEAN BY GOD’S WAY
Manner, style, fashion, mode how something is done or happen
How a result is obtain or an end is achieved
A line leading to a place or point.

It therefore mean that for every step and everything you do or want to achieve you need God. God way is always different from that of man and his ways sometime look stupid to man.
Consider the story of Joshua and the Isrealites at the wall of Jericho. Joshua 6 Jehoshaphat case  2chro. 20
Look at Elisha and the widow of Zarephath. 1 kings 17.God send a man of God to  a widow to sustain him
The widow was actual the one God want to bless
Most of the time God time is not always the way man expect it. God moves in a  mysterious way.

`HOW DO WE KNOW GOD’S WAY
Knowing God's way is the same as knowing God
1.      By studying his word: his way will always conform to is word
2.      By prayer
3.      By trusting him  Prov. 3:5-7
4.      Be humble

Ask yourself this question 
What is the purpose of your life journey? Life is about God and his ways.

HOW TO FIND GOD’S WAY
1.      Through is promise Isa. 58:11
2.      Through commitment to him. Prov. 3:6a
3.      Through a thrilling consequence. Prov. 3:6b,

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T FOLLOW GODS WAY?
1.      You miss out of God's blessing
2.      You lose out on the victory that God has for you.
3.      Doors of opportunity will be shot.
4.      You will be disappointed, sad and depressed. 
5.      You will be in bondage and confused
6.      There will be no peace for you. 
7.      You will miss your salvation 

But when you follow Gods way
1.      Blessing will come your way
2.      Jehoshaphat follow God he has victory
3.      The widow of Zarephath didn't die but have enough

Wednesday, 26 March 2014

UNDERSTANDING DIVINE DIRECTION {Psalm 23:1; Psalm 37:23; Romans 8:14 }



Direction - A course along which someone or something moves. It's a piece of information through which you navigate from one position/location to another.
Direction can be referred to as advice or counsel.
It can also be referred to as the management or guidance of someone or something.
Divine direction is a process through which God leads us in the journey of life. It’s a process through which God charts the course of our lives, in order to make us conform to His ultimate will and purpose.
For us to be counted as citizens of the kingdom of heaven, we must yield to God’s leading and do His will (Matt. 7:21).
Remember, the Shepherd is fully responsible for the upkeep of the sheep alone. Is the Lord your Shepherd? Do you belong to His flock?
(My sheep hear My voice...John 10:27)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and He delights in His way. (KJV)
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (NLT) Psalm 37:23


WHY DO WE NEED GOD'S LEADING/GUIDANCE?
1. God has the perfect blue-print for our lives (Prov. 20:24; Jer. 10:23)
2. Walking in divine guidance ensures divine provision (Psalm 34:10)
3. Stepping out of God’s leading results in destruction (Prov. 14:12; 16:25)
4. Operating outside the will of God reduces all our efforts to vanity (Haggai 1:5-11)
5. Wisdom and understanding are answerable to divine direction (Psalm 119:98-100)

HOW DOES GOD LEAD HIS CHILDREN?
1. Through His Spirit (Acts 10:19-20; 11:12; 16:6; Romans 8:14)
2. Through His Word (1 Samuel 3:21; Amos 3:7; Hebrews 1:1-2)
3. Through dream, vision, trance... (Psalm 89:19; Daniel 2:19)
4. Through circumstances (Deut. 32:9-12; Psalm 66:12)
WHAT MUST I DO? / HOW CAN I BE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD?
1. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior
2. Believe that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than yours (Isa. 55:8-9)
3. Cry out to the Counsellor! Seek His counsel through prayer. Ask for the manifestation of His will (with a sincere heart), concerning the matter on ground (Luke 22:42; 2 Cor. 12:7-9).
4. Seek the Word of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God (Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim. 2:15)
5. Seek godly counsel from the people of God (Prov. 11:14; 15:22).

One major attribute that cuts across these points is meekness. We must be meek even to qualify for the leading of the Lord (Psalm 25:9).

We need the leading of the Holy Spirit for our daily decisions. We need the Lord to order our steps in life.
Faith is not just limited to believing God to receive from Him; it's about obeying God and walking in the perfect will of God for our lives. Godly inspired faith involves total dependence on the Holy Spirit for our daily living.
The just shall live by faith...
The life that I live in the flesh, I live through the faith of the Son of God.....
I am that the Lord that teaches you to profit, that leads you in the way that you should go (Isaiah 48:17).

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:27)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant. (Psalm 25:14)
Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth, and teach me: for You are the God of my salvation; on You do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5).



