Developing the Character of Integrity

We thank God for blessing every day of October and leading us to the last Sunday of the glorious month. Today, we shall examine the character of integrity and how to grow or develop it.

Integrity is a value that every Christian must have. It is a measure of who you are. Integrity separates a Christian from others, and that is what endears people to him. It is one parameter that everyone uses to measure our Christianity, thereby placing a high demand and expectations on us.

 

What is Integrity?

Matthew 5:17: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one”. Jesus said to let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No” so that there would be integrity in your word and the commitments you make. This implies that you must be truthful and people who stand by what you say.

Therefore, integrity means honoring your word. It means being honest, trustworthy, and not being crooked in your ways with people.

Where and when should a Christian show Integrity?

Integrity marks every human being out in the comity of men. As a Christian, integrity is even more expected of you in all dealings: what you say, do, claim, present; in your businesses, at workplaces, in transactions, relationships, and even in everyday activities. It must be exhibited at all times and in all places.

If a Christian lies or falsifies in any way, he has undermined Christianity in some way. If the Christian is found wanting in character at a place of work, he has worked against the gospel and interest of the faith, as no one would trust or believe other Christians in that workplace. In fact, your co-workers and management will not have regard for your faith, because you have presented yourself as belonging to a faith of dishonest people.

Integrity was the reason Walmart as a group grew to become one of the biggest companies in the world. Sam Walton was a man of honor who engaged people and clients with honesty, taking orders and making deliveries without any shortcuts or acts of dishonesty. The people found him faithful, truthful, and honest, which became the foundations and pillars of his company.

Christian integrity is one of the pillars of our faith. It was part of the central message of Jesus Christ. His life epitomized integrity, as he never contradicted Himself in words and deeds. Everything He said during His time on earth that would happen came to pass, and things He said would happen two thousand years ago, are still manifesting. Christian integrity is therefore incontrovertible. It is your identity card by which you are recognized.

 

The Dynamics in Christendom

Prior to this age, integrity was a lifestyle. There was no serious problem with it. Men and women in Christ considered integrity as a way of life. In the southeastern United States for instance, which was then regarded as the Christian belt, men and women of faith made Christianity the benchmark of human integrity. There were Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagins, Billy Graham, and so forth. They were men of great Christian integrity.

However, things are changing and today, men and women in the faith are showing less integrity in their ways. They lie, make empty promises, say Yes when they mean No, cheat or inflate prices, budgets, or contracts, and do all sorts, just like sinners do. You cannot trust people even in the House of God anymore, because of the creeping culture of dishonesty that has eaten deeply into the society and extended to the church. Deception and fake promises are now a norm and considered to be being diplomatic. Many people caught or indicted today for corruption, stealing, smuggling, illicit trade, drug peddling, money laundering, among other vices, are sadly, church people, including even church leaders.

 

Why Your Case must be Different

In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus charges His followers: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world”.

As Christians, you must dare to be different. Much is expected of you. By being the light of the world, Jesus urges us to be shining examples of all the great human virtues, beginning with integrity. You are to lead by example and as such, make society brighter and better. If the reverse is the case and you do not lead by good examples, you have become worthless. As the salt of the world, our moral uprightness and integrity will make society saner, safer, and livable.

We are tasked with the responsibility to take the light to the world, to go and be the light. You are not to be part of the darkness nor concur with it. In doing business with people, you are not to do it the way others do it. Your path must be just and your acts must inspire others. Integrity must follow you to your business places, shops, offices, classrooms, and relationships.

There is no particular place where integrity has to wait or be placed on hold. Integrity is the Christian’s identity card that must be worn at all times. If you have an agreement, honor it. To gain promotion or favor at work, you must not lie. You must lead a life that breaks any rule of integrity as in the scriptures because of worldly gains. In marriage, do not break your marital vows and break the rule of integrity. As Christians, we are not permitted to keep away any secrets, plans, or movements from our spouses. The moment we do, we show a lack of Christian integrity and are thus not worthy to be called children of God. As believers, you should not just make a difference; you must be “the difference”.

 

How to Build or Develop Integrity

The word of God is the best way to build or develop integrity. The scriptures have solutions to all human issues and problems. The Bible teaches us to be better human beings. You can build Christian integrity by studying the relevant scriptures and following the precepts of God.

 

In addition to reading the word of God, integrity can be built by prayers. There is nothing prayers cannot make happen. God hears all your prayers (Psalm 139:4, 1 John 5:14–15, 1 Peter 3:12) and with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Friends, integrity should be in your DNA. Just as every child is expected to carry the DNA of his or her father, every child of God must carry the integrity DNA. God expects us to be straightforward. Even fellow men cherish people who do not cut corners.

