Shall we pray or shall we sing songs? – An urgent call to the Church for Revival Praying

By

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15 April, 2020

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

I Ogba Victor, a servant of the Christ unto those who have been elected to inherit eternal life by faith and through grace made available to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Brethren, time is short. We must pay diligence to the message of the Spirit of God. Although no one knows the times of God, but ever since the cross was raised, the lord has continually harvested souls unto life.

Now shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

What are songs of praise? Songs of Praise are uttered words with which Christians express our respect and gratitude towards God. Our way of expressing warm approval or admiration of His Majesty and anything we can think of that concerns Him and his works. Christians praise God by remembering his deeds, and with lifted hands, sing songs and utter words that magnify God.
God who is a spirit eats nothing but praises and his Spirit delights in praise songs coming from holy and righteous men and women. This is true. AMEN.
The theories attached to praises or worship songs goes as far back as the early histories of the world. It is believed that Angles were created to continually sing praise songs unto God day in and day out. Even from Israel’s magnanimous history we have seen God move in powerful ways when only praises were sung like the case of the walls of Jericho. The power of songs of praise cannot be over emphasized.

What is prayer? To a simple man prayer is talking to God or communicating with God. This definition doesn’t do justice to all that prayer is. One may pray without channeling the uttered words to God but directly at the problem or situation. One may pray, commanding demons to move and it is not channeled unto God. Yes! There are prophetic prayers, and other prayers. But all prayers are done in the name of Jesus; Amen!

Prayer is a spiritual exercise in which God has called all Christians to. An exercise aimed at implementing a spiritual or physical change of state and it is done by uttering words with the mouth or with the heart unto God or directly at the thing we want to change. Prayer is as vast as God according to LEONARD RAVENHILL.

God desires that men sing songs of praises to him. God also desires that men pray to him and pray for others. Did you read that carefully? In service unto God we sing praises to him alone, but we pray to God and also pray for men. We cannot praise God on behalf of others but we can pray to God on behalf of others. We cannot sing people into salvation; but we can pray for them to be saved. We cannot directly harm the devil in praises. God Himself will fight our battles. But for he who prays, God fights for by faith and himself fights the devil and makes Hades mourn. Prayer is therefore like a multi edged sword. It can do unimaginable things.

Over the years the so called worshipers, praise makers, song singers, praise leaders have grown in numbers in our churches. Do you know how many self-acclaimed, self-tagged worshipers and praise leaders are on Facebook alone? Too many.

There are worship and praise songs popping up every day from the church and from Christians. The market is full of songs that glorify God. When you go to market to buy songs, you may end up wasting your time checking out thousands of songs unless you have a target. English, foreign, local, contemporary, soulful, dance, there is nothing you are looking for in praise or worship songs that have not been sung and produced over the years. Evidently, despite we have been feeding God in and out, left and right, front and back with songs, worship, praises, the Church grows cold, weak, lukewarm and less effective to change lives day by day. What a sad truth!

Many Church member come with problems to the house of God, they sing songs and dance unto God but still go home with their troubles as if our God has changed or loves when we suffer. Oh! Many cry, shed tears, jump, dance, fall, lift hands and all that stuff we do whenever it is worship or praise time but they still do not know what it means be free and many remains under the devils yoke. The reason is that, songs melt the heart and uplift the soul but it doesn’t change the condition of the man’s soul, spirit or body unless God decides to move.

The theory that Praises move God to act or fight our battles is partially true. This theory is gotten form Joshua chapter 6 during the fall of Jericho as the children of Israel praised God. It is also gotten form 2 Chronicles 20 during the battle of King Jehoshaphat against Moab and Ammon. Now notice the untold real truth about this passages that you may apply wisdom. God sent Joshua to destroy Jericho. Joshua went to fight and saw that the walls of Jericho were too high. They were not witches that could fly and they became helpless to themselves and then Joshua prayed to God and then God told him to praise and make noise of victory instead for the impenetrable wall to fall.
Brethren we must apply wisdom here. God did not tell Joshua to stay at home or go to the church and sing songs of praise while Himself destroys Jericho. He rather sent Joshua to fight and make war. Of course God can do it all by himself. The same way God can fight all our battles and hand us victory on a platter, but no! He wants, and has commanded us to pray, battle and make war.
Also we can observe that when Joshua saw an obstacle he couldn’t surmount he went back to God in prayers, It was God who knew they were at that point helpless, and they needed a miraculous and divine response, who then commanded that Israel sing songs and make shouts rather for the walls to come down. If it was in our time, even battles below us which we can conquer, we will shift it to God in praises. Even when God has not commanded us to sing songs we enter into worship with tears hoping for God’s to come and fight for us. Even many can no more pray to consult God how to fight the battle we face, how to grow the church, how to bring revival. What a time we live in.
After the walls of Jericho was brought down by God, God did not fight Jericho while Joshua waited. For God had only removed the obstacle Joshua couldn’t surmount and then the great Judge of Israel overcame Jericho by his sword as the Lord has ordered.

