What is Happening in the Church? By Louis E Eke – Part 1

The above question is on the lips of so many children of God today.  Even nonbelievers, who have come to acknowledge that the body of Christ is associated with what the Lord Himself said of the Church, “You are the light of the world”, now wonder what is happening to the light, especially in the face of the numerous scandals and other hideous acts that are frequently reported as taking place in many churches.

UPCOMING : THE RESTORATION OF THE CHURCH - The Post-Pentecostal Order By Louis Eke

Louis Eke writes on this ground breaking book that will surely serve as a catalyst to the changing phase of our faith. So many areas were covered, many questions answered in a unique writing style that leaves no one in doubt as to the next destination of the church after the Pentecostal feast which many in the church are familiar with. The Church has so many things to learn from this book and is filled with unique insights. 
We recommend this book to all sojourners seeking transformation into the fullness of Christ. However, we are only taking excerpts from the book while the book itself is available for purchase.

The Origin and Meaning of The Church? By Isaac Arikawe – Part 1

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
“The true measure of a living church is not in setting denominational goals but in creating generational relevance.”

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.”

1Corinthians 12:15

The question, “What is church?” is one that every believer must have an accurate answer to. Sometimes the exact meaning of a word can be easily understood if it is traced to its root meaning in another language. The word “Church” is not originally an English word; it was only translated into English language from Greek. The Greek word for Church is “Ekklesia,” and the word also has two meanings: “Called out” and “Assembly.” The Roman government for example had their own Ekklesia, which always had the final say over every issue that could not be resolved by other parties. These assemblies were not religious establishments but they had the authority to approve and disapprove claims, proposals, ideas, policies, budget and other issues relating to welfare of the people of their kingdom.

UPCOMING: Isaac Arikawe writes on THE DEAD-LIVING CHURCH

We shall be featuring Isaac Arikawe's write up on the "Dead-Living Church" which promises to be an interesting read. Two opposite words used as a caption to describe the state of the Church and incidentally the title of his book. We shall feature excerpts from the book, however the book is available for purchase for those who might be interested.  

VIDEO : Michael W. Smith - A New Hallelujah (Featuring The African Children's Choir) (Live)

Enjoy this wonderful video and am sure you will be blessed.

AUDIO: Despising the shame - Part 2 by WOLE OLAKUNLE

This message of life moves a notch in tempo with its core emphasis still on the beginning and the end of the christian journey. kindly click on the play button and feed your soul with life. Central Scripture: Hebrews12 :1-2 
Please listen to this message and i am very sure it will bless you.

REPORT: “When the 7th Angel begins to sound” – Part 3

Pastor Ademola Akinyemi reasoned that failure to transit with God “automatically results in the loss of spiritual strength, sight and savvy”. That under such a condition, the believer “begins to experience luke-warmness, regression, and spiritual death. He averred that the time had come for Christians to leave behind the elementary things of faith and reach out for that which is ahead. “You must die to certain things when you move from one dimension of Christ to another’’. He added that for those who were truly migrating, such things as the onions, cucumber and delicacies of Egypt automatically became unattractive. This again raises the question on “how do you know who is migrating?”

Unraveling the fullness of Salvation within the feasts of the Lord - Douglas Arukwe - Part 3

                

   
                              THE FEAST OF PASSOVER

This feast holds special significance to Israel and the Church at large in that it is the beginning feast and a major connecting line to the final feast of tabernacles. It holds towering historical and spiritual interest to believers at large. It is a feast many have read about in scripture because of the fascinating story, but I dare say, the major spiritual import has not been fully comprehended by the Church. This foundation feast is more than a story; it is a spiritual reality which points to Christ. Unearthing its rich import lies with understanding the path that leads to the unveiling of Christ. The journey to the fullness of Christ begins with this feast.

The Second goat - Part 3

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (Hebrews 10:11)

Killing and Then Removing Sin

The new covenant attacks sin in three ways: by forgiving it, by killing it and finally by removing it. The removing of sin from the creation is one of the ultimate goals of the Christian redemption.

The grace of God in forgiving sin is so well understood there is no need to discuss it further. The forgiveness of sin is not the unique benefit of the new covenant because sin was already forgiven by the shedding of the blood of bulls and goats under the Law of Moses.

ESTABLISHING THE KINGDOM WITHIN by Demola Akinyemi

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself,saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 1KING 1:5


The Kingdom of God arrived on earth since the day Jesus step on Planet earth and all the moves of God since the time of John is to establish God’s kingdom in the hearts of men through the preaching of his word and the ministration of the spirit but the battle continues till date with the flesh seeking to forestall the establishment of the kingdom of God.