We have learned from stories of great men of faith of the past and Sam Walton and his Walmart, that integrity catapults people to the very top. Integrity will also preserve us (Proverbs 11:3). Integrity is like righteousness, it exalts and makes life secure for the saints (Proverbs 10:9). Lack of integrity can attract consternation (Proverbs 20:23). I pray for the grace to make you lead a life of Christian integrity, in Jesus’ precious name!

 

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

Understanding Your Responsibilities in a Local Church

Last week, we explored the biblical meaning of giving. One of the perspectives and talking points was “giving” your “substance” in kingdom service. Which areas of need does the church have in which you can be relevant? What can you do in the House of God? What God-given talents or skills do you have to offer? What are your responsibilities in a church; why must you take them and how can you plug into them? These are our focal points this week.

Today’s subject furthers the topic of understanding the Church of Jesus Christ of three weeks ago. The Church is not only a place of worship; it is also a place and a veritable platform to serve in different gifted or honed capacities. Like biblical giving, service should be done with all our hearts. Another way to honor the Lord with our substance is by serving in the church.

We specifically are called to serve

Jesus said to Peter that He would build His Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Jesus was saying here that His assignment on earth with the Church was over and that He was handing it over to Peter and all humanity. By this, Jesus was calling Peter and all Christians to serve in His Church. The task is not Peter’s alone; we are all his co-laborers. Thus, we are not Christians to come to worship alone. Neither are we born again to warm the chairs on Sundays and other days of worship. We are to continue the various roles in those departments of the Church of Jesus as executed by the disciples and apostles.

Working in God’s House preserved our Faith

Today’s Church is even more dynamic as the world continues to evolve. Therefore, we have more roles to play in it. The Church of God is the same all over the world, regardless of the denominations. We are the same. Thanks to the Catholics, the relics of the days of Jesus in Israel were preserved. They played their own role in preserving the substance that holds our faith together. Many- if not all of us the older ones- emanated from older denominations, such as Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, and Methodist churches. Our strong Christian foundation was in them and we were first called Christians in these churches. Today, we have many other denominations, but we all call on Jesus and preach the message of Christ. All of this proves the universality and oneness of our Christian faith.

Serving is not an option

That said, it is pertinent for every Christian to identify and connect with a local church assembly. God placed you in the body (the church) to serve and meet the needs of that church in one way or the other. A true church member is supposed to show unconditional love for God. The same way Jesus came to the earth to serve us, should be how we must deliberately return the favor. The global church is quite large and the only level at which we can make an impact is the local church. We need to know and take responsibility in a local assembly.

The reason Christians traverse the corners of the city and have multiple pastors or churches is that they avoid or flee from responsibilities. In four Sundays, they have been to four churches and the minister in each of them is their local pastor. A baby cannot have his name in the register of multiple hospitals. Therefore, like a newborn baby who has a particular clinic he is registered, a born-again Christian needs to have himself registered in a particular church. It does not end there, he should identify his place in the assembly by way of what he can do and where he fits into as far as service is concerned.

The Church we belong places a responsibility on us. It is not for offering and tithing alone. We all belong to different nucleus families and have different roles in these families. As a father, I have specific and unambiguous responsibilities in my family. As a mother, your responsibilities are quite clear. The local church is a family and as a member, you are a member of that family. You should know your responsibilities.

The mentality of belonging to a local assembly or a megachurch only for the purpose of being fed, cared for, or served is selfish and not the right one. Some join churches for miracles, deliverance, or anything that directly profits them. This is not right. If you are in a church to be fed with the word of God, this is a very good reason. But we must also follow the word of God which instructs us to be relevant in kingdom service. Peter 4:10-11 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”.

The call is an instruction. It is not a plea or admonition from God. Serving in God’s House is not negotiable. What can you do for your local church? Can you sing? Join the choir. Can you edit? Join the media or editorial team. Do you have a hospitable nature? Join the ushering or hospitality group. Are you a stickler for order? The protocol unit is there for you. If you have a penchant for cleanliness or are a professional in the cleaning industry, join the sanctuary department. If you are a prayerful person, be part of the prayer force. And so on.

There are benefits to working in God’s House

“If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures” (Job 36:11). This is good news for those who serve in God’s House. What does this mean? You will experience true freedom, joy, and peace. You will gain a deeper understanding of His love for you and develop a stronger relationship with Him. When you serve Him, God will provide strength in difficult times, wisdom for making profitable decisions, and hope in any situation.

When you serve God, your faith will remain strong and unshakable, and by this, we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).

By serving in the local church, we get to meet and connect with people in such a divinely rewarding way. We experience divine connection and open doors that will engender our prosperity. In addition, the church becomes more united and a united church is a powerful one (Matthew 18:20).

We are contributing to advancing the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:9-10). There is no greater honor than contributing to the expansion of God’s kingdom.

Divine protection and preservation are the portions of them that serve God (Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 91:1-2).