Download Victory in the Storm.mp3

Same case could be said of the battle of Jehoshaphat. The king faced more than his army can handle then he went to God in prayers and God commanded praises and songs instead. Christians of our time will skip the consultation prayer. They will raise up holy hands and sing with tears and groan for their troubles to go but they go home and remain the same if not worse.

By the grace of God we are living in more powerful and glorious days than Joshua and Jehoshaphat. We have been given the power of God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit to take up battles and gain our victory. We now have divine mandate form Jesus himself who divided the veil to come to him in prayers and ask. We have the name of Jesus that works wonders. For he that is born of God overcomes the world says the scriptures. So we are inexcusable to pray and take our victory through prayers. Therefore God may continue to look at us all through our troubles until we start fighting the fight he sent us to fight. He may continue to remain unperturbed by our tears until we start to take our victory by power. For men ought to pray Jesus said.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the commandment of your God,I also will forget your children.
Hosea 4:5

What we need in these turbulent times is true and genuine prayers more than songs of praise. We need fire fighters who go to the devils domain to free lost souls through genuine intercessions. Praying warriors who pray in the power of the Holy Ghost is what the church lacks and what the church needs.

Jesus retreated and prayed often. He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. If there ever was anyone who shouldn’t fast or pray that long it was Jesus. What was he praying for that he had to do 40 days fasting? God was ready to hear him already, but he was on his knees for 40 days praying. Whereas many who claim to be His children can’t pray for a single hour.
The only recorded miracle Jesus did with praise, in a better way ‘prayer of praise’ was the raising of Lazarus. But the prophetic utterance in the prayer “Lazarus come forth” should not be overlooked. Other miracles were done through prophetic prayer or proclamation. And then he said to us “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven”. Matthew 18:18

Why then do Christians sing praises waiting for miracle to happen when God has commanded us to implement those miracles in prayer? Why do we sing songs waiting for the devils to be bound when the command was for us to bind him? Why do we sing songs of gladness when sinners are perishing instead of rending our hearts for their salvation? Why do we sing songs of gladness unto God when the churches are wallowing in sleep and falling into darkness when we should arise and command the chains of darkness to be broken? Why do we continue to sing when Hades is prevailing against the church? Instead of the church to watch in prayers, praying for souls, praying for ourselves, praying for others, praying for the church, praying to attain eternal life we would rather sing songs and dance to unto God. Praises are good anyway, but when we neglect the more important things we only make caricature of our good songs and praises.

Have you seen Ephesians 6:10-18? As part of the armour of God and the overall summary of that armoury of a Christian, the preacher said “..And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests”. Now shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

Finally brethren, songs are beautiful and lovely to sing unto God. God loves worship and praises from men of pure heart. It gladdens him. But no father loves a child who doesn’t grow to potential.
We are gods and have to take the god mandate and work powerful things as gods. If we pray power and praise power, we will shatter powerful spirits, Even the Spirit of God will be shattered in love by the glorious songs coming from his boys of war. Imagine an army brigade who were defeated in battle by the enemies coming home with songs of praises and victory when in truth victory was for the enemy. The commander will be abased and disappointed that he was not represented well.
But if they are victorious over the enemy and come home with soulful booties for the commander and they sing and shout songs of victory and praises, the commander will be pleased with them.

Now, shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

America needs revival. Shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

The Church needs revival. Shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

Nigeria needs change. Shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

Christianity is deepening in darkness and Hades is happy. Shall we pray or shall we sing songs.

Members of the churches wallow in one severe life pain or the other. Shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

Sinners are lavishing in sin and trooping Hades. Shall we the church pray or shall we sing songs?

CHURCH OF GOD, shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

True greatness in the sight of God (The Church)

By

Ogba Victor

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27 March, 2020

0

…..and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it
Matthew 16:18

I Ogba Victor, a servant to churches through the Spirit of Grace.

Having already published greatness in Gods sight for the Christian and the minister, I hereby write to the churches of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. For it is he who has founded the church and upon his foundation we build as wise builders.

Read: Greatness in God’s sight-(The Minister)

Read: Greatness in God’s sight – (The Christian)

I would not explain the meaning of greatness again having explained what greatness is in the Greatness in Gods sight series. I would however not fail to remind my readers that greatness in God’s sight is far different from greatness in the eyes of men. For the scripture says that the ways of God are not the ways of men.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts”
Isaiah 55 vs. 8-9

What is the Church?

Church is gotten from the Greek word Ecclesia meaning ‘the called out ones’. The Church therefore is the body of the called out people of God who represent Christ in the world. The church is the union of individuals who have been called to eternal life by God through faith in Jesus.
The origin of the word explains why the Church is not the building where Christians worship but the people who worship in the Church building.

