Receiving Heavenly Help By Offering Earthly Help || Covenant Worship Service || January 16, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnTVxVMtP7s

Covenant Worship Service || January 23, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjjpqBsQdKY

The Possibilities Of Unwavering Faith In Christ || Bible Study Service || January 24, 2022
Mark 9:9-29


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awFLzZ2vHl0

Unprecedented Miracles with Great Joy through Faith || Total Freedom Crusade || Jan. 27, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiwQiwQVLek

Day 2 || Total Freedom Crusade || Jan. 28, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz-cVkB7ESQ

Professionals' Conference || Total Freedom Crusade || Jan. 29, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2paVDs7zXc

Day 3
All Things Possible By Faith In The Saviour || Total Freedom Crusade || Jan. 29, 2022
Matthew 19:16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiwQiwQVLek

Worship Service || Total Freedom Crusade || Jan. 30, 2022
Living In The Fulness Of Christ By Faith
Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:9-10;3:1-4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0FR-9350Jk

Day 4 || Total Freedom Crusade | Jan 30, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jr_0L7S_nE

The Key of Faith for a Better, Bigger, Brighter Life || Day 5 | Total Freedom Crusade | Jan 31, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uBvLdoHY6U

Day 6 || Total Freedom Crusade || Feb 1, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4xJYTO6RWU

Special Revival Broadcast || February 3rd, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-LOtesbb18

Worship Service||Supernatural Healing Through Wholehearted Obedience And Prophetic Supplication || February 6, 2022
Genesis 20:1-2,3-7,14-15,17-18; Revelation 22:18-19.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6JvhD9xDGs

Worship Service || Feb. 13, 2022



LESSON SEVEN
THE BIRTH OF ISAAC, HEIR OF PROMISE

MEMORY VERSE:

"And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him" (Genesis 21:1,2).

TEXT: Genesis 21:1-34

God called Abraham for the purpose of being a channel of blessing to the whole world. In the call, He promised that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). God planned to raise through Abraham, a nation that would know and keep His ways. From his family would come forth a chosen people through whom Jesus Christ, the promised Seed of the woman would emerge (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:8, 16,18). To fulfil God's promise, Abraham needed to have a son. But Sarah, his wife, was barren for more than twenty years. At a point, Abraham seemed to have lost hope about the fulfilment of the promise. "And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, 10, one born in my house is mine heir" (Genesis 15:3). He was in doubt whether the seed God had promised should be a son of his loins or a son in his house. But the Lord cleared his doubt and assured him that the heir to his house would come (Genesis 15:4). In spite of this assurance, Abraham accepted Sarah's suggestion to take Hagar, their Egyptian handmaid, and go in to her (Genesis 16:1-3). Abraham fell into the temptation and its consequences still remain with us today. It takes a resolute faith and strong conviction to know when a suggestion is from an enemy and to reject it. Children of God should be wary of ungodly counsels, pressures from parents or friends and stand resolutely with the word of God. They should wait patiently for the Lord to fulfil the promises He has made to them. The text under consideration shows that, no matter how long it takes for God to fulfil His promise, in due time, it will come. "For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise" (Hebrews 6: 13, 15). God's promises are true and reliable, regardless of any opposing circumstances.

BIRTH OF ISAAC IN FULFILMENT OF GOD'S PROMISE (Genesis 21:1-8; 17:17; 18:10-14; Romans 4:19-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Luke 1:37)

Isaac was the promised heir born to Abraham and Sarah when they were very old in fulfilment of God's promise. Abraham was 100 years old while Sarah was 90 years. "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken" (Genesis 21:1). Once God has promised, He will surely fulfil it, no matter the delay. It is often said that "God's delays are His appointments". Therefore, believers should see delays in getting married, childbearing, securing a dream employment, financial breakthrough and healing, among others, as stepping stones to wonderful testimonies that would bring glory to God. Abraham named his child whom Sarah bore to him Isaac, meaning laughter because "...God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6), said Sarah. Though the couple had laughed as a result of doubt, God, at last had turned their laughter of doubt to joy (Psalm 126:1-3; Job 8:20,21). Christians should always rest upon God's promises and not be swayed by contrary opinions of men. The New Testament made reference to the faith of Abraham, who "...being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Romans 4:19-21). In line with his covenant with God, Abraham circumcised Isaac on the eighth day. Flesh circumcision was a token of the Abrahamic covenant. No matter how difficult and painful to the flesh, believers should learn to obey God.

THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON SENT AWAY (Genesis 21:9-21; 25:1-3,5,6; Galatians 4:22,23,25,28-30; Mark 12:6-9)

Ishmael, Abraham's first son through Hagar, was fourteen years older than Isaac (Genesis 16: 16) and the only heir apparent until Isaac came. After Isaac was weaned, probably at age three according to Jewish culture, "...Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac" (Genesis 21:9, 10). Sarah's stance at this time must not be mistaken for the cruel jealousy of a woman who did not want a rival. The point is, Ishmael was persecuting Isaac, the child of promise; and that amounted to an opposition to the covenant God made with Abraham. The New Testament sheds light on this in Galatians 4:22-30. "And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad; and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (Genesis 21:11, 12). God sanctioned Sarah's demand to send Hagar and her son away, though it was grievous in Abraham's sight. Ishmael was sent away in order to fulfil the promise God made concerning Isaac: "...for in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (Genesis 21:12). Abraham obeyed the Lord speedily and sent them away with provisions for their journey, as much as they would need, until they reached the next well or oasis. Believers should learn from Abraham's attitude of prompt obedience to God's command (Genesis 21:14; 22:3). As Hagar and Ishmael travelled, the water they took got exhausted, Ishmael fainted under the hot desert sun and Hagar abandoned him in despair. But "God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is" (Genesis 21:17). The Lord is benevolent towards all the inhabitants on the face of the earth. Despite the fact that Ishmael was born outside the divine covenant God made with Abraham, He still took care of him. This shows that God cares for all His creatures on earth, especially man that was created in His image. Moreover, He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Christ died for the whole world; and all that come to God through Him will be saved. Hagar was ignorant of God's care and concern for her and the young lad. While she despaired and hoped that they would both die of hunger and thirst, "God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink' (Genesis 21:19). The Lord was with them and protected them from all dangers in the wilderness. There is always solution to man's problem no matter the condition and situation we find ourselves.

BEERSHEBA COVENANT BETWEEN ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH (Genesis 21:22-34; Psalm 86: 17; Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 18:15)

"And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest" (Genesis 21:22). Abraham's favoured disposition is traceable to his decision to forsake the idols of his fathers and cleave to the God of heaven whom he had served with deep devotion. The testimony of Abimelech and Phichol is a confirmation of God's promise to protect preserve and defend him wherever he went. "And I bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). It is no wonder that even the heathen perceived the divine presence with him. There are important lessons from the covenant between Abimelech and Abraham. One, it was a reflection of God's favour. God sometimes shows His people tokens for good that their neighbours cannot but take notice of (Psalm 86:17). Two, it is good to be in favour with those that are in favour with God. "...We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you" (Zechariah 8:23). We do well for ourselves if we have fellowship with those that have fellowship with God. Abraham and Abimelech proposed that there should be a firm and constant friendship between the two families, which should not be violated. This bond of friendship must be strengthened by the bond of an oath, in which God was appealed to, both as a witness of their sincerity and an avenger in case either side were treacherous (Genesis 21:23). Three, Abimelech requested that the covenant should extend to his people and posterity. Good men should secure alliance and communion with the favourites of heaven, not for themselves only. Abraham was ready to enter into a covenant with Abimelech after finding him to be a man of honour, good conscience and one who fears God (Genesis 21:24). It is however necessary to note that New Testament believers are to be careful of going into covenant relationships with others to avoid unequal yoke. Abraham prudently settled the matter concerning the well about which Abimelech's servants had quarrelled with him (Genesis 21:25). What an instructive lesson to believers that when our brother trespasses against us, we should settle the rift with meekness of wisdom (Matthew 18:15). Abraham accepted Abimelech's exoneration of himself in this matter: "...1 wot not who hath done this thing" (Genesis 21:26). Many are wrongly suspected of injustice and unkindness who were innocent of the act, and we ought to accept when they clear themselves. The faults of servants should not be imputed to their masters unless they know and justify them. Satan-motivated misunderstanding among brethren can be settled with love and humility. When a similar event happened between Abraham and Lot his brother, he settled it with maturity devoid of covetousness (Genesis 13:7-9). The strife that would have probably ended in battle against each other turned to a covenant relationship that brought joy to their generations. God calls us to "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Abraham took care to have his title to the well cleared and confirmed to prevent any disputes or quarrels in the future. He presented to Abimelech that which was valuable and useful — sheep and oxen — in gratitude for his kindness and hospitality as a token of a hearty friendship (Genesis 21:27). Eventually, they ratified the covenant by an oath and registered it by giving a new name to the place — Beersheba, the well of the oath — in remembrance of the covenant (Genesis 21 :31). Believers should always remember that they are in covenant relationship with God. Being conscious of this, they should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.