Other benefits of working in God’s House are the discovery and development of spiritual gifts, experiencing miracles, finding and fulfilling personal purpose, enhancement of spiritual growth, and character development.

No one serves God in His Vineyard (local church assembly or through other forms of kingdom service) and loses. By serving Him, you will spend your days in prosperity and years in pleasure. You are a winner. Friends, take responsibility!

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

The Purpose of Biblical Giving (John 3:13-16)

Welcome to a new week. May it be a refreshing and rewarding one in all areas of our expectations in Jesus’ precious name!

As Christians, we need to understand the purpose of biblical giving. We need this because many of us misunderstand giving in the church as another smokescreen for pastors to enrich themselves at the instance of the worshippers.

 

What is biblical giving?

Biblical giving is the kind of giving as described and instructed in the scriptures. John 3:13-16: “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”.

God gave us His only begotten son so that nobody should perish. In Isaiah 9:6, we are made to know that unto us a child would be born, who shall be called “wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and prince of peace”. Here, we understand that God gave the very best to the entire world. He offered Jesus, the very best of God, to redeem humankind and give the world peace and joy. He gave eternally and without reservation.

It behooves us to return the Lord’s great gestures and honor Him with our best, which the scriptures call “our substance or possession”. This implies honoring God with the best things that we have- our hearts, our time, our services, skills, strength, labor, property, the first fruits of all our increases, and so forth (Proverbs 3:9-10). God expects the very best of all that He has given to you in return. He does not request you to return everything that He has given you, but He wants heartfelt gratitude for that which He gives you through tangible resources (time for Him, labor in His vineyard, wealth to expand His gospel, and so on).

Hannah offered to God all her very best- her one and only son to serve in God’s vineyard- and by the reason of this, got five more children from God (1 Samuel 2:21).

  

What is the purpose of giving?

The purpose of giving is not that we look at what God can do before we give. As children of God, the essence of giving is to glorify God. We should be thinking about how our time, service, and money can glorify God in diverse ways. What special skills do I have that can grow God’s house and word? What do I do as a career or work that can be extended to God’s kingdom service? How can my being able to sing advance the message of salvation and glorification of God in worship? These and more are the purpose of giving.

In Luke 16:1-13. Jesus shares the parable of the shrewd manager. This story teaches us that God is the giver of the key to wealth, as well as ideas and wisdom to multiply it. The parable continues that such money or wealth is to not only save or invest but also in trustworthy service (stewardship) and spending in such a way that it would multiply.

God has blessed us with money to help others and one of the ways to do so is investing in kingdom service. Through His vineyard, multitudes are blessed. If He can trust us to spend our money to meet the needs of others, then the money we ourselves need will also be provided. Through giving, we are stewards in God’s house and co-laborers in the vineyard.

If God blesses you with a good career or job, He is calling or giving you a signal to use it to bless His kingdom in return. When God blesses you with wealth, it is a signal that He wants your stewardship with that wealth. He does not give us these resources just for our own selfish ends or pleasures. As God would not produce the cash or resources Himself, He raises wealthy and talented people on His behalf for heavenly stewardship. This is why, the more we use our blessings for His cause, our blessings come back multiplied.

If you are not faithful with the money God has committed into your hands for another man, why would He give you yours? (Luke 16:12). The wealth He gives us today is for advancing the cause of human progress. If we are blessed and do not use those blessings for humanity through God’s work, He may not multiply those blessings, but take them. No man can serve two masters: you either love/serve money or love/serve God (Luke 16:13). When we hold back our money when we are supposed to boost kingdom service, we show that we love and serve money. However, when we use the substance of our wealth to advance kingdom service, it means that we love and serve God.

The main purpose of giving is that God’s work moves forward. He has given us the power to get wealth, life, and a sound mind. He is a doer of all good things. Every good thing we have comes from God. If therefore He wants just a token from what He has given, give it without hesitation.

Friends, let us understand that just giving is not the message, but being a committed and unconditional giver is the key message. In addition, it is instructive to note that money is not the only resource that Christians should give in the church, but also every resource that God has blessed us with, such as skills or talents, time, strength, wisdom, etc. May God grant us the understanding of this message and the grace to be committed givers from the best that He has given us, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen!

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

How to Empower Your Vision (Habakkuk 2:1-3)

Habakkuk 2:1-3 says “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. Then the Lord answered me: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end, it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry”.

Brethren, vision is inalienable for living. Vision is the future we want or wish to see. The Lord has specifically instructed us to pen down our vision in clear terms. He wants us to write down first, His revelation of what He plans for us, and second, the plan or program for the future that we have set for ourselves.

In Proverbs 29:18, something is significantly instructive: “Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint (or perish); But he that keepeth the law, happy is he”. Without a (clear) vision, efforts or resources will be wasted. With a (clear) vision, your efforts or resources will be properly channeled to achieve your results. Vision is a prerequisite for purposeful living. Do you have a vision?