The irony

If you google or use any of the Search engines to lookup the phrase ‘great church, you will come to see the great irony. What is that irony? The irony is that the world of men defines great churches as magnificent buildings. Great churches are seen as great monumental edifices built for worship. And then we will see churches with mega fellowship and mega membership. You will see some of the churches owned by mega pastors and bishops. And then you will see some of the churches with mega rich members who can generate millions of hard currency in a single church service. These things are how the world, human, people, the internet, and sadly, the modern day Christians see a great Christian church. When men see these thing they say “the church is doing well”.

Therefore it pleases the Spirit of Christ who writes through me a mere dust and a servant of the Church to tell those called unto eternal life and more strictly the Elect of God that there is more to the greatness of a church. The greatness of a Church in God’s sight is far deeper and far higher than man thinks. And it is not in the precious edifices and building, it is not in the mega fellowship members, neither is it in the quality of revenue the members can generate in just a single gathering. Greatness of the church is not found in the well know church leader or pastor. In other words the social status of the Pastor in no way justifies a great church. It is not in the number of branches the church has. The social prowess and name of the church means absolute nothing when God spells the greatness of his church.
These things are good, they are plausible, they are commendable and worth praising God for. However, the matter so little if we understand God’s word.

The following are some outstanding prerequisites for the greatness of a Church.

Holiness

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Timothy 2:19

Holiness they say, is the beauty of believers. The scripture above is a direct command to the church. Its implication is that the Lord of the church knows those who are true worshipers and that they do not abide in iniquity. A holy church is like a precious perfume before God. A holy church doesn’t compromise with iniquity and sinners. A holy church does not tolerate sin from any member or pastor. A holy church doesn’t dwell in quarrels and malice. Such a church uses the Holy Scripture and it’s commandments as guide and not man made dogma.

Prayer

A praying Church is Gods own military. If we can come to terms with how much respect and honour is given to the Army and their generals by a country, then we will understand how much God values and honours a church on fire in prayers. A praying Church is not a church that is selfish in prayers. A praying church must pray all forms of prayers and intercessions. A praying church is normally too hot to handle by the powers of darkness and that church experiences the power of God like none other.

Charity and love

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world
James 1:27

There is no church that ignores the weak, hungry, orphans and helpless widows that will attain Gods mark on righteousness not to talk of greatness. God wants the church to take care of the weak and feeble in the society especially those who are there in the house of God.

Evangelism and Missions :

The zeal of Christ for man is shown in missions and evangelism. A Church that is serious in missions work is like Gods fishing net. Now we now that the net is the fisherman’s most priceless tool; that is how priceless a missions minded Church is to God. Praises makes God happy, prayers move mountains but soul wining gives God fullness of Joy. As it is written in Luke 15:7- I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

A servant Church

If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others – Matthew 20:26. The words of Jesus is true at all times even for the body of Christ – the Church. If a church desires to be greater than others, if a church wants to be closer to God than others, if a church wants God to display his power among them than others, that church must be a servant Church.
The church must serve Lord, serve the other churches and Christians, and also serve humanity in line with God’s word. The Church must serve the lord by rendering direct services to him and doing his works. They ought to render services to other churches and Christians in true supplication and intercession. They must serve in prayers; the men of God and ministers both those who pastor them and others who are doing God’s work. They must pray earnestly that the work of God will go on and that God will continue to showcase his power throughout his kingdom on earth. Also they ought to serve other churches by helping weaker church stand on their feet by sending missionaries and evangelists to help expand God’s work. There is greatness in this. Oh yes!! In all my years of following Christ, if there’s anything I’ve learnt about service, it is, that there is greatness in being a servant in the work of God.

The presence of the Holy Ghost

The presence of the Holy Spirit is everything a church needs to meet God’s mark on righteousness and consequently, greatness. For without the Great Spirit of God whom I fear exceedingly, no church can be holy, prayerful, faithful or committed to Gods work. If the spirit of God is in a church, they have 0.9 probability to achieve greatness. For He shall quicken their mortal bodies, purify and sanctify them and even remind them the things I write in these articles of greatness. Just as no man who does not have the Spirit of God truly belongs to God that is how no church without the Holy Ghost’s presence truly belongs to God. The Holy Spirit is the antidote for sinful passions and darkness that is ravaging mankind and many church goers. I pray the lord opens our eyes to the mysteries concerning the Holy Ghost. The prayers and service of a church is more effective if the Spirit of God is present among them. For they will pray and serve in power and might of God.

Download Victory in the Storm.mp3

Summarily, true greatness confirmed for a church no matter the size of building or membership is if the spirit of the Lord is ever present among them. Brotherly love and fellowship has to exist among them and there should be found no darkness and dark works in and among them but the works of light and love. The church must focus on total holiness preaching and shun sin without compromise and hypocrisy. A righteous servant church must never stops praying fervent and true prayers unto God for the churches, ministers and the lost world. The church of love does not forget to help the poor especially those in the house of God. The church must be involved in missions and soul winning. And lastly a church full of faith. For without faith it is impossible to please God says the Holy books.