Questions for review:

1. What should be a believer's attitude to different suggestions in time of pressing needs and problems?
2. What can a Christian learn from the fulfilment of the promised son to Abraham?
3. Why was it necessary for Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away?
4. What can we learn from Abraham's obedience to the Lord though it was grievous?
5. What should be our role as brethren in the church when there is strife or misunderstanding?
6. What can we learn from Abraham's attitude of peaceful co-existence?
7. What can believers learn from the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXD8eiCMoh4

Power Night Service || February 17, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsACRIE4KIQ

Worship Service || Feb. 20, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYwpInuwo8Y

Day 1 || Supernatural Liberation Crusade || Feb 24, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1bVMZDnf88

Ministers' Conference || Day 2 || Supernatural Liberation Crusade || Feb 25


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjFBP6E12Lw

Ministers' Conference || Day 3 || Supernatural Liberation Crusade || Feb 26


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwXNopUh2mI

Day 3 | Supernatural Liberation Crusade


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXBv18w-zPw

Worship Service || Day 4 || Supernatural Liberation Crusade || Feb 27


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vuMetadTUc

Day 4 || Supernatural Liberation Crusade


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0eH4oxYGPs

Ministers' Conference || Day 5 || Supernatural Liberation Crusade || Feb 28


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95oIr6rKYRo

Professional Conference


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJnDKnDvRXU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ2iErE8ibI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNVmbC-2sFE

Have you felt bound, limited, restricted in anyway? Have you felt life is taking some hard toll on you? Do you need a real reset for the year? This is time for Supernatural LIBERATION.
Programme Guide: [url=https://2022services.s3.amazonaws.com/Crusade/Supernatural_Liberation_Feb/Supernatural%20Liberation%20Programme.pdf]Here[/url]
French: https://www.youtube.com/DCLMFrench
Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/DCLMPortuguese
Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdb1AzEksSS9XJtBRlbSWRg
Facebook: https://facebook.com/pastorkumuyioffi... https://facebook.com/dclmhq
YouTube: https://youtube.com/dclmhq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dclmhq https://www.instagram.com/officialwfk...
DCLM Webcast: https://webcast.dclm.org
DCLM Radio https://radio.dclm.org/ or download the DCLM Radio app on Google Play store.

If you just gave your life to Jesus Christ, please click on the link below to help assist you further in your walk with the Lord. Link: https://dclm.org/connectwithchrist/

Special Revival Broadcast || March 3rd, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8FLYp8uoZE

Our Constant Vigilance and Victory Over Temptation || Sunday Worship Service || March 06, 2022


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsjG1AVywhE

Have you felt bound, limited, restricted in anyway? Have you felt life is taking some hard toll on you? Do you need a real reset for the year? This is time for Supernatural LIBERATION.
Programme Guide: [url=https://2022services.s3.amazonaws.com/Crusade/Supernatural_Liberation_Feb/Supernatural%20Liberation%20Programme.pdf]Here[/url]
French: https://www.youtube.com/DCLMFrench
Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/DCLMPortuguese
Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdb1AzEksSS9XJtBRlbSWRg
Facebook: https://facebook.com/pastorkumuyioffi... https://facebook.com/dclmhq
YouTube: https://youtube.com/dclmhq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dclmhq https://www.instagram.com/officialwfk...
DCLM Webcast: https://webcast.dclm.org
DCLM Radio https://radio.dclm.org/ or download the DCLM Radio app on Google Play store.