But, what is a vision?

A vision is simply your purpose or your plan: a clear text of what you want to achieve or become in life; what you wish to do for the Lord; what you want your family and children to become; what you want to lay your hands in the near and distant future. Vision unveils one’s purpose on earth.

Beyond spiritual revelation, vision is a product of the mindset. What you want or wish to become, is a product of your vision and mindset. The stakes you set- big or small- are a function of your mindset. Those with the mindset of poverty will set low stakes for themselves and poverty may become their lot. Those with a wealthy mentality will set high stakes for themselves and this will certainly make them rich. That is the nature of vision, it works with the mindset.

 

What difference does vision make in our lives?

Ultimately, vision makes us happy. As the Lord has spoken in Proverbs 29:18, whosoever keeps that law of having a clear vision is on the path of doing and getting things right. Without it, the people perish.

It is the driver of our lives. It regulates our attitude to life, time-scope, or the schedule we set for ourselves in all the important areas of life.

With vision, we have a focus in life and have the set time for actualizing our dreams and aspirations. A clear vision is like a torchlight or headlamp that illuminates our paths and gives us a focus in our walk in life. The headlamp points to a particular path we thread and a focus in our movement. That is what vision does to us.

Vision gives us direction. It is like a roadmap or compass, which leads us in the right direction. It guides us on what we have achieved and what is remaining to achieve.

Vision saves us time and resources. When we do not have vision, we cannot see and when we cannot see, we stumble. Without vision, time and resources will be wasted on unnecessary things. With a vision (clear roadmap), we will know where to put or invest our time and resources and when to invest them.

Vision helps us toward a strategic planning and approach to life. Vision itself means strategic planning. Vision does not only mean hopes, aspirations, and programs; it also means how, when, and where to implement those programs or agenda. They are not just statements of intent or dreams, but also methodology or systematic execution. This is why the Lord has not minced words about it: without it, my people perish!

So, what do we do when we are visionless but seek a life with a vision?

The Lord has given us an open check when seeking a vision-driven life. In Jeremiah 33: 3, we are instructed: “Call (on)to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know”. This scripture captures the period Jeremiah may have been lonely and uncomfortable in prison, and God reminded him that he could be in His presence anywhere and all the time. God tells Jeremiah to call out to Him and to listen for all that God can teach him even in a prison cell.

If we want a vision-led and purpose-driven life, we must call on God for help, to teach or guide us. How do we do this? We can go to Him in prayer to ask Him how to lead a purposeful life aided by vision. He has a plan for everyone. God can also give us spiritual revelation, which is the first dimension or understanding of vision. God speaks to us in many ways, including through spiritual revelation about our future: what He created us for, what will happen, and what we must do in this regard.

In addition to prayers, if you do not have a vision, then test your skill set or talents, as they are pointers to your purpose on earth. If you know or love taking care of people, this is a pointer to the fact that you may be a caregiver. The right thing to do is to set up an old people’s home and fulfill your purpose in life. You could also go into nursing and realize your potential. Finding one’s purpose in life always ends up in fulfillment, success, and wealth.

How do we know godly and empowered visions?

A godly vision is an empowered vision, which must glorify God. When our vision and purpose in life do not inhibit us from winning souls for God, it is a godly one. Any purpose or act in life that makes God’s name glorified or celebrated is a godly vision. In pursuit of any vision that puts God ahead, we will live for Christ and run away from iniquity or unrighteousness (2 Timothy 2:19).

A vision given by God will not only be written down plain or made clear and simple as Nehemiah did about his intent (Nehemiah 2:5), but it will also be intelligible to people who will run with it. Visions are not run alone; there are often co-drivers, who will work towards their actualization. You may have a vision, but you need a team (spouse, family, friends, co-laborers, etc.) to run with, and drive it. This is how godly vision works. The scriptures have evidence of where God Himself shared His vision (Genesis 1:26-31; Isaiah 1:18). Any vision not shared or co-driven may not outlive the visionary.

A godly vision that will empower you will suffer opposition. If it does not attract opposition, it is not from God. Nevertheless, all godly visions prevail and the story behind the glory is the opposition it suffered. We must never surrender our visions because of any opposition that has an expiry date.

Brethren, as we conclude, we must understand that a life without a vision will be directionless. A vision not written down will be impossible to pursue. That, which is penned down will be a source of inspiration, strength, and encouragement to pursue until realization. A clear and written vision will naturally empower you to push your dreams to the limits. If the vision is godly, God will support it.

You must work toward realizing your vision. Do not allow your vision and ideas to die with you, as there are more visions that lie in the graveyards because people do not follow the principles about visions and as such end up without purpose. This shall not be your portion in Jesus’ name.

