God has made His followers to be filled and full of power. He has put His power within us. But power within may not benefit anyone even the carrier, except it is put into use. This message is to charge and propel us to understand that we are by far more powerful than we may know; and for us to put that power into action.

Dunamis is a Greek word meaning “act of power”. Dunamis is said to occur 121 times in the New Testament. It connotes ability, power, abundance, strength, meaning, might, violence, virtue, mighty deed, wonderful work, mighty work, a worker of miracle, miracle and mighty.

Everything about Jesus is dunamis. The conception of Jesus Christ is different from that of any other being because of the dunamis involved (Luke 1:35).

The ministry of Jesus was again different from other teachers of the law of His time because His ministry was characterised by dunamis (Mt. 13:53-54).

When Jesus returned from the wilderness after 40 days of fasting and prayers, the Bible says He returned in the dunamis of the Holy Spirit. No wonder His fame spread quickly throughout the region (Luke 4: 14; 36).

Dunamis is a sign that you have been anointed of God (Acts 10:38).

Dunamis is a sign that a man has received the approval of God (Acts 2:22).

Dunamis is transferable (Mk 5:30; Lk. 10:19).

God never asked us to do anything He knows we cannot do. Jesus told His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel to all creatures. To them, this task must have seemed difficult and impossible. Considering the fact that they were illiterate, poor, few, lack, Jewish, monolingual, etc. but the doing was in the power that was made available to them.

Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit before they would go out. We also need this baptism today to obtain the necessary power.

To us who have received this baptism, it is not for us to just feel good or cool about it, but to use it for service. It is to turn us into effective witnesses unto Christ.

It is the Holy Spirit that can help us to fulfil the great commission. No man can do it on their own. He grants passion for souls and spreading the gospel. Peter lost passion for the kingdom business after Jesus left. But after the baptism of the Holy Ghost, that passion came back.

He was no longer afraid of death. He stood before the Sanhedrin that killed Jesus without any form of fear. That same power is what we have received. If you don’t have the passion for souls, you need the fresh unction of the Holy Ghost.

He gives us the eyes to see people in the same way that Jesus see them. The ears to hear the brokenness of their lives; He put in our heart love and compassion for the lost soul. Sinners commit sin. We are not to judge sinners, we are to reprove the sin.

The Holy Spirit grants mastery of a skill. He grants us the ability to perform successfully. The sermon of Peter on Pentecost day was a master class. It can only be by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The presentation; the citation and the delivery was super. Again, it must have been the anointing of the Holy Ghost, not by being smart.

Jesus told His disciples, “But you shall receive power,…”. In the English language, sentences don’t usually start with the word “But”, something must have been said before. Having checked the scripture, I found out that the sentence “But you shall receive power” came up after two premises:

– First, Jesus had just warned the disciples not to go out of Jerusalem; they were to stay within as outside was dangerous. Jesus knew that they were not yet adequately prepared for what was outside.

– Secondly, the disciples asked if Jesus was ready to transfer the sovereignty of Israel back to them now. Jesus, however, told them to keep quiet and that it is not for them to determine when that will happen, but for God to determine.

It was based on those two conversations that Jesus gave them good news, that though outside may be dangerous; and the Kingdom of Israel may not be in their hands yet, but power (dunamis) from the Holy Ghost is coming upon them soon, with that power they will be able to witness unto Him anywhere and everywhere.

Witness meaning: one who can give a first-hand account of something seen, heard or experienced; an attestant to a fact, statement, or event; testimony. It would have taken the power of the Holy Ghost to do that, as Christ body was purported to have been stolen by His disciples.

For us to witness that today, it can only be by the power of the Holy Ghost, as none of us has seen Jesus physically before.

You are here, it may be that outside is dangerous for you and possibly you have lost your sovereignty to another, I have a good news for you from Jesus, He asked me to say to you, “But you have received power”.

Basically, from my little knowledge, power can come in two ways: it can be generated internally/within or it can be received from an external source. Like electricity can come from a mobile generator; or received through transmission from a power grid.

The only Being that can generate power by Himself is God.

Acts 1:7

Every other entity receives their power from external sources, including Satan who happens to be the highest negative power.

Ezekiel 28:12-17

Satan had become evil, apportions power to other fallen angels and wicked people to do evil. God has been good, apportions power to those who seek Him to do good.

Since power is the ability to do something. The power that is unused can lead to self-destruct. E.g. Depot arms store from civil war almost blow up. I thought Nigeria had been invaded. I pitied myself…

The power that God first gave man was to be fruitful, to multiply, replenish the Earth, subdue it and have dominion over things in the air, in the sea and on land.