AUDIO: Despising the shame - Part 1 by WOLE OLAKUNLE

This message will help you understand the beginning and the end of christian journey, and how to navigate through the various obstacles that fills that pathway, especially the shame. kindly click on the play button and feed your soul with life. Central Scripture: Hebrews12 :1-2
Please listen to this message and i am very sure it will bless you.

Black Gospel Jazz - Holy is the lamb

Enjoy this gospel jazz in worship of the lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

I desire Jesus - Hillsong Live

Watch and enjoy this worship song. It is from Hillsong Live New Cornerstone DVD.

Another Gospel by Demola Akinyemi - Part 2

The riches, the glory and the truths of this Kingdom remain a mystery which shall be revealed to worthy seekers as it is written “ Seek ye the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all the benefits of the Kingdom( all other things) shall be released unto you without struggles”. It should be noted as said by apostle paul that this gospel of Christ will be preached not with the wisdom of man but by the demonstration of the spirit and wisdom of God.

The Second goat - Part 2

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

The authority structure of the universe is in disarray. Because of the rebellion of the hierarchy of the heavens God is establishing a new government and set of rulers over which His Son will reign supreme. As part of this far-reaching endeavor the Throne of God, which from ancient times has been in the heavens, is now in the process of being moved from the heavens to the hearts of the saints. In fact, man was created to be the eternal Throne of God. This is part of the general concept of the Incarnation of God.

REPORT: “When the 7th Angel begins to sound” – Part 2

Pastor Olakunle observed that “God expects perfection from us” and therefore no one was permitted to remain in the middle or beginning of the journey or phase with God. “For Christ Jesus” he said, was our Lord, mirror, and bench mark. “And He that descended is that same also that ascended up far above heavens, that He might fill all things”.

Ephesians 4:12 says “And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists and some pastors and some teachers.

Unraveling the fullness of Salvation within the feasts of the lord - Douglas Arukwe - Part 2

  “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Cor 10:1-11

  

RON KENOLY - The Lord be magnified

Watch and enjoy my favourite Ron Kenoly song with the African Children's Choir.

In 1984, in the midst of Uganda's bloody civil war, human rights activist Ray Barnett was called on to help the many thousands of orphaned and starving children, abandoned and helpless to feed and protect themselves. Realizing the enormity of the task Ray and his team came up with a unique approach. The only way to make a meaningful difference was to impact the lives of these children, one child at a time. "Inspired by the singing of one small boy, we formed the first African Children's Choir to show the world that Africa's most vulnerable children have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability." And so the story of the Choir's work began. 
In the early years they would tour principally in United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The proceeds of their tours and the sponsorship support they would  attract funded a growing program of establishing literacy schools to enable the very neediest children to get a foot up into proper education.

Another Gospel by Demola Akinyemi Part 1

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”. Matthew 24:14

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, {3:2} And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Mat 3: 1 &2

The gospel heralded by John the Baptist, preached by Jesus and handed over to apostles to preach to all nations is described as The gospel of the Kingdom. This gospel according to Jesus is the key to obtaining full salvation from sin and death with the ultimate power to release men into their liberty from the powers of the flesh, world and Satan.

This gospel will bring Sons to perfection and release creations from the bondage of corruption bringing in everlasting righteousness.

REPORT: “When the 7th Angel begins to sound” – Part 1

It was heaven on earth at Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria when on December, 2012, a stream of trumpets rent the air. The message was unambiguous, clear like crystals and delivered with pin-point precision.

“Move, move from where you are to the place God is waiting for you”. Pentecost is outdated, the cloud of glory has moved into the “feasts of Tabernacles”.

The trumpeters though differed in style and height but unified in purpose and pursuit. And as they combed the scriptures with illuminating and infectious simplicity, their passion to get the world back on the right track with God was easily revealed.  

Wait a moment; are you really conversant with the time we are in? Do you know where you are located right now in God’s calendar for the earth?

The second goat - Part 1

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 
                                                                          - Leviticus 16:20,21

God has promised to make an end of sin and to bring in everlasting righteousness. How He will accomplish this is portrayed in the activities of the Jewish Day of Atonement. Two goats were employed in this observance. First, an atonement was made for sin, using the blood of the first goat. Then there was a ceremony that portrayed the removal of the presence of sin from the camp. The ceremony of removal involved the second goat.