If you just gave your life to Jesus Christ, please click on the link below to help assist you further in your walk with the Lord. Link: https://dclm.org/connectwithchrist/

God's Grace For The New Year – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
16 January 2022 | 2:56 am


Some Christians do not understand the difference between the righteousness of prominent personalities in the Bible, especially Moses, and the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. Such people miss a vital point about life as believers, and therefore, face endless and avoidable struggles in the New Year that should have brought freshness and new possibilities.

The fundamental mistake they make is to think that because a breach of the Ten Commandments would attract severe punishment, the children of Israel tried to obey them through human efforts. The truth is that the people were helpless in the face of daunting influence and power and corruption of sin. Many great prophets and leaders like Elijah, David, Moses, among others, could not help them to keep God's commandments. Then Jesus came and brought grace — the gospel of righteousness at Christ's expense — to the world. He also promised to abide in any believer who lets Him in into his heart. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me," (Revelation 3:20). Christ’s presence within gives us with the grace to live a righteous life. This is the power of God in man.

Knowledge of Christ through theology or religious studies is not enough. We must receive Him into our hearts and allow His word to guide us. Preserving God's word in our hearts will constantly remind us of Christ, our Saviour and enable us to follow the right path that leads to heaven. If we truly have the gospel of Christ in us, we must give due attention on the Lord this New Year and always without any distractions.

The love and sacrifice of Christ on the cross should compel us to love others, overlook offenses and forgive every provocation. Whether at home, school or workplace, we are expected to express the love of Christ to others. As believers, our comportment, language, dressing and relationship should reflect the grace of God. We must live to please God in all things without being ashamed of the gospel of Christ. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Everyone who has been redeemed, experiences total transformation that comes through a glorious resurrection. After Christ's resurrection, He appeared to His disciples on several occasions in a supernatural way. This New Year, believers who are "risen with Christ" will possess the capacity to operate in the realm of the supernatural because the limitation of the old life has given way to the new.

Christians who truly love Christ and the glories of heaven always "set [their] affection on things above, not on things on the earth." They understand that what they think about every time has influence and power over them. Unfortunately, today, many professing believers forget the essence of grace — glorious resurrection at Christ's expense. They think and talk more about witches and wizards and their activities more than they do about Christ. They magnify the power of Satan more than that of Christ; and because of their confession, they experience defeat. Having "delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son," the Lord wants us to realise that curses and spells, diseases and sicknesses from the enemy do not have power over us. Raised together with Jesus and seated in heavenly places with Him, we remain untouchable. To experience God's power and receive more of His revelation, our focus must be on heaven and its glories.

God answers believers’ prayer on the basis of grace. Because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, He grants us freedom from oppression, healing from sicknesses and deliverance from attacks of the enemy when we pray. Prayer is presenting our requests before God. If an earthly father cannot deny the legitimate requests of his children, God cannot deny the petition of believers who pray according to His will.

God is not a liar; His promise to every Christian is: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you," (Matthew 7:7). Salvation, healing, deliverance, fruitfulness, provision and promotion are available for everyone who asks in faith.

This New Year, if we "continue in prayer, and watch with thanksgiving," we shall enjoy daily victory and divine protection.

• Further Reading (King James Version): Colossians 1:1,2; 4:18; 2:6; 3:16,13,14,15,17; Romans 1:16,17; Colossians 3:1,2; 1:13; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 4:2.

Source

Recognising Jesus As Lord – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
23 January 2022 | 2:58 am


The basic reason for Christianity is to crown Jesus as Lord. Genuine Christianity, whether in an individual, a local church, a denomination or in the world, is wholly built on and entirely devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Church is built on Christ, the Chief Cornerstone. The message of the true Christian faith centres on Him, His eternality, virgin birth, spotless life, death, burial and resurrection, ascension to heaven, intercession for the saints, second coming, millennial reign, eternal kingdom and dominion. A message and a life centred on Christ, reflects true Christianity.