After man sinned, the power was lost to Satan. But when Jesus came, died and resurrected; the power was once again restored back to the believer. We then become ambassadors of Christ on earth.

Acts 10:38

When Jesus was anointed with power by the Holy Spirit, He went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed of the devil.

In Luke 10:1-12, when Jesus empowered His disciples, they were sent out to use the power and they did. We too have been given the same power, we ought to go out there and use it.

It is possible to witness at least in three ways:

By one’s mouth – Acts 2: 14-41

By one’s life – Acts 5:13 (11 apostles).

By one’s hands – Acts 5:12

As God’s children, filled with the Holy Ghost, these are things we should be doing with the power that God has given us.

Jesus told the disciples where to witness. They were to start in Jerusalem; then in all Judea; then in Samaria; and to the uttermost part of the earth.

Many believers prefer to witness in church. They just want the microphone. They want other people to do the job of bringing people and they can ‘witness’ to them. The downside to that is that everyone in the church ought to be witnesses of Christ already, so that much power is wasted. What we do here is to encourage one another as the day is fast approaching, and to train up disciples. The only place we can witness is in the city.

In Acts 8:1-40, we read how a disciple called Deacon Phillip whose assignment was to serve food for widows was able to witness Christ first from Jerusalem, then to Samaria and to other parts of the world.

– He preached Christ and people of Samaria gave heed to what he said.

– His life convicted even a sorcerer called Simon.

– God also performed mighty miracles through His hands.

These are things that the power of God in our lives can do.

Some only try to preach with their life, the max score they can get is 34%. Would that make you happy?

In Acts 9:8-18, we read how the great apostle Paul was prayed for by Brother Ananias, as he was probably the nearest disciple where Jesus met Paul. Paul sight was restored and he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, not by an apostle! What a power he had received! But we have received the same power. What are we doing with it?

The book of Hebrews 11:1-39talksk about heroes of faith. They were people who experienced impartation and/or indwelling of the Holy Ghost power and such affected their generation then and even ours of today for good.

Heb 11:33-39

This can only be by the power of God. But we have received the same power. What are we using the power to do?

Do we want to be like Adam and Eve who received power and mess about with it? No wonder the bible skipped their names.

In Ephesians 3:20, Paul the apostle told the church at Ephesus to give praise to God who is able to make us accomplish more than what we can think or imagine through His mighty power that is at work within us.

That tells us that we have the power that can make us do the unthinkable and unimaginable. If we are not doing that, the problem is not with the power nor the Giver of the power, but with us.

Many of us are not even doing the thinkable and imaginable yet, talk less of the unthinkable and the unimaginable. I pray that we will put that power to use in Jesus name.

Primarily the power of God upon our lives is to witness for Him; to stimulate godly attraction; and to draw sinners to Christ. We can do these by combining speaking to people; by demonstrating acts of faith and by our lifestyle.

Psalm 67:1-7 – The blessings of God upon you is supposed to be a means of witness unto God. The ends of the earth can fear God because of the mercy He has shown towards you.

What has God bless you with? In which or what way are you using that blessing to witness unto Him? Or are you using the same blessing to witness against Him? If not for so and so, I would have done this and that for the Lord. God however cannot be mocked…

Prayers

I decree that the city of Leeds and United Kingdom come under the authority and leadership of Jesus Christ.

I decree the pulling down of anything that is contrary to the will and purpose of God for my life and the lordship of Jesus over this city.

Father, let your reign and power be made known in the city of Leeds through us.

Acts 20:38

Father, let the fresh anointing of the Holy Ghost power come upon me.

Father, let your presence and power be vivid upon my life.

Acts 1:1 – Father, grant me a great experiential encounter with you and help me to pass that experience on.

Job 5:12

Father, break up, disrupt and frustrate any imagination, thought, idea, spoken word or intentions against my life.

Father, render every conspiracy from Hell against my life to come to nought.

Jer. 1:10

Father, terminate every contract, covenant, an agreement that exist between Leeds City and spiritual wickedness.

Col. 2:3

Father, by the power in the Blood of Jesus, obliterate every handwriting and ordinance that had been programmed in the heavenlies against my life.

The sermon, But You Have Received Dunamis – Power, by Pastor Samuel Obafaiye, was delivered on September 23, 2018.

How we approach marriage, more importantly, how we fulfil it, is extremely important to our own welfare and homes. It will either yield great joy and fulfilment or heartache and disappointment. The Biblical principles we will review are general in a statement.