For our generation, we must have a vision, write it out plainly, pray fervently, and exercise faith in it. That is how to lead a winning life on earth.

Until next Sunday when we share another word from the throne of grace, remain blessed in Jesus’ precious name.

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

Understanding the Church of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18)

Welcome to the month of October, the first day in the last quarter of the year. Whatever is remaining of your expectations for this year shall be delivered to you within these last three months of the year. It is also the 63rd Independence Day of our great country, Nigeria. I pray that God heals our dear nation, and blesses and prospers her in Jesus’ precious name.

Today, we shall be teaching on understanding the Church of Jesus Christ on earth. The Church is often misconstrued to be the building in which congregants gather to worship. Jesus makes it clear what the Church is in Matthew 16:18 (NKJV): “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (hell) shall not prevail against it”.

First, we must understand that the Church is Jesus himself. Second, He owns the church. Third, it is not a building, but invisible. Fourth, we are His Church. Jesus tried to demonstrate the deeper meaning of the Church in Jerusalem when He said He could dismantle the massive temple of worship, and rebuild it in three days (John 2:19). Thinking that He was referring to their place of worship, the people took offense. Jesus was telling them that there would be the death of His human body, its transformation into the body of God, and His resurrection three days later. This meant that the church or temple in this case was Jesus Himself, how He would die and resurrect three days later and become that Church that would reign forevermore.

 What is the Church and what is its purpose?

The Church came into existence after the coming of Jesus. There was no church in the Old Testament. “Church” or “Ekklesia” (or “Ecclesia”) in Greek means the “gathering of the summoned”, or a group of people that has been called out for a reason. Genesis 12:1-3 enriches our understanding of how a person or a people can be called out or summoned for a purpose, and Colossians 13-14 shows us how we have been called out of darkness unto light. They do not have to have a physical place to gather every day and even if they do, the gathering itself is the Church and it is for a purpose, and not the church house or building.

Matthew 5:14-16 even makes it more succinct: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”.

The Church of Christ is the light of the world. The light that clears out darkness is the word of the Lord, the gospel of Christ, which will set people free. Also, through our ways, words, and works, our light will shine and make other people repent and join us in serving God.

The Church is a way of life. A decent and godly way of life. This way sharply contrasts the way of the scoffers. As believers, we are expected to live above board and stay clear of any contamination through evil communication or relationship with those who do not align with our way of life (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). As a people, who believe in Christ, our relationship and individual or collective behavior should not only glorify God but also show that indeed the Church of Christ is us, over whom the gates of hell cannot prevail. If we refuse to be that solid rock upon which Christ built His Church, the gospel and purpose of the coming of Christ would have been defeated. He came to build His Church through us, and this is the reason that we must uphold that lifestyle that consolidates the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our attitude should be our identity and through our way of life, we shall not only be known but would also win over souls for Him.

A convoluted understanding of the church today is the reason that the average Christian has different personalities: he is a churchgoer who acts holy on Sunday morning; but from Monday to Saturday, he does things that are not Christlike. This is because the church to him, is just another building where everyone puts up an act of holiness in front of the pastor, or where people genuinely seek forgiveness for the sins of the past week before they return to sin for the new week ahead.

You are the temple of the living God. He will live in you and be among you. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). The temple is where God dwells with His people throughout the biblical story. Therefore, if the people of God are the temple, it means it is through these people that God reaches the world. This implies that we must walk the path of righteousness at all times to grow that Church in us and replicate it globally. We are not our own but are called to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). The church is the body of Christ, and we are the Church. To make the Church holy, we must be holy. Every believer in Christ is a part of that body and is a temple too.

 

Who then, is the Head of the Church?

Matthew 16:18 tells us, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and the powers of death shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). In addition, in Colossians 1:18, we are told that, “…when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. He is also the head of the body, the church…” Jesus is the head, the leader of the Church. He summoned Peter and ordained him as the first pastor of the Church. No man can hold or lead the Church. He can manage the building, which holds worshippers, but he cannot hold the Church. No apostles, evangelists, prophets, presiding or resident pastor, bishop or archbishop owns or can lead the Church. They, like Peter, are only ordained to guide the Christian members in accordance with the laws of the leader, Jesus Christ. The leadership of the Church is built on Jesus alone. He is the chief cornerstone.

 

How do we belong to this Church?

We belong to or obtain the membership of the Church of God first by believing in the gospel of Jesus, receiving Him as our Lord and Savior, and accepting to become the son of God. The only way is to become born again, no more, no less. When you are born again, you sustain your kingdom membership by keeping to all the rules of being born again.

Brethren, to be in the lane toward everlasting redemption, I urge you to accept Jesus Christ today and become a member of this Church, the body of Christ. Accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior today and remain saved. Let your life highlight the godly character of kingdom citizenship, reach out to people around you, and share this truth with them. God bless you in Jesus’ name.