Finally brethren, put on the whole armour of God as individuals and as the body of Christ for that is the desire of the Lord. Each Christian church must strive to achieve greatness in these days which the spirit of God is zealous to awaken His church in power. Let us not be lackluster or lukewarm but let us be men of the Spirit that we may not be spit out and our names be blotted out.
May the God of peace give us grace in Jesus’ name; Amen.

Do not boast in yourself for you are mere dust

By

Ogba Victor

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22 March, 2020

0

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. “
Genesis 2 vs 7

“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”
Genesis 3 vs 19

“Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. “
Jeremiah 9 vs 23 &24

What is the definition of boast?

Cambridge dictionary defines boast as: to speak too proudly or happily about what you have done or what you own.
Rev. Dr. Ogba Onyeije defines boasting as speaking or acting proudly of who you are, your possessions, achievements and what you will do without recognizing God.

We live in a world where there are many boasting and boasters. Some great nations boasts of their military might and their buoyant economies. Some rich people boasts of their riches and wealth. Some educated men and women boasts of their education. Some talented people boast of their talents. Some beautiful women and handsome men boast of their beauty and handsomeness. Some athletes boast of their athleticism. Some powerful men and women boasts of their power and some successful people boasts of their successes.

Whoever you are, whatever you are, whatsoever you think you may have achieved, the Lord says- “stop boasting for you are mere dust and will return to dust”.

In the book of Genesis the bible says that God formed man out of the ground and molded man out of the dust of the earth. The bible says that God breathed into man and man became living soul. After man had sinned against God by eating the forbidden fruit, man was cursed in Genesis 3:19. God said to man – “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”

In Jeremiah as quoted above, the Lord says: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches”. To this I will add:
Let not the beautiful and handsome women and men boast of their good looks.
Let not the successful people boast of their successes.
Let not anointed man of God boast of his anointing and grace.
let not the great achievers boast about their achievement.
Let no man boast of anything because man is nothing but dust. The Lord says “if any man has any reason to boast Let it be that he understands and knows God. Let it be that he has relationship with God. Let it be that he is a servant of God. Let it be that he understands the love, kindness and righteousness of God.

May we reference some historic boasters whom God replied after foolish pride and boasting

Pharaoh Ramesses II.

He was the third Pharoah of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. He is often regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful Pharaoh of the New Kingdom. In Exodus 5:2 Pharaoh Ramesses said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.”
When Pharaoh made this statement, God’s wrought was kindled. God decided to harden Pharaohs heart all through the Plagues of Egypt until his own Son- the heir to his throne was killed with the other first sons of Egypt. God wasn’t satisfied. He continued to harden Pharaohs heart and the King pursued the Israelites to his death and that of his military in the Red sea. It wasn’t until 1881 that his mummy was discovered in an ordinary wooden coffin. Pharoah Remesses asked who the Lord is and the Lord replied him till the His identity wasn’t questionable.

Download Victory in the Storm.mp3

King Nebucadeneer

Daniel 4 :30 The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”.

After the king said the above, God replied him through Daniel saying “They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.”

And so it took Seven years living and learning as an animal in the forest University for King Nebuchadnezzar to learn that man should not boast.

King Herod

Acts 12 …22 “And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.”Herod, when praised, should have ascribed it unto God alone. Instead he actingly received God’s praise and he paid with his life. History tells us of his quote before he died. For he was quoted to be full of regrets and acknowledgement of his mortality and frailty.

Edward John Smith – Captain of Titanic.

After the great Titanic ship was built and ready for first voyage, Captain Edward was asked how safe the Giant Titanic ship was. He boastfully replied “Even God cannot sink the ship”. Unfortunately in that first trip, God replied him. The ship sank and the Captain died.

Tancredo Neves (Former President of Brazil)

During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency. Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.

Deontay Wilder

Wilder is particularly known for his formidable punching power, having knocked out every opponent he has faced, except Tyson Fury. His knockout-to-win ratio stands at 98%, with 20 knockouts in the first round. Before his 2020 rematch with Tyson, Wilder who had lost no professional bout before that time said “..Even God cannot help Fury this time.” That was it!! He presented God the perfect opportunity to show him that he was nothing but dust given strength, life and wisdom to excel. He got outclassed and knocked out. His unbeaten run was over. God gave him a bitter lesson that He (God) rules the universe, and even though He remains unseen no one can do without him.

Brethren, the skilled doctor, the perfect artisan, the master of craft and engineering were all given wisdom and understanding by God. Even the intelligent Guru who has refused to follow God was given his intelligence by God. The life we live in which we make one achievement or another belongs to God. If so, why should men boast? Why should men talk as if they have achieved without God.