Depending on one’s situation in life, there can be exceptions, especially Principle 1. Some people remain single and never marry. Therefore, these Biblical principles serve as a foundational definition for the subject of marriage.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE of MARRIAGE # 1.

A Man needs a Wife.

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. – Genesis 2: 18

It has clearly been proven that men live longer and are healthier as a result of marriage. Companionship is a key component to marriage.

To have the same companion from youth to old age is true friendship and love. The word “helper” is really “help meet.” A “help meet” is much more than a mere helper. “Help meet” means companion; it means she is there until the job is finished. (e.g. dog helps)

Help meet also has a strong spiritual tone. A wife helps the man to meet the Lord expectations.

10: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11: The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12: She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.— Proverbs 31

How frequently do you see real rubies, diamonds, emeralds or pearls? The Bible says that an excellent wife is rare than jewels. Men may not be experts about precious gems, but they can discern a virtuous woman is rare more than jewels.

He knows what trusting in her means and how he will be safe with her the rest of his life. He knows that her great value is not about gain or investment. He knows that she is priceless and can never be replaced.

Ladies who want to get married. Be priceless. Gain the trust of your fiancé. Let him know that you will do him good all the days of his life if he marries you. Don’t make yourself cheap because of a movie date, a dinner date or an ice cream cone. You both will have a nice time, but he will look for another wife material.

Any man who is 25 and above here and yet to marry, wave your hand. You need a wife.

For those who claim to be an exception to this principle must need to be truly exceptional. Not marrying a wife/husband does not mean paedophilia, sodomy, masturbating or rape.

I Cor. 7:8-9

But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE of MARRIAGE # 2.

Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman, initiated by the exchange of vows.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. — Genesis 2: 24

Marriage is not a partnership or a contract; it is considerably more than that. Marriage is a covenant. Partnerships and contracts are agreements of “consideration given for consideration received.”

It is not maintained by both parties meeting their obligations; it is a reality of giving oneself regardless of the return value from the other. A covenant is of undetermined length. It is forever or until it can no longer be done, “Until death do us part.”

This covenant causes names to change. This covenant changes the place called “home.” A marriage covenant establishes a preference in relationship greater than parent-child or siblings. A marriage covenant creates a new reality that the whole of creation accepts, including the Creator.

This is why a divorce is more than just breaking a contract. A divorce rips the very fabric of the soul when the marriage covenant is broken. A broken vow, an oath that is breached, or a pledge not fulfilled is an internal dilemma reaching deep into the person that no soothing balm can reach.  A broken contract can be solved by paying for the damages, but the damage of a broken covenant continues long after.

Some men and women never quite leave their father and mother when they get married. Consequently, they have not chosen their spouse above all others. In truth of fact, they never made the proper marriage covenant from the beginning and the result become inevitable divorce.

Many pre-marriage counsellors will recommend that a new couple live separately and away from both sets of parents to guarantee that the proper bond (cleaving) is established in the marriage.

Becoming “one flesh” is the consummation of the verbal vows, but it is not a replacement for them. Becoming “one flesh” before the vows of marriage is fornication and distorts the entire pattern and purpose of intimacy in the marriage.

If you have been living together as partners without a vow, your marriage is faulty and shaky. You need to arrange to exchange your vows.

Some believe that marriage is too costly, so they opt for civil partnership. But what you should not eat, why try to smell it.

Our society has also sought to redefine what marriage is, but can one re-define what they didn’t define in the first place? No. God defined marriage, only Him can re-define it if He so wishes. It has to be a union between a man and a woman, period. Every other kind of a union is a sin, regardless of the spirituality or the calibre of who is in it.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE of MARRIAGE # 3.

The Husband is the head of the house and responsible for the marriage.

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. — Genesis 3: 16

This verse is probably hated by more women than any other verse in the Bible, “he shall rule over you.” To a woman, these words confront her unbelief and mistrust in her husband, particularly having known his shortcomings. From a counselor’s point of view, it is evidence of not loving her husband. Love believes all things.

True and mature leaders know that the authority to rule comes after full responsibility has been accepted. True authority is given by those who are under the rule. Demanding authority over another or exercising that authority to prove its existence is a leader on the path to failure. A wife’s desire for her husband will naturally result in her giving him authority over her because she believes he has taken full responsibility for her.

During the courtship phase of a marriage relationship, the man pursues his prospective wife. It’s like a game. Actually, he chases her until she gets caught! While in marriage, the woman effort is to have him to herself alone.

What was done in courtship should not end at the wedding? The marriage should continue with the man initiating and the woman completing. Should a correction be needed or should something need to be started it is the husband’s responsibility and duty to start the actions?