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube channel, or You may visit our website for more spiritually edifying content and information about our services. God bless you.

The Dynamics of Thanksgiving (Luke 17:12-19)

Every believer needs to pray for the baptism of the spirit of gratitude. In the same vein, setting aside at least one Sunday by the church for thanksgiving is not too much. In fact, it is not enough. Our situation should not be the reason for thanking or not thanking God. The attitude of gratitude should be part of our life. Until we die, we should not stop thanking God.

The challenge of life may make you look like He has not done enough or anything for you. However, if you look around you, you will realize that those things that you consider little or normal are actually big.  As a student, how many people around you did not graduate from school? But you did. How many persons have died of that seemingly ordinary disease that you had but survived and are still alive? Do you know how many people are struggling day and night, thinking and probably slipping into depression because they cannot pay their bills? But here you are, you have settled your bills and do so as and when due.

What is Thanksgiving?

The Lord spoke plainly on gratitude for His blessings in our lives. In Malachi 2:1-2, He gave an injunction about thanksgiving: “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart”.

Let us note that after the ransom of Jesus Christ, God will never curse His own, and as such does not curse. However, the strong instruction in that scripture in Malachi underpins the importance that God places on thanksgiving. He asks us to take it to heart (make it mandatory) to give Him all the glory, to thank Him, or to show gratitude for who and what we are. We must understand that while He will not curse, however, when we do not show gratitude for what He has done, it is natural for the blessings to fade away. Even in human relationships, if we do not thank our helper, he will surely not repeat his kindness toward us. In addition, if we scorn our benefactor, he can either stop being kind or withdraw his gestures.

Therefore, if any blessings turn sour, God forbids it, you are not under a curse; it is more likely that you are under ignorance. Ignorance of the word and instruction of God concerning giving Him thanks for His great works and for even being alive alone, can create a downward spiral. Your total man belongs to Him. Your heart, spirit, soul. Your mouth, ears, hands, legs, everything. They all belong to the Lord. For these things, we must be grateful.

In 1 Peter 2:9, we are made to know that we are a chosen generation and that we are of royalty:  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”. Here, the scripture makes us understand that He brings us out of one situation or the other, and sets us on a plane, to thank Him for these things. With that mentality that He delivers and sets us apart for royal priesthood, we must set our minds to consistent thanksgiving.

In all situations, God always leaves a margin for gratitude. This is the reason some people encounter narrow escapes or come out of major disasters unscathed. That is why many of us have testimonies of His goodness and mercies to share. He is a good God, whose goodness and mercies deserve acknowledgment and gratitude.

But, what is the nature of thanksgiving? What does it do or change about us?

In Luke 17:12-19, we learn of the story of the ten lepers who sought healing from Jesus. After they were delivered of the leprosy, only one of them returned to give thanks to God. In verse 16, the healed leper fell down on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Thanksgiving is a form of worship. It is a form of worship from the heart, which manifests in how we deploy our body to show it.

Again, thanksgiving is never too much. God has done so much for us, keeping us alive, saving us from negative occurrences, shielding us from shame, providing our daily bread, granting us mercies beyond human comprehension, healing our infirmities, forgiving us our sins, and so on. If He can do so much for us on a daily basis, we have no business counting the number of times we have thanked Him.

As a corollary to the above, thanksgiving is a multiplier. The story of the man who requested God to stop blessing him is a classic one. He saw that his blessings were multiple and probably too many. Nevertheless, he did not understand that there was a particular act of his that provoked multiple and ceaseless blessings. These were his consistent acts of thanksgiving. Thus, God told him that He would stop blessing the man only if he (the man) stopped thanking him. However, the man would never stop thanking God, hence his blessings kept pouring down.

The man’s story above teaches us that as we thank God truthfully and in spirit, there is a divine force that provokes His ceaseless blessings. It is a divine law. It is the sickle that brings home the harvest (Joel 3:13). To feed thousands that gathered at His feet during teachings, Jesus took the five loaves of bread and two pieces of fish, looked up into heaven, gave thanks to God, and broke the bread into pieces. He then gave it to His disciples, who in turn gave it to the crowds. Moreover, everyone ate until they were satisfied, for the food multiplied in front of their eyes! (Matthew 14:19-21). Thanksgiving carries the grace for multiplication.

Furthermore, God never rejects thanksgiving. He loves it. There is a Yoruba saying/song that praises or thanksgiving is His food. God takes thanksgiving so seriously that He even takes roll call over it, as demonstrated in Luke 17:15-16 when Jesus noticed that nine of the lepers did not come back to return the glory to God for their healing.