Men must repent of all boastings and turn a humble state unto the glorification of the unseen God. The God of Israel who became visible through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Ogba Victor, a servant to the Churches do admonish all believers with the word of the Lord and if the unbeliever cares to hear; the Lord God Almighty awaits all praises and worship. We must not give in to foolish pride or boasting. For if we boast, let it be that we know God and his son Jesus Christ. Amen!

Greatness in God’s sight- (The minister)

By

Ogba Victor

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22 March, 2020

2

“Text For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Luke 7 vs 23

I, Ogba Victor – a called servant of Christ through the Spirit of God unto the Church washed in blood.

I once was trying to figure out how John the Baptist was the greatest prophet ever before the coming of our Lord and Saviour – Jesus Christ. I am also very sure many still ask that question. However, after this article, you will come to light with what true greatness is; and then you and I will appreciate the great man who baptized our lord. Amen

Who was John? John was a minister of God. Yes! For in the fivefold ministerial gifts, John was called as a Prophet to Israel. A prophet and a forerunner to the Lord. What did John wear as clothing? – Nothing to boast of compared to our time. What was the size of his ministry? – Negligible. What did he preach? – Only but repentance and baptism. How many miracles were recorded for him? – None. What was the size of his pocket and net worth? Very much negligible. But how great was he compared to Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, the Major and the Minor prophets? – The Greatest!!

We live a perverse world working against God, his ways, his truths and his plans. For the ways of the world negates the ways of God says the Bible. It therefore pleases the Spirit of Jesus for whom I was called to serve to make His churches know what greatness to God is like; even unto ministers of God.

In our Churches today, if many were told to name great men of God, they’ll mostly start from those who have mustered big churches. I take nothing from them that have mustered great worship centers; but great worship centers does not define great men of God and we will see that soon. Many will call out the renowned Christian writers with books read all over the world. Many will name big fat-pocket international men of God, and those who can pull a large crowd with name and popularity. Some define great men of God by how well and eloquent they can preach, and others by how long they can last during sermons. Others will base the greatness of ministers on their TV ratings and viewership.

Now, let us look at our dear great John and what his ministry was like.
1. John had no mega church.
2. He had no mega followers and the size of his ministry before men was very much negligible.
3. He had no properties, houses or anything to be proud of.
4. Had no record of miracles.
5. And even the days of his ministry were shortened.
But somehow, to this desert man Jesus said “this is the greatest Prophet since Adam to now (BC)”.

Looking into John’s life we can learn Gods view on true greatness. For God doesn’t measure greatness the way we men see and measure. Greatness in the sight of God is not in the longevity of years in the ministry. True greatness of a man of God or a minister of Christ is not in the size of his congregation. It is not in his great assets, fat-pocket, properties, monumental worship centers built and pastored or still pastoring, the number of pulpits ministered on. Traveling to countries, preaching Jesus is good but it doesn’t define a great servant of Christ. How popular a man of God is and the crowd he pulls is good but might not define greatness before God.

Herein is true greatness for a man of God. When he recognizes his calling and ministry, lives it, works it, fulfills it according to the will and plan of God with all sincerity, humility, soberness, and without any form of compromise in service to the God, to the church and to humanity. All this he does in the power of Holy Ghost and with presence of God strong in his ministry. Such a minister has a shot at greatness.
Herein is a true great minister of God – A minister who recognizes that ministry is not given for self-edification and glorification. He understands that ministry is a call to serve; service to the sheep, the church and the Master. The Ministry is for the sheep, the edifying grace is for the church and the glory belongs to God. The reward of such minister is in heaven so he labours hard in service.

We must remember that when John was told that Jesus was baptizing people; this report was probably given by those who had wanted him to become annoyed that another was stealing his ministry, his messages, his potential followers and members. He disappointingly replied them, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Often have I prayed to the Lord to give me a heart like John. John was a man who recognized his master. His understanding about ministry was top notch. His understanding that himself must go down and his master must excel over him was excellent. He wasn’t after popularity or name that would cause him to ditch the name of He who he was working for. The ministry was not for him to be edified and glorified but that He who owns the sheep must be glorified by his sheep. John in our own time would probably remain the second greatest to Jesus our King.

I have seen a man of God warn that no one should preach his message. John would disagree with this. John would say just like Paul “Let the kingdom of my master be raised. Let Jesus be preached to his church and let his name be lifted even if my message is audiocopied by another. For all that matters is that Jesus is preached”. A man like John would never do anything that will affect and cause the sheep to derail from He who owns the sheep. John was a typical Jordan boy: boys who have sold pride and self for the work they were called to. Proud people do not go to Jordan and this is why Captain Naaman (2 Kings 5) at first rejected to bath in Jordan. Men still savaged by self who haven’t sold their souls totally to God and their ministerial task does not belong to Jordan. In John was found everything God required from a great minister of God.

Download Victory in the Storm.mp3

One day I asked a man who was greater between Late Reinhard Bonke and some of our so called ‘great’ mega church pastors with mega establishments. Well, if you answer this question correctly and honestly, you should be a judge in this matter. I in no way imply that great men don’t build and muster great and mega churches. But my message says that those things for which we see and allocate greatness are the least things God looks at when he judges greatness. It is possible that true great men have these things by which the world defines greatness, however those things are far from why they are great men in the sight of God.