                                 Pst.Lanre AREOLA

Giving God praise (The power of praise)

What is praise?
An expression of approval and commendation.
Offering words of homage as an act of worship.
Why should we praise him?
v  He is worthy of our praise Ps 18:3, Rev5:11-12
v  We are called to praise Him 1pet 2:5, Ps 150:6
v  It brings God’s presence Ps 22:3
v  Praise defeats our enemy Ps 8:2
v  Because we are alive Ps 150 :6
v  Because He is faithful
v  Because He is our maker
v  He is God
v  That is the only thing we can give Him (God inhibit the praise of His people)
How to praise God
v  With my voice Ps 63: 3,  Act 16:25
v  With my body Ps 63 : 4
v  With music Ps 150 3-5
v  With my life 1 cor 10 : 31
Result of praise
v  It brings God’s blessing
v  Your miracle becomes permanent
v  Your enemies kill themselves
v  Your wall of Jericho falls down
v  It quickens your request
v  It confuses your enemies
v  It gives you peace 


PST. NATHANIEL SADELA
      Resident  Pastor

Sunday, 16 February 2014

UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL – PART 2 Nahum 1:15; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Thess. 2:3-5


God has entrusted the mystery of the kingdom (enclosed in the Gospel) into the hands of mortal men.  We, as human beings have been entrusted with the sacred things of the kingdom of God, to bear the living oracles of God (Acts 10:1-5; 2 Cor. 4:7).
Important things to understand:
1. There must be reconciliation between the message and the messenger (1 Thess. 1:5; 2:3-5; 2 Cor. 4:2). God is interested in the personal life of the one who bears the vessel.
2. The Word of God is one of the major instruments we need to effectively preach the Gospel. The Word cleanses us from spiritual dirt, strengthens our feet, gives us authority over darkness and represents the Rod of His strength (John 15:3, 13:5-10, Luke 10:19, Psalm 110:2)
3. Whereas it is foolishness to the world, it is our destiny, our power, our life! It is a ministry whereunto we have been called... (1 Cor. 1:18-24, Mark 16:15)
4. The Gospel of Christ is a gospel of selflessness (Romans 12:10). It’s not a ‘bread-and-butter’ gospel (Mark 8:34-38; John 12:24-25)
5. The message of the cross (gospel) draws men to Christ (John 12:32-33)
The cross is a place of exchange, where people cease to live, and allow Christ to live through them (Gal. 2:20)
6. People are entrusted with the ministry (word) of the Gospel, so that the church of God can come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13).

What are we to expect? / What are the things expected from us?
1. Bearing the marks of Christ (His sufferings and reproaches) – 2 Cor. 11:23-27; Gal. 6:17. Identify with the sufferings of Christ.
Expect the envy and wrath of others....expect murmurings, gossip, but don’t let any of these deter you from fulfilling the Master’s call.
2. You will lose many friends. Even associates and close relatives might end up forsaking you (John 6:66-67)
3. You will become a threat to many, authorities inclusive (John the Baptist - Mark 6:18; Paul and Silas – Acts 16:19-24)
4. Expect a great reward from the Lord, in this world and in the world to come (Luke 18:28-30; Mark 10:28-30; Matt. 19:27-29)

Proof(s) of the authenticity of the Gospel
1. The testimony of Christ (John 10:41-42; Acts 14:3)
2. Signs and wonders will follow.... (Mark 16:20)
3. You will be acceptable to God, approved of men... (Rom. 14:17-18; 2 Cor. 8:21)


Prayer: Lord, baptize me with the Spirit of the Gospel. Let my life portray the Gospel of Christ. Let my life draw men to Christ...

Lord, empower me to be a witness unto You in my generation. It takes the anointing of the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel effectively... (Isaiah 61:1, Acts 1:8, 10:38)


pastor nath.SADELA
Resident pastor{GACikeja}

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Sunday, 9 February 2014

Dealing With What May Deal With Us In Future




  •          When we fail to deal with the issues of our lives on time, they tend to deal with us when we least expect
  •   Our attitude, character, believes, trait, nature, way of life, etc. that are not dealt with before they grow may stand against us in future

          THINGS WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH

1.  OUR TONGUE

Prov. 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

§  If you feel you are too big to dance or do anything before the Lord, don’t condemn those are doing so

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

§  If you are too big to feel free in the presence of the lord is ok, but don’t condemn those that are doing so

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.§  Our tongue can place us in a barren situation be it spiritually, financially, material, morally, academically and physical.

§  What are the utterances of our mouth that have brought barrenness into our lives

Prov. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
§  When you don’t deal with your tongue when you are a nobody, it will slow the paste of your becoming somebody 

1Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
§  Our utterance sometimes determine how far we go in life 

Ps 35:28 28And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the daylong.