Finally, brethren, thanksgiving reverses adversity. Lazarus was dead for four days, but as Jesus approached the tomb and Lazarus’ sister warned that the body was already decomposing, Jesus, standing by the side of the grave, looked up to give thanks, and Lazarus came back to life!

By way of conclusion

Brethren, thanksgiving completes the process that God has begun in us. It facilitates and completes the process of perfection. We must make it a lifestyle. When we know how to thank God, God will perfect how to raise us. Help will rise up for us. It is my earnest prayer that you understand the significance of thanksgiving toward God in the definition or redefinition of our living. May thanksgiving never cease in our homes and mouths in Jesus; precious name.

God bless you!

Do you Know the Lord?

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

 

Embracing The Power Of Prayer James 5:14-15

As Christians, we must embrace a prayerful life in this strange world.

There is power in prayer. As a child of God, you must never believe in the saying that, “What will be will be” (que sera, sera). This should not be the belief of a Christian. As believers, we declare and decree what we wish to see or manifest in our lives. God has given us the power to create the situation we want. Prayers are one of the means to do this.

When things are good, you pray. When things are not good, you pray to turn it around. When life is good, you pray to sustain it. When life is discouraging, you pray until it turns around.

Prayer should be done without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17). Everywhere you see a turnaround, consistent prayer is in the details. In James 5:14-15, the Bible shows us how efficacious prayer is: “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him”. Here, we are urged to seek God’s face through prayers to turn around a situation, such as sickness. Even if we have sinned too, we seek Him in prayers for forgiveness.

Prayer is thus something for which we must have courage. It is what we need in all situations. If we truly desire a miracle, we must embrace prayer more. Even if we have been praying before, we must engage more in it. Prayer is never too much. Prayer is a lifestyle we must embrace.

But, what is prayer? How does it affect our lives as children of the Most High God?

Prayer is where we speak to God about our needs. It is a channel of communication between God and us. That is how to talk to God. When we do it, He hears and He speaks to us. There is no situation that is too small for which prayer is not important. God created that spiritual channel by which we talk to Him, make our requests, confide in Him, and unbundle or unpack our hearts.

Prayer is where we find succor. We cast all our burdens in His care by this methodology. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Worry is a choice. Prayer is a choice too. Choose to pray and not to worry. When you choose to pray, Philippians 4:7 plays out: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.

What happens when we pray?

Through prayer, we turn our battles over to God. We hand over the burdens to Him. He knows the beginning, He knows the end, and He knows the end from the beginning. He has the master key to any situation and has solutions to all problems.

No one in the real sense has any powers. The power we have is the power to pray and take control. All powers belong to and come from Jesus. We get the powers only from answers through our communication with or petitions to God.

Anyone who stops praying has chosen a life of defeat. Prayer does not have age grades or time-scope. The moment we grow to become conscious of our existence, prayer has become the only option we have as believers, as a lifestyle. We have to continue praying until a good old age.

How to engage the power of prayer

The first means is to acknowledge that there is power in prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:6). This implies that we must first understand that the earnest prayer of a believer and anyone who walks right in God’s sight has great power and produces wonderful results. The believer must know this fact before he can even appreciate or embrace a prayerful lifestyle

In Acts 12:1-11, we are taught about how fervent and consistent prayers can turn around captivity or any odious situation. Our prayers can accomplish great things. It tells us about the relentless persecution of the apostles and Christians under King Herod. Due to the relentless prayers of the brethren, a dire situation changed dramatically.

“On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And his chains fell off his hands” (Acts 12:6-7). In the middle of a death sentence, captivity became freedom. Ceaseless prayers saved Peter!

Friends, our prayers will always make a difference in all matters of life. When you pray consistently for a child who is not doing well at school, at a point, you will see a dramatic difference. When a marriage is not doing well and consistent prayers are offered for a change of situation, things must definitely change. Something does not go wrong and you simply mouth or agree with it or else it would collapse. You must reorder it by prayer. You will not accept that situation and join them in saying that what will be will be. No, friend! You must pray it back to orderliness, the way God has ordained it, and the way you want it.

Furthermore, in as much as we engage in congregational prayer, let our private time with God be a top priority. We need personal time with God at all times. He is limited by our prayer life because He is waiting for us to ask. He cannot do anything until He is asked, and when we do, He gives us everything (Matthew 7:7).  Closed mouth can become a closed destiny. Let us open up in prayer and make those demands through Christ Jesus. Let us engage in personal prayerfulness, seeking quiet time with God from time to time, and change that situation.

Finally, brethren, we do not learn how to pray by going to a school for it. We learn how to pray by praying. Practice makes perfect. God will grant us the grace to embrace prayer as a personal lifestyle, so that we can experience the revival and move of God in our homes, relationships, careers, and in all that we do. God bless you in Jesus’ name.

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.