Finally, we must listen to the Spirit of Jesus Christ. For he who lacks wisdom and grace for these things must ask form God who gives to all men.
Remember to admonish one another in these truth, it shows our true son-ship in Christ. May the God of peace and light keep us from falling till he returns in Glory. Amen!!!

True greatness in sight of God – (The Christian)

By

Ogba Victor

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7 December, 2019

3

” When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant “
Matthew 20:24-26

What does it mean to achieve greatness?

According to dictionary, To achieve greatness means to reach state of eminence, distinction and superiority. I myself define it as to achieve a visible superior state among others in a particular field of life.

In other words, there are kings but there are greats who have made great and distinctive impact. There are physicians but there great physicians who have been confirmed to be superior in that field. There are athletes everywhere but there are great outstanding athletes. Yes! The ‘outstanding’ word is perfect but greatness is beyond mere standing out. For great people do great things.

In the church of the living God, greatness is achievable. Among Christians greatness is feasible. To be outstanding in the race to eternal life and service to God is possible. However if the ways of God are not exactly the ways of men; what then is greatness in Gods own perspective.

In Mathew 20:26, the disciples- John and James became desperate to be outstanding. They hungered to be called great among their brethren and to sit on his right and left throne-side in glory. So they met with the Lord and requested for the glorious opportunity to sit beside the throne of the master. When the other disciples heard this, they became indignant. Then Jesus saw their reaction to the situation and gave them a shocking hidden truth. A truth human wisdom may not comprehend, but we already know that the ways of God are not the ways of man. For the foolishness of God far exceeds the wisdom of men says the bible. Jesus told them- “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant”.

Jesus dropped a bombshell on their ambitious discipleship. Who the heck wants to be a servant of others? Everyone wants to be enthroned. Everyone loves and wants to be at the top. In the order of humanity great people are not servants, they are the masters and leaders of others. They are revered and made like kings. However the disciples saw that reply, it remains the Lord’s standard for achieving greatness in the Christian race. Hallelujah!

In other words Christianity is a call to serve. A call to serve God, a call to serve the Church of God and a call to serve humanity. And that man who has excelled in service in these 3 aspects in Christianity has a shot at greatness.

At this juncture I want to point out that greatness is far from just doing more than others. For you to be a true great you have to be greatly outstanding. In Christianity, one has to serve in honesty, humility, soberness, without pride, and with all zeal to please God. With so many functions and areas where a man can serve in the church of God, an outstanding servant in his duty may end up an outstanding deacon, an excellent pastor, an outstanding evangelist, an outstanding teacher, a superior chorister and so on. But, we all can’t be deacons, pastors, choristers and all that. The man who serves in these capacities must acknowledge that he is a servant and is serving God, the church and humanity.

The question is, can we all be deacons, deaconesses, Pastors, Choristers, teachers and so on? The answer is no! So what about the rest who occupy no position in the church, is there any hope for greatness? Yes!!

A story was told of a man of God who was successful in his Pastoral ministry. God was working in his Church in a great dimension and the church of God was waxing strong. One day he had a vision from God. In that vision God gave him a parcel/gift and told him it belongs to a person in the church who is working very hard and pleases his spirit. The man of God woke up with joy and excitement and with hope that he was the owner of the gift having advanced the kingdom of God on earth. But on a Sunday service God spoke to him and showed him the woman who owns the gift. According to the story, that woman and her fervent true prayer was the story behind the success of the church. The fiery power of God present in the church was as a result the secret prayer life of that woman. She served the church, she served God, she served her Pastor in honest prayers and served her fellow church members. And when God was out to mention great achievers in that Church, He skipped our great minister, the deacons, the deaconesses, the prayer band group who pray fire, (Note Child of God : There is a big difference between honest/true prayers and the ones we see in the church these days even in Pentecostal Churches. I pray the great spirit of God to whom I was called to serve will empower me to effectively make that publication soon.) and located a simple woman who is serving in her post.

This is Gods own greatness and that is how greatness in achieved in the church of God; through service. And of all service positions in the house of God, prayer is of utmost importance. A church that refuses to evangelize can be revived with prayers but a church that doesn’t pray can not be revived with evangelism. Evangelism is the heartbeat of God. Whereas Prayer is the spine of the Church and the Christian man. For no man is greater than his prayer life. Even the vision-less man is made great in genuine prayers. In the ministerial gifts and callings, some were called to be pastors, some are evangelists, some are teachers, some are apostles, some are prophets but all Christians are prayer ministers unto God and the church. Giving every man called unto salvation a shot at true greatness in God’s vineyard.