The perfect atonement for sin was made on the cross of Calvary. Any human being can have his or her sins forgiven by receiving the atonement made through the blood of Christ on the cross. Thus the guilt of sin has been taken care of completely.

Unraveling the fullness of Salvation within the feasts of the Lord - Douglas Arukwe - Part 1

 The plan of man’s redemption and coming into the fullness of God’s glory is foreshadowed in the seven feasts of the lord.

 “Any serious study of Bible prophecy should begin with the feast days of Israel that are found in the law. The feast days provide us with the basic outline of the plan of God of salvation for the individual, as well as an outline of God's plan (as Paul states) to "put all things under His feet." 
            Stephen Jones

Every move of God in all dispensations and progressions in Christian journey are symbolized in the feasts of Jehovah. Every move of God is a joyful sound and the Psalmist in his Psalms 89:15 indicates that the joyful sound is symbolized by the feasts and those who have the knowledge and understanding of the sound will walk in the light of God’s countenance; in other words, they will follow the trail of that sound till they arrive at the place of the fullness of God’s glory; where their measure will correspond to the full stature of Christ. So the feasts of Jehovah are roadmap to our eternal predestination in Christ.

Scenes from the 4-7 Seminar, Dec 2012.

More pictures after the cut.

A STEP HIGHER - Part 3

    THE SEVEN FEASTS OF ISRAEL - Part 2
Lev 23:1-44

If the church continually focuses only on the literal forms of scriptural appearance, it will only settle for the secondary expression and not the primary intent. The symbolic code unveils the Most holy place as the ministry of the cherubim is at work to drive out intruders. The so called end times or Divine conclusion can not be located with three or four scriptures but to understand the divine theme of the entire Bible. How the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed and how the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. Both testaments speak the same thing. They build up on one another. Divine confirmation must run through both. The divine intent are cased and concealed in the two so that they both agree and bring confirmation to hidden prophecy. The theme builds itself together through the intricate weaving of The Spirit progressively from the first Book Genesis until we arrive at the final book Revelation which contains the key to the final puzzle. No wonder it is the most difficult to understand. The whole divine project is to bring the restored man back to the garden to be filled completely with the glory earlier lost. We call it re-genesis that is bringing man back to the garden. Let’s bear in mind that the Cherubim was given the assignment to keep the fallen man away from the garden so as not to eat the tree of life in his fallen nature

Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

This ministry is still at work till date. The veiling of scriptures is to drive away intruders with heavy, difficult-to-understand symbols. So only those who are able to decode the symbols can unveil the divine intent. This is given to disciples.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (Matthew 13:9-17)

The feasts are as follows:

Feast of Passover – Lev 23: 5, Exodus 12: 3 – 14
Feast of Unleavened bread – Lev 23: 6 – 9
Feast of Firstfruits – Lev 23: 10 – 14
Feast of Pentecost or Weeks – Lev 23: 15 – 22
Feast of Trumpet – Lev 23: 23 – 25
The day of Atonement – Lev 23: 26 – 32
Feast of Tabernacles or The in-gathering – Lev 23: 33 – 44

  A STEP HIGHER - Part 3


There is division of labour in God’s kingdom; our duty is to seek His kingdom while His duty is to add those relevant needs to us. Therefore, we are doing God’s work when we focus our attention on addition, which is His duty. We should rather seek His kingdom passionately with all our heart and soul.


In the Tabernacle of Moses, the Outer Court has the Brazen Altar, where the animals are sacrificed. This typifies “meat” and the Brazen Laver, where the Priests wash themselves after performing the sacrifice also typifies “drink. Apostle Paul made it clear in Rom 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Outer Court ministry emphasizes the gospel of “meat and drink” or the “people’s need gospel” On the other hand, the Kingdom life is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost and this journey begins at the Holy Place.

THE THREE FOLD PATTERN       

      

                                                             

Egypt	Wilderness	Canaan
Outer court	Holy place	Most holy
Carnal man	Spiritual man	Fullness of Christ man or Divine man.
30fold	60fold	100 fold
Spirit	Soul	Body
Passover	Pentecost	Tabernacles