Does this mean that the man is only to blame when something goes wrong? Is it the husband’s fault if the marriage fails? No. But God will start the blame from him (Adam, where are you? Though He didn’t stop there, He blame Eve also and even the Serpent).

Some may claim that the verse is a curse and that they reject it. Yes, we are to reject curses, yet God still has order he has put in place in every establishment. In the home, the husband is the head for orderliness.

I Cor. 11:3

But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

One of the quickest ways to be popular or make fortune is Women Advocacy. If the truth were to be told, women are to be given more opportunities in the society, but at home, the husband is in charge.

The mode of leading or the method of ruling in the home by the husband is very important. It must not be that of terror; dictatorship, or selfish. Otherwise, it won’t work.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE of MARRIAGE # 4.

The Husband is commanded by God to love his wife.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
— Ephesians 5: 25-30

Love in a marriage seems as natural as breathing for the wife. But for the husband, love in the marriage has to be a determined act of his will.

Yes, love is an emotion; yet, for many men in the earlier years of the relationship, it is the “love of the chase.” This is why some men never grow up and keep chasing other women even after being married. God’s command for a man to love his wife is more than an emotion, a feeling, or a game. It is a determined act whereby he must direct his energies for the specific purpose to provide for, to protect, and to be passionate toward his wife.

There is not a wife who doesn’t want her husband to desire her for being a woman. This is where the chasing game is carried on into the marriage. She wants to be pursued and desired before he catches her. The husband must learn to keep chasing his wife, even though she is caught.

Fundamentally, the number one need of a wife in a marriage is love. The husband is commanded to meet this need. By loving his wife socially, he provides her with a home, the resources to live, and a safe and secure place for her and the children. By loving her emotionally, he assures and comforts her, shielding her from fear and harm. By loving her physically, he proves that his attention and focus are on her and she is secure in his desires.

The commandment to love his wife means that the husband is to commit his energy, resources, creativity, and attention, and focus on his wife.

This can be further explained by a song sand by a soul artist called Tina Charles in 1975/76. That she loves to love, but her baby just loves to dance. While she loves to love him; he loves to dance. The problem is without the music, will he still love her?

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE of MARRIAGE # 5.  

The Wife is commanded by God to respect her husband.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.— Ephesians 5: 22-24

Too often, Biblical teachers have equated “be subject” with “obey.” As a consequence, the opposition has grown in the American culture to the extent that many women refuse to say “I promise to love, honour, and obey you” in the traditional wedding vows

Instead of the word “obey” amplifying the phrase “be subject to” or the word “submit,” let’s use the word “respect.” Now let’s restate the commandment. Wives, respect your husband, just as you respect the Lord. That changes something dramatically. Instead of the ultimatum to obey (like a lowly slave), respect opens the door to balance and understanding. Respect is something given in measure to being respectable. Respect is in parallel with love and honour. Obedience does not require love or honour; however, respect does require them.

The number one complaint of distraught wives is that they don’t respect their husbands because their husbands continue to do things not worthy of respect. A husband who does not provide, protect, or show passionate love for his wife is on thin ice for respectability.

But oft times, the man does provide and protect, he is faithful and desires his wife. But the wife treats him in a very disrespectful manner simply because he is a man. Wives who do this should think back to how their mother treated their father. Many times it is a pattern and it is a learned behaviour, so they have to unlearn been disrespected.

This is why God commands wives to respect their husbands. Wives must make a determined decision to accomplish this. It takes energy and a sustained will to do so.

Naturally, what I have found out is that when a man has become intimate with a woman, your respect percentage drops drastically. If it was 100% before, it may drop to 50%. That is why you see a lady of 20 years call her husband of 60 years Baby. She might have been calling him Daddy or Uncle before then. As long as he is baby in her mouth, but lord in her heart, it’s fine.

How a wife respects her husband is a reflection of how she respect Jesus Christ. We sing “To my husband, I surrender, unto thee I freely give, I will ever love and trust him; in his presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all, All to thee, my blessed husband, I surrender all”. If God hears a wife sings like that, He will be happy with her.

Fundamentally, the number one need of a man in a marriage is respect. The wife is commanded to meet this need. The commandment to respect your husband means praising your husband, both to him and to others, and submitting to his leadership, guidance, and judgment. Even if he makes a mistake and is wrong. He will learn.

This is how men learn every day at their jobs. A wife who believes she needs to teach her husband by correcting him only succeeds in embarrassing him. When a wife disrespects her husband with critical words, treats him with disdain, and holds him in contempt, she will destroy her primary source of provision and protection from God. She also breaks Gods commandment to respect him. When a wife learns how to respect husband, he’ll treat her like a queen that she is.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE of MARRIAGE # 6.