Why become only an excellent teacher when you can become a true great Christian. Why settle to the title of an outstanding deacon when greatness calls in the primary service area of all children of God- Prayer. Why become a powerful, renowned evangelist when true greatness beacons in earnest prayers as great service to God, the Church and mankind.

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Why do I emphasize so much in genuine prayers as a way to serve and reach a great level no matter what position you occupy in Gods vineyard? It is because we all can’t be deacons, ministers, choir singers and all that. But we are all prayer partners in the Lords Spirit and we all can be made great in true and genuine prayers. I still remember a night I prayed to God in tears. AT about 4:30 AM in the morning, Satan came to my house. I know of a great man of God who never stops praying for the Church and his leaders to do well. Whenever he prays I listen to his deep and honest groaning for other servants of God like him and I am moved. No wonder Mary the queen of Scotland said “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe“. Prophet Elijah was known as a praying prophet.

There is little or no greatness in selfish prayers when you only serve your needs, that of your household, break alters, destroy family alters and so on. These prayers are good. They are indeed prayers needed especially in these times when evil and darkness are on rampage and so we must pray them. But a Christian who wants to stand out, who wants to have a shot at greatness must also make out time to intercede fervently, with broken heart and tears for the ailing Church, for the work of God on earth, for sinners, for men of God who are the instruments of God. We must break alters and demonic hands crippling prayer life of the church and liberate Gods people. For these are true and genuine prayer points and that is what God is looking for.

Finally brethren, put on the whole armour of God and serve diligently in whatever area God has given you to serve him. If you serve like a servant unto God and serve diligently, you will be called outstanding. If you truly want to be a great then to your service area add prayers for therein is true greatness. If you lack the fire and grace, ask from God, and he who lacks strength must pray.

May the God of peace grant you grace for service in Jesus name Amen!!!

What is depression? How a Christian can live above it!

By

Ogba Victor

-

17 November, 2019

0

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mathew 11:28

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

feeling depressed most of the day
loss of interest in most regular activities
significant weight loss or gain
sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
slowed thinking or movement
fatigue or low energy most days
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
loss of concentration or indecisiveness
recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Are you done? Now let us go into spiritual matters for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Depression is an easily misjudged ailment. Medical experts and physicians will administer medications to a depressed person, psychologist will apprise you on how to forget your sorrows and troubles. While others say “find the cause of the depression and tackle it”.

History and events have proven that even people who have money, good health and things that life entails can still fall into depression. This kind of depression is not curable by money, wealth, food, women, good life even the experts can offer little help. In other words, some depression cases doesn’t have human cure. It is like a cancer that it eats you up wherever you go, whatever you do, everyday and almost every time and you can do nothing to help it. The cause of this form of depression is beyond science and human solution. But the solution to it is the cure to all other depression cases.

Causes of depression

Depression is conventionally caused by lack of something that eventually results in restlessness, hopelessness, deep thoughts and mood swings. It may be lack money, good health, Job, friends, family, love, etc. Depression can also be caused when a person loses something he or she is endeared to. We will not buttress much on this but at the end of the article you would have learnt why a Christian shouldn’t fall for this form of depression.
Depression can also be caused by satanic manipulation and demonic afflictions.
Catastrophic depression can be caused by struggle with the true reality of human nature.

Satanic depression

Most times depression comes as a result of satanic manipulations from demonic and wicked spirits. Did I just say that? Yes!! I just did. I personally have been in situations where I was so troubled. I couldn’t focus on what gives me joy. Each time I arrive at an end of why I should stop thinking, I would start to think again. It was then that God opened my eyes to a spirit in front of me causing me to have confused thoughts that troubled my mind.
The devil can also amplify a very tiny bad situation and his demons can also make any mans life miserable. Satan can also inflict men with situations that would end up leading them to depression. For the thief comes to steal to kill and destroy-John 10:10.

Let us not be ignorant of the works of the devil -2 Corinthians 2:11
2 Corinthians 2:11

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If the devil is the primary cause of a depression case, money, good life, friends and other human solutions will fail. In-fact Satan can do everything to prevent you from figuring out or coming to a solution. Therefore Christian, if you don’t know why and how you are confused, troubled, depressed or in deep thoughts, start praying fire and brimstone.
It is worth knowing that even unbelievers are also Satan’s prey and he makes life meaningless to them or depresses them. But their problem is only compounded because the only solution, they have rejected.

“For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
1 John 5:4

Catastrophic depression

If depression isn’t caused by lack of worldly things or caused by an affliction from the enemy- Satan, then it may come from a struggle to accept the reality of human nature. Actually, the devil is to be blamed as well, but the devil doesn’t really need to inflict or afflict you for depression to happen in this case. This case is the deadliest case because you can’t pray it out and you can not treat it. The captive becomes hopeless, empty, sad, gloomy, dark and suicidal. Luckily this kind of depression is not for children of day and light who have accepted the savior of mankind. For the Lamb of God has conquered sin, death, darkness and Hades.

To understand this case of depression there is need to trace why humans can fall into it.