    
   Meat and drink gospel is not at variance with the perfection of the saints and it indicates an Outer Court activity which can only produce carnal men. That is why today, the Church is riddled with carnal activity which carries no spiritual bent. Praise and worship has sunk to an all time low. The Spirit realm is barely triggered anymore. Some of our best singers are on the way to feature in one reality show or the other to gain worldly trophies. The world ingeniously has created trap points to lure unsuspecting gifted folks in the church through all these, the more you look, the less you see vanity shows. The Church is having problem handling the issues of sin. Immorality is at its behest. Until we change our gospel it can only get worse. The Lord is moving. The ministry of the Holy Place is where the journey towards divine fullness begins. This court is where the spiritual man will be produced. The Pentecostal church believers “ought” to be here. But when we enter into the popular, crowd pulling, CD / DVD selling, money producing meat and drink gospel, we bring them back to the Outer Court instead of continuous kingdom education that will eventually produce the man of fullness in the image of Christ, who receives his nature (divine) from the Father. This is the only answer to the issue of sin. Until we do this, we shall continually waste time going round the wilderness, sending many to death, while God awaits the Joshua-Caleb company that will enter into Canaan, a type of the Most Holy, a type of the man of fullness, complete with the divine nature, who conquers the nature of sin.

Israel, a type of the Church moved from Egypt to Canaan led by the cloud of glory. They moved from one point of glory to another. Their own physical journey is the equivalent of our own spiritual journey. We are moving from the Outer court to the Most Holy, from our Egypt (the world) to our Canaan (the fullness of Christ). This is what the Holy Spirit has come to do, to move us from one level of glory to another. Let us move away from this populist outer court ministration of meat and drink. Let us draw our light from the Golden Candlestick meaning complete revelation, feeding from the Table of Shewbread referred to as “the bread of His presence” and our lives becoming a sweet fragrance (Golden Altar) that ministers through the veil to God, the Father of light who dwells in the Most Holy. God is calling us. Let us jettison the popular consumerist gospel for the kingdom gospel. Let us stop measuring church by population, money, branches and building, for none of these are true divine measurement.

“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. Rev 11:1

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.” Rev 11:2

The court that is without temple is the Outer Court. It carries no reward. The Gospel of the kingdom is the only gospel that carries the true dynamics of transformation. The Gospel of the kingdom is not necessarily about the numerical increase of souls into the kingdom (although this is expected) but rather the life of Christ increasing within us. Remember the kingdom of God is within us. When the life of Christ grows steadily within, the kingdom expands. Those around us are aroused as the fragrance from this Christ like life automatically draws them to Christ.

We cannot change the world if we refuse to change. The world changes as we change. Genuine salvation is increasingly becoming difficult, because we are not genuine in this transformation pursuit. The hope of our salvation is the fullness of Christ. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:12

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” Eph 4:13

Our faith has a destination “Till we all come …” which is our internal transformation into Christ’s fullness, “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” Eph 4:13

As this kingdom life grows within us, it becomes visible to those around us as a sweet smelling Christ like character, which forces every knee to bow in worship. “Matt 5:16 let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Then we become epistles to men. 2 Cor 3:2 Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men;” The Lord has His plumb line. Our work is being measured. Let us not labour in vain. Let us not bring forth for trouble. “They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; “(Isa 65:23)

The work that will be consumed by fire is this meat and drink construction. Let us live a surrendered life trusting in God to supply the relevant meat and drink that is needful for us and within the confine of His will for us. Let Him add to us what is needful for us. Not to waste time seeking what is not lost nor needful.

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1Co 13:11

Let us put away childish things. Let us do God's will no matter the cost to us. It is only the kingdom that can change lives, neighborhood and our nation. Jesus said the kingdom of God is within us. (Luke 17:20-21)It carries the nature and attribute of God. Change is first within before it assumes an external dimension. If the Outer Court will be given to the Gentiles, we cannot change anybody here. It is difficult to change a man on the same level with you, but from the Holy Place, it is far easier to change lives resident at the Outer Court.

As we consider the issue of this great, personal transition, it will become increasingly difficult to locate the true men of God in our midst. Outward appearance will no longer do, because the anti-Christs in our midst will have it aplenty. Church size, attractive ministry name, ministerial titles, educational qualification, material wealth, Television presence, dressing and other carnal yardstick will become increasingly deceptive. Only by the Spirit shall we be able to track the genuine in our midst, looking diligently for fruits than gifts.

“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2Co 5:16

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt 7:20

Let us pay the price of transition no matter the cost this may bring. We may displease men, but we will please God. Study about the kingdom, pray for insights and ask God to link you with those who can assist in that process.

“He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” Mat 26:42

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.” Luk 22:42

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” John 4:34

“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” Heb 10:5-7

In this world, we live purely for His will alone. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Mat 6:10


Wole Olakunle 
(This is the concluding part of this message.)

   

Coming up

4-7 SEMINAR, 2011 - The Gospel of the Kingdom
Make plans to attend.

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