The Lordship of Christ is central to the Christian life. When we are born again our sins are forgiven, we surrender our lives to Him as Saviour and Controller of our lives. He assumes the position of Lord, Ruler, Master, Teacher, Guide and Leader. Every time, we confess and proclaim Him as Lord. When we submit to the Lordship of Christ and accept Him as One that has dominion over our lives, decisions and ambitions, we know we are practising true Christianity. We must give and surrender everything into His hands.

By virtue of Christ’s death on the cross for the whole world, God made Him the Prince, Lord and Ruler over all mankind. Jesus Christ did not snatch or attribute this sovereignty to Himself; God crowned Him both Lord and Christ. If we are going to honour Christ, He must reign over everything in us. He will not accept partial Lordship. We must not keep back any area of our lives, but must yield all to Him. We must surrender everything to Him, so that, He can reign over us.

New converts to Christ must realise that their lives no longer belong to them. The simple act of repentance, confession and surrender to Christ, turns over our lives to Him. We cannot control our lives anymore. Christ now has the right to exercise dominion and authority over us. He is King over all. He has need of our lives.

Before we knew the Lord, we were roaming about, tied and bound to ignoble habits. We were limited and constrained by sin. We were also tied to sicknesses and infirmities. But when the Word of God came, we were loosed from our chains that we might be given wholly to Christ. Those who come to Christian meetings and are loosed from their sins and infirmities should understand why the Lord did it: that He might reign over them. Everything within, without and around us belongs to Christ. We must realise that we do not belong to ourselves anymore. Whether we live or die we belong to the Lord. Death opens the curtain for our transfer into the presence of God.

We are also the possession of the Lord because He purchased and redeemed us. Whatever situation we find ourselves, we must remember that we are not to live for ourselves. We cannot receive Christ as Saviour without making Him the Lord of our lives. No area of our lives should be shielded from Him. Your actions, mind, thoughts, dispositions, desires, manners, tastes, should be given to Him. Self must not have dominion over you, but must be crucified. He must control your life, marriage, business; your all!

As servants of God, as followers of Jesus Christ, we should not seek to exalt and project ourselves. We must have the mind of Christ and seek to please the Father in all things. If Christ, the King of glory, the Master of angels humbled Himself, what are we doing with pride? There should not be any area of our lives that we have not surrendered to Christ. Our lives will be beautiful as we yield totally to the Lord.

• Further Reading (King James Version): Romans 14:9; Philippians 2:11; Acts 2:36; John 17:2,3; Matthew 21:1-3; Romans 14:8,9; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15; Philippians 2:5-11.

Source

Recognising Jesus As Lord – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
30 January 2022 | 4:00 am


Only Christ has power and authority over all things. He is the only one that can save us from our sins. Some think Christ belongs only to the Jews or that Christianity is the religion of a particular race. They do not know that the message of the Cross is to all mankind. Christ offers three things in His office as the Saviour and Lord. First, He pardons our sins. He has the right to wipe away all our sins. God the Father gave Him the power and authority to forgive all sins. An angel, a man or the founder of a religion cannot do this. God has exalted Him to be the only one who can forgive sins.

Second, Christ has purchased us. He buys us completely from the world to make us His property. He takes care of His purchased property. If we are sick He heals us, if there is any attack or affliction He delivers us from them all. We are God's special property; we must therefore, remain faithful to Him. And as preachers and leaders of God's people we are to take care of the flock. We cannot afford to deal with them with carelessness or with cruelty, because Jesus Christ has paid a great price for them.

Third, Christ possesses us. We do not belong to ourselves anymore, just as a married woman does not belong to herself again. Some say their Christianity is in the heart and that they can do anything they like, go where they want to go and work anywhere they want to work. But the Lord wants us to glorify Him in our body, spirit and soul. Whatever we wear must glorify the Lord. He wants our personality to radiate His glory, our minds to think His thoughts, our eyes to see as He sees, our hands to serve Him, our feet to run errands for Him, our mouth to speak His Word.

What is the implication of these? It means He owns us and we must love Him with all our hearts.

The earlier we recognise the ownership of the Lord over our lives the better for us. We will live a life of mediocrity if we do not recognise that Christ owns us. In all things we must ask to know the will of the Lord. Paul handed over his life to the Lord the very first day Christ met him. He realised that he must submit and surrender all to Him.