The Husband and Wife are joint heirs to life.

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman and brought her unto the man. — Genesis 2: 22

To have children, it requires a man and woman joining together to procreate. A man can not do it alone nor can a woman do it alone, except there is a third party involved, as in our time (surrogacy; implantation). God cannot be mocked. Confuse world.

They jointly form the product of each new child. The woman was not made from the dust of the earth like the man; therefore, she should not be treated like dirt. The woman did not fly down from heaven; therefore, she should not be over anyone’s head. She was taken from her husband’s side; therefore, her rightful place is at his side.

The woman’s need for security can only be met fully by her husband. The husband’s need for respect can only be met fully by his wife. When both needs are being met, the marriage is like the wedding ring. It is made of precious metal and valuable gems; it goes round and round, with no beginning and no end. Life is good and wonderful. When one of the needs (either security or respect) is not being met, the ring is broken. There is now a clear beginning and end to the ring. The ring has become a piece of twisted metal. The passion of love becomes the passion of anger and hate. It leads to treachery. The remaining metal of the ring becomes a bad memory and is pawned for a fraction of its cost. However, the treachery and hate can last long after the divorce.

When both needs are met, the home is a pleasant place for all.

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. — Psalms 128: 3

To be a joint heir means to share in the same heritage and inheritance. Husbands and wives come from different houses, but when they are joined together, they are part of the same house with the same Heavenly Father.

There is a fundamental difference between a secular and spiritual marriage. A secular marriage is a shared proposition. It’s a mutually agreeable contract. Sometimes, these marriages stay together simply because they don’t have any other choice.  The spiritual point of view on marriage is one that embraces the author of marriage. It is one where both the husband and the wife are under the authority of God. But the bottom line is this: a spiritual marriage is where the husband and wife know they were destined for each other. They also share the same problems and joys of life. They make their “choice” for each other believing it is God’s will.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE of MARRIAGE # 7

A Wife is God’s grace to the Husband.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. — Proverbs 18: 22

The favour mentioned here is unmerited favour or grace from God. That means that men don’t deserve all the good they receive from God through their wives.

 

This is simply a truth that wise men come to learn. For those who have come to understand this will cherish and nurture their wife. That becoming married can make you find greater favour with God.

Even more so, when a wife truly understands that she was presented by the Lord for her husband as a substance of value, she too has developed wisdom. She will carry herself with poise and dignity.

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from the LORD. — Proverbs 19: 14

Your parent may leave you with riches, but only God can give you a good wife.

The sermon, Ten Principles of Biblical Marriage, by Pastor Samuel Obafaiye, was delivered on September 16, 2018.

The Sun From On High Shall Rise On You Afresh, by Pastor Samuel Obafaiye

According to National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), nothing is more important to us on Earth than the sun. Without the sun’s heat and warmth, the Earth would be a lifeless ball of ice-coated rock.

The sun warms our seas and oceans; it stirs our atmosphere; it generates our weather patterns; it gives energy to the growing plants that provide the food and the oxygen for life on Earth. No wonder in many countries and cultures from primitive time and until now, many worship the sun.

Many of us come from where the sun is prevalent and therefore we do not appreciate the significance of the sun. But for those who dwell above the Tropics of Cancer and below the Tropics of Capricorn, they will appreciate the sun the more; especially those in the Arctic and Antarctica, where they hardly see the sun in any given year. They always rejoice when the sun shows up.

I will wish we have more sunlight in the UK yearly. That will make my living here more comfortable. Such is the power of the sun. I had had the mind that when we become citizens in the UK, we will migrate to somewhere warm (Florida). As much as I love the UK, I don’t like the climate.

But God has a way of ordering the steps of His children. God made sure that we sow in this land. Thank God, for He has also prospered the seed.

As powerful as the natural sun might be, there is another Sun that is more powerful. He is called the Sun of righteousness. May He rise upon you afresh today in Jesus name.

Malachi 4:2 – But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Whenever I see a baby of deer and lamb jumped around when they are in the open field. I used to wonder why. Now I know that it is because the Sun of righteousness has arisen upon them.

May the Sun of righteousness arise on you with healing in its wing. May you go forth and skipped like the calves from the stall.

– Someone here, you have thought this is your benchmark, but the Sun of righteousness will fire you up again. You will not only walk forward, you will jump forward in Jesus name.

– Someone here, the Spirit of God asked me to tell you that this is your morning. I’m not sure how old you are now, but your morning has just begun.