2. OUR ANGER AND PRIDE
II Kings 5:11-14
§     Naaman almost lost his miracle because of anger and prid
§  We should learn to trust God and not in our wealth of experience.
Pro. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

-        The way we think or feel does no matter to God, He will only do it in His own time.
-        Our approach to matters defers from God’s approach, He changes His approach to situations so that man will not box Him into a corner
-        His ways are not our ways neither is His thought like ours.

Isa. 55:8-9 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

§  God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the so called wise men
I Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Ps. 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth

 3. OUR GREED FOR THE THINGS THAT ARE     TEMPORAL
II Kings 5:20-27

§  Naaman’s leprosy came upon Gahazi because of greed, deceit and lie
§  Do not try to make gain from every situation (deal) that comes your way, Know when to reject and when to accept gift
§  Sometime the cares of the world overturn our bases for judgment as Christians
§  David’s adultery almost cost him his throne
§  Judas thirst for wealth made him sold his master (Jesus)
§  Saul lost the throne because he could not resist the sheep, goats, camels, cows, e.t.c. he saw in a country God ordered them to destroy completely.
§  Esau sold his birth right for a meal
§  Samson lust for unbeliever women contributed to his down fall


   PASTOR LANRE AREOLA


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Sunday, 2 February 2014

UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL

What does the word gospel means?
The word ‘gospel’ simply means good news, glad tidings, proclamation.
The word ‘gospel’ is originally a Greek word.

Simply put, the Gospel is the message of Christ; it talks about His life, birth, works, suffering, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. It is not about man (not of the blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God)
There are Four books recorded the Gospel of Christ which are; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
The Gospel gained momentum tremendously, in the New Testament age. However, it sprang forth from the Old Testament:
‘I will put enmity/hostility between you and the woman.....(Gen. 3:15)’
‘In the days of Noah....when he was building the ark....(Gen. 6)’
‘In the days of Abraham, God saw a man through whom He would bless all the nations of the world would be blessed......(Gen 12, 22)’
‘Abraham saw the day of Christ....(John 8:56)’
He saw Him in Melchidezek; He saw Him in the appearance of three angels; He saw Him on the altar of sacrifice....
‘In the days of Moses......Moses brought forth the message of deliverance from slavery...’
Things to note about the Gospel
1. The Gospel of Christ, which is the message of good news (glad tidings), is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone who believes (Jews, Gentiles, etc)
2. The Gospel provides for everyone, an open platform for an encounter with the living Word (1Peter 1:25).
3. The Gospel of Christ places the New Testament church in a vantage position. Any church or religious gathering that lacks the power of the Gospel lacks the presence of God (2 Cor. 3:7-18).
4. The Gospel of Christ reveals the righteousness of God. Whenever the message of salvation is being shared and it's being sincerely inspired by the Spirit of Truth, the Lord opens the door of faith unto the recipient (the hearer) and he/she receives the Word with faith. At that instance, the righteousness of God is invoked.
5. The depth of the riches of the kingdom (which comes, only on the platform of the Gospel) has been made available to the poor (in spirit). Blessed are the poor in spirit. The mystery of the Gospel is revealed to the poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20).
6. The Gospel is the light of God that shines upon a darkness-ridden world. It imparts the life of God upon the spiritually dead (2 Cor. 4:6; Isaiah 9:2).
7. It is the operating system on which grace thrives. It fuels the faith of the saints. Furthermore, it makes Christ the Author and the Finisher of our faith (John 1:16-17; Heb. 3:1)
8. Without the Gospel, any evangelical exercise embarked upon is in futility. It has no eternal value (Matt. 10:1; Romans 10:13-15).
9. It is the sure Word, yeah the more sure Word of prophecy...(2 Peter 1:19)
Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness.... (1 Tim. 3:16)

Why must we preach the Gospel?
1. It is the great commission that Christ has given to everyone called into the kingdom of God (Matt. 28:19).
2. Our success in Christ is bound to the preaching of the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:16)

How can we preach the Gospel?
1. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour
2. Forsake a sinful lifestyle
3. Commit yourself to the study and meditation of the Word of God.
4. Reach out to others (evangelism)
Prayer: Lord, baptize me with the Spirit of the Gospel. Let my life portray the Gospel of Christ.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" – Isaiah 52:7

“Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off”. – Nahum 1:15



PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA
      Resident pastor



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Thursday, 30 January 2014

MAKING RIGHT CHOICES



Making choices is an important part of human being. Whether that choice is good or bad, it is inevitable for us as human to live without making choices. Even when it looks like one is silent and seemingly indecisive, choices may have been made because indecision itself is a choice. This is very important, this matter of making the correct choices in life. However, you know, you don't CHOOSE whether you come into the world or not; that is God's choice. You did not choose to be born; God did not ask you or me if we wanted to come into this world. He didn't ask us about WHERE we were to be born, or whether we WANTED to be born, or WHEN we wanted to be born, or anything of the sort. So, coming into the world and being alive is not our choice. That was the LORD'S. The Bible says that the Lord "giveth;" that is, He gives LIFE. And the Lord "taketh away;" He takes away life. So, you see, this business of being in the world was not our choice; it was the choice of the Lord, for He is the One who gives life.But, being in this world, we do have choices to make.However, the choice one makes ultimately determines the kind of life he/she lives. Our choices in life contribute to what becomes of us. I dare to challenge you to make the right choice.
I. CHOICES WHICH GREATLY AFFECT OUR LIVES
 A. CHOOSING JESUS...
Will you follow Jesus or not? Will you become His disciple? Or will you refuse to accept His gracious offer of salvation - Mt 11:28-30
This one decision will affect your life more than any other! It will determine your place in eternity,it will have a bearing on every other decision you make. As a disciple, you will be concerned with doing His will and you will not simply "do your own thing"
 B. CHOOSING A CAREER...
Even from a worldly viewpoint, your choice is important. The job market is always changing.  The wrong choice could lead to financial ruin or fiscal hardship. More importantly, the choice can have a lasting effect on: Your marriage and family or even onyour service to God.
If you make the choice to honour God first, and you will be blessed- Mt 6:33. But if you make money the primary factor in your decision and destruction will follow - 1Tim. 6:9-10
 C. CHOOSING A MATE...
This choice will determine to a great extent your degree of happiness –Pro.12:4.It will have a permanent bearing on your children and their emotional well-being, You may think you can simply divorce a person if they turn out to be a bad choicebut once you have children, there is no way to reverse the choice you made as to who is the mother or father of your children! The children are not unaffected by the violence of divorce - cf.Mal 2:15 - 16
 D. CHOOSING YOUR FRIENDS...
Having close friends can be a wonderful blessing - cf. Pro 17:17.  But the wrong friends can be a curse - cf. Pro 12:26; 1Cor 15:33
 E. CHOOSING WHERE TO LIVE...
It was this choice where Lot made his mistake. It appeared to be a sound business decision - Gen 13:10-11 But it was a poor moral decision - Gen 13:13 . Upon what basis do we choose where to live? Is it based solely on how much of house we can afford? Is it based upon the location to work, school, etc.? Do we consider whether it will help or hinder our service to God and His church? There may be some modern-day "Sodom" and "Gomorrah" to avoid!
[For every action there is a reaction, and for every choice there is a consequence.  To increase the likelihood that our choices will have good consequences, here are a few...]
II. SUGGESTIONS FOR MAKING WISE CHOICES
A. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM...
      1. He promises to give wisdom to those who ask in faith - Jms 1:5-8
      2. Asking for wisdom requires diligence -Pro 2:1-9
      -- Fill your prayers with requests for wisdom to make wise choices!
 B. ASK OTHERS FOR ADVICE...
      1. There is safety in having many counsellors - Pro 11:14
      2. There is wisdom in heeding the counsel of others - Pro 12:15
      3. Two great sources for counsel:
         a. The Bible itself, especially a book like Proverbs
         b. Older, mature Christians
      -- Don't hesitate to ask others what they would do!

 C. COMMIT YOUR CHOICES TO THE LORD...
      1. Trusting that you have made choices pleasing to Him, put them in His hands - Ps 37:5-6, 23-26
      2. Make your choices with the understanding, "if the Lord wills" - Jms 4:13-15
      3. One might even ask the Lord that if a choice is not according to His will...
         a. He might frustrate the carrying out of the choice
         b. Or to otherwise show you what is His will
Include God in your decision making, if you wish to make wise choices!
[There will be times when it becomes apparent that we made poor choices, even wrong ones.  What can we do to avoid making matters worse...?]
III. RESPONDING TO WRONG CHOICES
 A. LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS...
      1. Do what Lot did:  Heed and flee!
         a. Heed the Word of God
         b. Do what you now know to be right without reservation (remember Lot's wife!)
      2. Do what Peter did:  Repent and serve!
         a. Repent, if sin is involved (as when Peter denied Christ)
         b. Serve the Lord with what time you have left in this life
      3. Do what Paul did:  Accept and live!
         a. Accept the forgiveness Jesus provides - cf. 1Tim 1:12-16
         b. Determine to live for the Lord to the best of your ability - cf. Php 3:13-14
  B. THE WRONG THING TO DO...
      1. Continue - remain in the choice you've made because of pride, or some other reason!
      2. Wallow - just feel sorry for yourself over your guilt or loss!

PST. FEMI ATODE


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