He was formerly in the habit of consulting self, but then, things changed. He used to be a proud person because of his academic credentials and social accomplishments. He was full of himself, conscious of his attainments in life. He bragged about everything, but when he surrendered his life to Christ, the Lord directed him to one of the brethren to test his humility.

Christ expects us to humble ourselves in all things and unto all men. We must respect, love one another, no matter our title, status or position. Christ frowns at us when we call Him Lord and fail to do His will. Let us behave in a manner as to show that we truly accept the Lordship of Christ. As a living sacrifice to the Lord we should be totally given unto Him.

The evidence of Christian virtue in our lives is completely yielding to Christ, our King; absolute surrender to the Lordship of Christ, unquestioning submission to His sovereignty. For such a Christian, indwelt and controlled by Christ, self-centredness is conquered; he is submissive to Christ in all areas of life. In the Church, in the home, at work, Jesus is Lord — Lord over everything in his/her life.

• Further Reading (King James Version): Romans 14:9; Philippians 2:11; Luke 2:10,11; Acts 5:30,31; Mark 2:5,9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; John 17:6,10; 1 Kings 20:4; Acts 9:6,17; John 13:13-17; Luke 6:46; 9:57-62; Luke 12:47,48; Romans 12:1,2.

Source

Consequences Of A leader's Influence – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
06 February 2022 | 3:55 am


The impact of leaders on their followers, the consequences of their lives and decisions are incalculable. The examples of Solomon, his son, and servant reveal the deadly influence of their leadership over a nation, periods of time and even leading into eternity.

Pastors, fathers and mothers are leaders whose lives will influence untold multitudes in the network of people in many generations and throughout eternity. Therefore, they must "be wise (and) shine as the brightness of the firmament; and … turn many to righteousness." However, those who turn many to unrighteousness shall suffer as fallen stars forever.

Leaders like Solomon, Rehoboam and Jeroboam each "cast down the truth to the ground," "departed out of the way," misinterpreted God's word, went into forbidden practices and destroyed the foundation of Israel. Solomon made the people to forget the Lord through his extravagant projects. The three kings made Israel to go astray from the path that the Lord had appointed. In their days, there was no restoration of any backslider. "They strengthen(ed) also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness." They were like a fountain of evil, which flowed to the rest of the nation. On the last day, they and all leaders who toe their path shall awake "to shame and everlasting contempt."

Solomon anticipated that his son would be a source of sorrow on earth and in eternity. "He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy." Solomon knew the life of his stubborn, sinful and rebellious son. He knew it was not compulsory for him to be the king. But he put him in the position not minding God's prescription for the quality of a person who would be the king. Rehoboam, unlike Solomon his father, was not grateful to God to be king over Israel. He was proud, pompous and foolishly inconsiderate. "And the king answered the people roughly."

If the heart is rough, the language will be rough; if the heart is not saved, cleansed and sanctified, the tongue will be untamed and terrible. Rehoboam said: "I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions." Thus, he lost the kingdom and everything David had laboured for to keep the nation united. Israel and their king became sinful and provoked the Lord.

Rehoboam passed his wickedness, idolatry, defilement, evil and depravity to Abijam, his son. Asa, his grandson, also continued in his steps. Though he was warned by a prophet to seek the Lord, he preferred to rely "on the king of Syria, and not … on the Lord;" therefore, judgment came on him. The succession of rebellious kings over Judah led to their eventual captivity. "And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So, Judah was carried away out of their land." Multitudes in Judah lost every opportunity of worship and sound relationship with God. Everything Solomon left behind was eventually destroyed and multitudes perished in their sin.

• Further Reading (King James Version): 1 Kings 12:1-3; Daniel 12:3; 8:10-12; Malachi 2:8,9; Isaiah 9:16; Jeremiah 18:15; 23:14,15; Daniel 12:2; 1 Kings 11:43; 12:12-17; 14:21,22; 15:1-3,8,9; 2 Chronicles 15:2; 16:2-4,7-10,13; 2 Kings 25:8-10,21; Proverbs 17:21,25; 19:13,26; 28:7; Ecclesiastes 2:18-20.

Source