The natural sun can hurt those who mess about with it. It can’t be domesticated like other celestial bodies. So also is the supernatural Sun. But for God’s children, the radiation from heaven upon us is just right.

Psalms 84:11 – For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

May God shield you from harm. May God bestows His glory upon you. May the glory of God radiates all over you. May no good thing be withheld from you.

Luke 1:78-79 – Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring (rising sun) from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

By the mercies of God, may the Sunrise from on high visit you.

May all forms of darkness around you disappear.

Any shadow of death haunting anymore to fissile away in Jesus name.

May Jehovah guide your feet in the way of peace.

After sojourning in Syria for over 20 years, God told Jacob to return to Canaan (Gen. 35:1). He was however still frightened of his brother – Esau. On his way home, he sent messengers to his brother, and to his shock and terror, he was told that Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men!

Jacob had to share his servants and belongings into groups and also is family and divided them to worship Esau, while he was coming at the very rear. Overnight, he had an encounter with God who changed his name; and as he was walking out of Penuel, his destiny was changed from a supplanter to triumph with God (Gen.32:22-31.

It happened that when Esau that was coming with 400 men to fight his brother saw him, instead, he came down from his ride, ran to meet him; embrace him; fell on his neck; kissed him; and wept over him.

– You are here, you are terrified of a certain host that has come against you. Instead of the hosts attacking you, their disposition to you will change. They shall run to welcome you; embrace you; fall on your neck; kiss you and weep for their intent.

May your enemies beg to make peace with you.

Joseph was born into splendour and opulence. Jacob his father was blessed mightily of God. However, his brothers hated him, because he was the favourite of his father. He was to be killed but was later sold into slavery

While in slavery, it was like the sun of his life had set. How could he ever get his freedom again? Who will pay the price over his head? Will he ever step unto Canaan soil again? Will he ever enjoy the love of his father again? Will he meet his mother alive again? These were disturbing questions he would be asking himself.

13 years later though, the Sun of righteousness shone on him anew. He was released from dungeon and straightaway became the second most powerful man in Egypt.

– There is someone here, God is taking you to a higher level of splendour and opulence. May you get there.

– To someone, God says your years of captivity and servitude are over. God will take you to such a high pedestal you will never have imagined.

– God is wiping off the shame of your youth now. The reproach of your early years shall be forgotten.

God asked Moses to assemble the children of Israel at the foot of Mt. Sinai, where He would give them instructions, and he should come up the mountain to meet Him. Moses was there for 40 days and 40 nights, after which God gave him 2 stones containing the Ten Commandment.

But when Moses got to camp, he met the children of Israel worshipping an idol and he became really angry. He broke the 2 tablets he just received from God. 40 days gone with the wind.

God later asked Moses to hew 2 stones like before and bring it to the mount again. Moses was again there for another 40 days and 40 nights. This time, when he returned, his face was shining to the extent that no one could look directly at his face, for the Sun of righteousness has risen upon him.

– There is someone here, having confessed and forsaken your sins before God, the devil is still tormenting you with the guilt. I am asked to tell you that your iniquity had been pardon. Your error is forgiven. Your mistake has been taken away. Go and sin no more. God, however, wants you to draw closer to him. So that your face can start shining in an amazing way.

In Judges 11:1-11, the Bible tells us about a man who was born into an honourable family, his father was an important figure in Israel and his clan reputable. It was like the sun had risen on him early in life. Unfortunately, when his father died, the other children of his father sent him packing. He began to live in caves and strongholds.

Not too long, the Sun of righteousness rose upon his life again. He became the leader of the whole of Israel.

– You are here, you have been pushed aside, I am asked to tell you that those who pushed you aside will soon see you in their front.

– Those who thought you are not qualified to lead their tiny group will soon find out that you are to lead a far larger group which they would still be among.

– There is someone listening to me, I am asked to tell you that you are coming out of caves. Strongholds are no longer your abode. You are marching to the palace.

– You are here, for the greater part of your life, you have experience hatred. You will start experiencing love from now.

The condition for enjoying the Sun of righteousness.

As the name of the Sun implies, one has to be righteous to enjoy the Sun’s benefits.

Then how can one become righteous?

God must have conferred the grace of righteousness upon the person for two reasons:

– By believing in His person; and

– By obeying His words

Genesis 15:4-6 – And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:3 – For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Galatians 3:6-7 – Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Prayers

Father, let my enjoyment of You increase greatly.

Father, move me to a higher level of glory in You.

Father, let Your countenance upon me increase.

Father, let my life reveal Your glory to the whole world.

Father, don’t let me be a local champion, turn me into a global showpiece of Yours.