 

 

The Move of God (Acts 9. 1-13)

Every society needs the move of God, and the Church of Christ is the main place for God’s strange acts. To accomplish things as a people, the power of God is pivotal. People do not act until they see a practical manifestation of God’s power. Humans are wired to see proofs. Until there is a demonstration of His power, people will not act or change. Until the power of God manifests, sinners will not repent. Before he repented and became Paul the Apostle, Saul did not change in persecuting the followers of Christ until after encountering the power of God on the way to Damascus (Acts 9. 1-13).

God’s move can happen without warning; this is why we need perception in the spirit. As Christians, we have limited God to only when we come for church service. Divine encounters come at different times and in different places. It may be while asleep that revelation comes. It might be while transiting or while at work. It can happen during praise and worship, or sermons. God’s visitation can happen anywhere and with such encounter is divine revelation, the move of God.

But, what is wrong with the church today? The fervor is waning, yet the Holy Spirit is as of old, He has not changed. God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. He has not changed. However, the church of today is exhibiting tendencies that seem to demonstrate that there is a different God and Holy Spirit in the church. No, it is the same God of our forefathers. He is the Ancient of Days. To win and act like a church, we need His move in our midst.

What is the move of God?

His presence (Matthew 28:20), through the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit, makes all things possible for those who seek Him. The move of God are His manifestations of favor and greatness in our lives and around us. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalms 84:11). God’s move is the revival for redemption and everlasting life. The Psalmist says in Isaiah 57:15, “For this is what the high and exalted One says— He who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite”.

God’s Move

In addition to the above, we need God’s move to perform or reenact the acts and power of God on earth- heal the sick, make the blind see, catalyze the lame to walk, and perform other miracles. God’s move in the Body of Christ and as individuals is necessary to win more souls. As we said earlier, people, and of this age in particular are moved by signs and wonders. Even Jesus had to prove Himself a couple of times through signs and wonders to make the doubting Thomas and people like him during His time, believe Him.

We cannot carry out signs and wonders if we are not the sons and daughters of God. What qualifies us as the children of God is the capacity to manifest signs and wonders, and by these, win more believers. The move of God is that power and apostolate revival desirable in this end time to salvage the multitude, who are vulnerable spiritually.

How can believers trigger the move of God?

First and non-negotiable is a life of righteousness. One of the reasons we do not see the move of God in the church anymore is that we toy with sin. In Genesis 17.1, we are made to know that, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless”. God commanded Abram (who later became Abraham) to walk in the Lord’s presence and to be of such good character before God that no valid charge of wrongdoing could be brought against him.

God, seeking to establish a covenant with Abraham, demanded that he (Abraham) give in to a life of righteousness. Righteousness was a condition to experience the move of God. That strange act of God eventually established with Abraham redefined his life and the entire world, as he became the only one ever referred to as the father of nations. It took the condition of righteousness to trigger this amazing move of God. Therefore, if we are to experience the power of God in this generation, God expects righteousness from us. If His word of righteousness abides in us, whatever we ask Him will be done (John 15.7).

You have to hunger and thirst for righteousness in order to be filled (Matthew 5:6). Let our hearts pant after God (Psalm 42.1). The scripture warns us in Proverbs 14:34 that, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” In this simple verse, we see an established rule, or standard, composed of two alternatives. There is no middle ground. And to be blameless, we must be cautious and discreet about the company we keep, in order not to go stray and miss the move of God.

Another trigger of God’s move is to be hungry for that power. Spiritual hunger is the key. You must read His word every day. You pray seven days a week. A week without prayers makes you weak. To encounter God’s move, you need His word and invite His presence through prayers. We must be vulnerable to and pray for one another (James 5.16). By praying, fasting, and reading His word always, we are establishing a deep relationship with Him, which triggers His move.

Thirdly, we must hunger for His word and company. The power or move of God is possible again in the end time. It is always available. But we must be deliberate about obtaining or encountering it. As Christians, we must seek it by triggering it through righteousness or sanctification; through hunger for God through prayers, fasting, and studying the scriptures; and by panting after the ways of the Lord.

Jesus died so we can experience abundant life. if you are yet to know Him as your Lord, then, I welcome you to say this prayer with me.

Today I confess Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. I believe He came to the earth, I believe He died, and I believe, that on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Everything Jesus did, by His death, burial and resurrection, I receive into my human spirit. I receive the gift of eternal life. I am Born Again. Thank You Jesus. Hallelujah!

Welcome to the family of God. If you’re in the city of Bentonville Arkansas, we would love to connect with you and help you grow. Reach us here and we would be glad to see you. If you have a prayer request, please send it here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
Chapel of Praise (RCCG) Northwest Arkansas is the home of answered prayers. Our confidence rests in God’s promise to us that no prayer will ever go unanswered here. We have had countless testimonies of changed lives, supernatural intervention, open doors and breakthroughs by the power in God’s word.