from the pastor's desk

Rebellion; a cankerworm in the body of Christ

Dear friend,

The subject of rebellion dates back to the fall of Lucifer as described in the book of Isaiah chapter 14 where he fantasized about being like the Most High God. The Bible states that this once perfect being created by God was found with iniquity, and subsequently cast out of Heaven with a host of fallen angels who had joined in his rebellion. Rebellion spread to mankind through the sin of Adam in the garden of Eden after he chose to eat of the forbidden fruit in violation of the express command of God. Rebellion continues today, and sadly enough even in the body of Christ.

The book of 1 Samuel 15:23 declares For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from [being] king." This scripture underscores the seriousness of rebellion before God, in that He likens it to witchcraft and rejected Saul as King over Israel on account of this sin. As a reader of this newsletter have you been submissive and obedient to the authority God has placed over you in the local church? Do you acknowledge the authority God has placed over you in your place of work?  Are you living an exemplary life through obedience to God and human authority such that people are drawn to Jesus Christ through your unspoken testimony?

Rebellion is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the body of Christ and is limiting the move of the Holy Spirit. The remedy starts with each of us taking a deep and hard Spirit-led look at ourselves and repenting in sincerity before God, while asking for grace to walk in submission and obedience. It is my belief that a lot of wonderful blessings that are currently on hold, will be released to the body of Christ as a corporate entity and to us as individuals when we turn back to God in sincerity. May the Lord grant His children the grace to walk in obedience in these last days.

The church had a wonderful maiden praise and worship night organized by the Positive women’s ministry on October 4th, 2024. It was a night to be remembered for the intensity of the atmosphere and the palpable presence of the Spirit of God. If the Lord tarries, this marks the beginning of many such gatherings aimed at recognizing and honoring the Lord for His marvellous works in the lives of His people.

The church is looking forward to the annual Pastoral appreciation day on November 3, 2024 which will be combined with the launching of the Heavenly Banquet daily devotional for the year 2025. This is indeed an immense testimony given significant hinderances to meeting publication deadlines orchestrated by the enemy, albeit to no avail as our God showed Himself mighty once again. We give all the glory to God for His faithfulness in ensuring the publication of the 15th volume of this annual devotional.

The annual church thanksgiving celebration has been slated for November 24, 2024. This is our year of immense testimony as previously noted and there is a lot more to be thankful to God for considering how He has watched over His people until now. We owe Him our thanksgiving every day regardless of prevailing circumstances, but our upcoming celebration is an opportunity to express such appreciation in a corporate setting. We encourage our parishioners to plan ahead and give God a befitting gift as laid on your heart by His Spirit.

The November 2024 presidential election is fast approaching together with all the down-ballot races, and it is incumbent upon us as believers to pray for an outcome that will honor God and allow His will to prosper in this land, regardless of our political inclination. Our primary allegiance as Heavenly citizens is to God, and so we must pray that His will be done come November.

Lastly, each passing day brings us closer to the rapture of the church and so we must live soberly, watching and praying that we may be counted worthy to escape those things that are bound to come upon the earth shortly. We must share the good news of the salvation that is found in Jesus Christ alone with our neighbors, and love people generously because love will cover a multitude of sins.

May the Lord bless His people and present us blameless before His Father at His coming.Yours in His vineyard,

Michael Nwamoh
Senior Pastor