The sermon, The Sun From On High Shall Rise On You Afresh, by Pastor Samuel Obafaiye, was delivered on September 2, 2018.

Text: Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Background: A message from God to the Israelites which could have served as a reminder; as an assurance or as a warning to them.

The book of Malachi was written about 100 years after the Israelites came back from the 70 years captivity/exile in Babylon.

It happened that the years the Jews spent in exile from their land had made them forget some of the instructions and ordinances that were given to them by God; and so when they returned to Canaan 70 years later, the generation that came back had stopped obeying some of God’s instructions.

Psalm 137 (they were weeping, not praying, not reading the Torah, not fellowship).

As stated in Malachi, two of such ordinances are Tithes and Offerings. God asked Malachi to draw the attention of the Israelites to such areas. That though they might have experienced changes in life over time as a result of their years in exile and generational successions; but He as a God doesn’t change. He is the same before they went into exile; while they were in exile; and when they had returned from exile, and they should obey and reverence Him as such.

Though the message today is not based on Tithes and Offering in particular, just as God sent to the Israelites thousands of years ago, it is a message to remind someone that God is Lord and has not change; for another, it is to assure that God is Lord and has not change; and to another person, it is to warn that God is Lord and has not change.

There are several entities that are either revered as lord or call themselves lord. There is however only one who is called “The Lord”. It is that Lord that has sent me to you today.

– There is a testimony shared by Pastor Agu at a leadership meeting that came to my mind in explaining this. During one of their outreach at a prison in the UK. A notorious inmate called ‘lord’ gave his life to Christ and started going to chapel, so every inmate starts to go, for those who stayed behind, his boys goes after them and say, ‘my lord says you must go to the chapel to meet the Lord’. There may be many ‘my lords’, but there is only one ‘the Lord’.

That Lord has sent me to you. It may be a reminder; an assurance or a warning. I pray you to figure out which one.

Nothing in life is permanent. A child is born today and everyone is happy, in not too distant future, the child has become aged and has passed on and so we mourn. All things are subject to change. Even Satan is not an exemption (he was in heaven, he now roams the firmament, later in the bottomless pit, finally in the lake of fire).  It is only God that doesn’t change. He remains the same (Heb. 13:8).

As a reminder

– In Joshua 1:1-2, God instructed Joshua to lead the children of Israel to the Promised Land after the death of Moses. But because of the difficult nature of the assignment (Moses was like a little god before them; Moses had the rod of God; Jordan, not a small river; more than 2 million people; what he has seen the people did to Moses), God had to remind him again and again that He is the Lord and that he should not be afraid.

Joshua 1:1-2 – Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses ‘minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

Joshua 1:6,7,9

– There is someone here, you are afraid of an assignment, there is an obstacle like the river Jordan that you must cross, it’s like the crossing is not just you, but involves the lives of others too. Maybe you have looked at yourself and you have concluded that there is no chance you can cross over, I am asked to remind you that God is Lord and He has not changed. He will help you to cross over.

You have even said that it would have been better if it’s just you. God says I should tell you all of you are crossing over.

In John 11: 1-46, we read that Jesus allowed Lazarus to die from his sickness so that the glory of God might be seen. Jesus had taught Lazarus sisters that He is the resurrection and the life; despite this teachings, Mary and Martha thought if Jesus had come when Lazarus was still sick, there was hope, but now that he was dead, all hope had gone.

In John 11:20-37, Jesus, however, had to remind them that He was not only the Lord over sickness but over death also.

John 11: 39-40 – Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

– There is someone here, you are just coming to Jesus just like Mary and Martha came to welcome Him; but not necessarily because you think He can solve your problem. I’m asked to tell you to keep reading Jer. 32:27 until you understand the sentence.

Jeremiah 32:27 – Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?

In Luke 24: 13-35, after the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to 2 disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were troubled that Jesus who they thought was their messiah had been killed, and His body was missing.

Jesus had to remind them of the Holy Scriptures how it had been written that all these had to happen for mankind to be saved. Their eyes soon opened and they believed.

– There is someone listening to me now, there is something that you felt has come as a blessing to you, but you are not sure of that anymore.

I’m asked to remind you:

That though you may have suffered many persecutions because of it, but be of good cheer, because you will overcome;

That weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning;

That they sow in tears bearing precious seeds shall surely come back rejoicing;

That it is not the beginning of a thing that matters, but the end of it;

And that the glory of the later is always greater than the former.

As an assurance

In Gen. 12:1-3, God asked Abram to proceed on a journey to the Promised Land and that He would make him the father of many nations, at this time he was 75 years old and had no child.