“…..in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die. “
Genesis 2:17

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sinned against God and man died (spiritually). From that day and time man was cut away from God, the source of his life and this was the beginning of depression, darkness and death. For the Spirit of man was as a result of the breath from God. That also means that our spirit is part of him. God and his presence therefore is the true meaning to human life, the light of life and the spine of a living soul.
Subsequently after the Eden drama, man’s spirit died and every human who was born unto man was born with a dead spirit. And that spirit is porous to darkness and the works of the enemy. It is like a warm hole to darkness, evil and Satan’s bondage. That dead spirit is where the devil troubles when he wants to nail you on a depression cross and is also the reason man can fall into this third case of fatal depression.

Humans began to live in a state of continuous search for life and sense of fulfillment. Drinking, smoking, partying, fornication, adultery, theft, wickedness, fighting and many other forms of evil deeds are simply humans trying to find life and meaningful existence. There are people who find life in fighting, killing, performing wicked acts, immorality, cheating, lying or doing one sort of evil or the other.

This is to say that sinners sin as a remedy to feel alive. Their deeds are done out of natural selection. (Genesis 6:5).

After the First World War, Germany was in chaos. Once the German emperor had gone, rebellions erupted everywhere. Left-wing groups tried to seize power in many places. In Munich, for instance, a ‘People’s Republic’ of Bavaria was proclaimed during a brief revolution. It provoked a right-wing reaction, which in turn resulted in bloodshed. Hitler was very much impressed by these events.
www.annefrank.org

The Hitler story shows a man who was made happy by war and conflict. In-fact he once said that peace will bring an end to humanity.

I was in a hall with some boys during my NYSC days. They had seen my lifestyle which was different from others. I wasn’t ashamed to kneel down to pray and I don’t join in godless discussions. Then they asked me; do you smoke? Do you drink? Do you womanize or commit fornication/adultery? I replied no to these questions respectively. Then they exclaimed in pidgin English – “this guy dey miss”.
They actually meant that I am missing good life. Because they couldn’t fathom how a human with blood and a youth can live without these things.

But in-fact they were absolutely right in their sphere of knowledge. If a human stays away from smoking, drinking, partying, sexual relationships and other sins that make them happy, life automatically become boring, sad, burdensome, gloomy, dark, hopeless and empty; which is actually the true state of man.

Having now explained why and how we are where we are. It is worth knowing that be it satanic attack or natural causes, these sins and things humans do in a search for happiness and life may one day fail man. This is why the great teacher says – Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them – Ecclesiastes 12:1 .

It might really not be in our old age, it may be in a youthful age that these futile struggle for sense of living starts failing man. When this happens, it leads to a full-fledged disastrous and catastrophic depression that is irrevocable and deadly. This is that depression that supersedes other cases. The man finds no purpose for life anymore. Nothing gives him Joy.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.“
Isaiah 61:1

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “
John 10:10

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28

Jesus is the cure for all forms of depression that is incurable by humanity, physical and psychological approach. He has brought us meaning to life by dying and resurrecting and in Jeremiah 29:11, promised us that living for him we will find out the true meaning to life. For he has commanded all those heavily burdened to come to him for rest.

A Christian might not be extensively rich and might lack some certain things that life offers, but a Christian doesn’t lack life and that is why we can’t fall into depression like those who are in the world.

That Joy that flows from the living waters or the Holy spirit in us, that knowledge that we are now sons and daughters of God. That whole new life and approach to life the Holy Ghost creates in us, is the true antidote to all depressions.

For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children
Romans 8:16.

This we know: that nothing shall separate us from the love of God; whether it tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword or the devil. Nothing!!!
Romans 8:35

In sickness we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37)
In death we are winners. For when we die we shall live. (Romans 14:8)
In battles we are victorious through God who has given us victory. (Romans 8:37)
In lack and wants we are confident that our God shall supply our needs. It might not be riches but what we need to live. (Philippians 4:19)
Even in poverty or riches we are confident that he whom we believe is able to keep us to the end. (2 Timothy 1:12)
And even when the devil is the source, our lord has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

There is absolutely no need for a Christian who knows his God to be depressed. Amen!!!

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Now shall we pray or shall we sing songs?

What is the Church?

The irony

Holiness

Prayer

Charity and love

Evangelism and Missions :

A servant Church

The presence of the Holy Ghost

What is the definition of boast?

May we reference some historic boasters whom God replied after foolish pride and boasting

Pharaoh Ramesses II.

King Nebucadeneer

King Herod

Edward John Smith – Captain of Titanic.

Tancredo Neves (Former President of Brazil)

Deontay Wilder

What does it mean to achieve greatness?

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mathew 11:28

Are you done? Now let us go into spiritual matters for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Causes of depression

Satanic depression

Catastrophic depression

A Christian might not be extensively rich and might lack some certain things that life offers, but a Christian doesn’t lack life and that is why we can’t fall into depression like those who are in the world.