Years down the line, he became discouraged, God had to assure him that it will not be his chief servant that would inherit him.

Genesis 15:2-6 – And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Again, years down the line, God had to assure him that it is not Ishmael he had in error that will be his heir.

Genesis 17:15-22 – And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

– God asked me to assure someone here that He has not forgotten you. It may appear so to you, but He has not.

– Someone here, you are concerned of time. That time is going. You always think that if only you are still a particular age, things would have been better. For you, in particular, God says He will still time. Time will not go for you.

To another person, He says He will exceed your Ishmael. You thought the coming of ‘Ishmael’ was the blessing you have been waiting for, but no. God said that the blessing of Ishmael will be exceeded.

As Jacob was running away from home because of the fear of Esau, a lot of negative thoughts would be going through his mind: all that his father had will be seized by Esau, his father’s funeral in his absence, will he ever meet his mother again? Will he ever return to Canaan?

But in Gen. 28:10-15, God assured him that he would bring him back and that he would be prosperous.

Genesis 28:10-15 – And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

– There is someone here, just like Jacob you went out empty. God says you will come back in full.

To another person, He says you may be using stone as a pillow now, but very soon you will be using the finest of cotton.

As a warning

When Moses was preparing to die, he gave the children of Israel words of warning from God. That a time will come when they have settled into Canaan properly, that they must not forget God.

Deuteronomy 31:16-22 – And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and these people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. Now, therefore, write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant. And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware. Moses, therefore, wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.

– This is my song to you, even though I’m not about to die. God is saying many of us have eaten in the UK and become satisfied and are prospering, therefore have turned to serve other gods, especially Mammon (god of material wealth, anything that promises you more money, greed, an undue pursuit of gain) in the place of God.

He asks me to warn such people to repent.

There are many among us who were fervent as students or on work permits, but as soon as they become permanent resident or citizens, God is out of their picture.

There are some who were single and were fervent for the Lord, but as soon as they become married, God is out of the way.

There were those who were trusting God for the fruit of the womb, but as soon as they have a child, the baby becomes their god.

There are those that were fervent when they had no gainful employment, but as soon as they got a good job, God is the last thing on their mind. Talk less of tithing.

God says I should tell you, He is the Lord, He changes not.

In Revelation chapter 2 and 3, God wrote letters to the 7 churches in Asia. 2 of the churches received commendation (Smyrna & Philadelphia) while the other 5 received warnings.

Theologians have said that the characteristics of the 7 churches represent the dichotomy of the kind of Christians we have today; and the kind of churches that exist.

Which may imply that for every 7 Christians or 7 churches, 2 may be sound, and 5 may not. The question is, which group do you belong?

The 5 warnings to be viewed as individual persons.

– The Ephesian church was told that they had left their first love and should do first works.

– The Pergamos church was told that they were upholding the corrupt teaching of Balaam and that of Nicolatans (mislead into idolatry, fornication). Your teachers are on the internet. They were asked to repent.

– The church at Thyatira was said to have tolerated Jezebel who was misleading people. That her followers will be killed if they do not repent. Do you have a Jezebel deceiving you?

– The church in Sardis was said to have a reputation that they were alive but they were dead. They were asked to wake up and strengthen what remained which were about to die, for their deeds are not perfect before God.

– The church in Laodicea was told that because they were not hot nor cold, but lukewarm, they would be vomited out by God, except they repent.

In Mal. 1:6-11, God brought the attention of the Jewish priests to the bad offerings they were accepting from the people and were sacrificing such to Him. They were warned to desist from such to avoid punishment.

Malachi 1:6-11 – A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil?

and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? Saith the Lord of hosts. And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the Lord of hosts. Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought.

I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.

3 areas of warning

– Our personal relationship with God (prayer, word, meditation, fellowship with others).

– Our service to God (what duty are you doing for Him? In which way are you working for Him? What assignment do you perform for God?)

– Our giving to God/or to the things of God (do you pay your tithes? Are you a cheerful giver? What financial support do you give to God’s work?). God can’t be mocked.

The word has gone forth. Is it a reminder to you? Is it an assurance? Is it a warning? Is it a bit of each? Let’s go to God in prayer.

Prayer of mercy

– As a reminder – Pardon my memory loss.

– As an assurance – Pardon my unbelief and doubt.

– As a warning – Pardon my disobedience

Final prayers

Father, demonstrate your power in me

Father, demonstrate your power through me

Father, show the whole world with my life that you are the I am that I am.

The sermon, I Am The Lord, I Change Not, by Pastor Samuel Obafaiye, was delivered on August 26, 2018.