Pastor Corner

You are Redeemed

Welcome to the second quarter of 2025. It’s interesting that we are done with three months already in the year and I believe that calls for a review on our path. I am so excited for us as a church seeing how much progress we have made in the first quarter, and we are just starting. 

This month, I will be spending time teaching on REDEMPTION, which will be anchored on Galatians 3:13-14: ‘Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.’ 

To redeem means to buy back. It also means to free a person from captivity by the payment of a ransom. It can also means a rescue or deliverance by ransom. 

From the scripture above, we see that redemption is not something in the future but an activity that has been done. Christ has already redeemed us. This means all that needed to be done to restore man back to the original was achieved in the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This speaks to the importance of understanding the power of identification with Christ. He took our place so that we can take his place in glory. The son of God became the son of man so that the sons of men can become the sons of God. 

When we have a topline review of the curse of the law, we see that it teaches about the curses that comes as a result of breaking any of the 613 laws of the old testament. We can categorise the curses into three groupings; Sickness, Poverty and Spiritual death. However, the excitement is in knowing that the 613 laws no longer have authority over you, because you have embraced our redeemer. 

In verse 14, we see the impact of what Jesus did for us. This will also be the central theme of our discussions this month. First, it says we have access to the blessing of Abraham which is detailed in Genesis 12:2-3. The blessing of Abraham here is simply a spiritual empowerment that makes the result of Abraham become ours. It is the blessing of the Lord which makes us rich and adds no sorrow. The blessing produced wealth and influence for Abraham and we should expect the same because of what redemption offers to us. 

We also learn that we have access to the promise of the spirit which is found in Joel 2:28. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit as seen in Ephesians 1:13-14. Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the promise of the father when addressing the disciples in Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4. The Holy Spirit is the greatest asset that Jesus left with us here on earth after he completed his work of redemption. God’s purpose is ultimately to have God in us through the acceptance of the Holy Spirit. You should be glad the Holy Spirit lives inside you. I am excited just knowing that he is permanently in me. 

As we journey through April, we should desire to know the various ramifications and implications of this redemption in Christ that we have. Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14. This will be the basis of our identity in Christ Jesus and eventually gets us to the place where our faith is strong and solid withstanding any form of adversity. I pray God’s blessing over you and the enlightening the eyes of your heart to see the things that rightfully belong to you. 

I call you blessed.

 

Children’s Corner  

The Thankful Heart

Hey Children, it’s lovely to be able to connect with you again on the Children Corner. Today, we will be focusing on a particular scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (TPT), which states 

“And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus”. 

Wow! A message of appreciation! Let’s role-play and listen to our friends Amaka, Joy and Isaiah, as they talk about what this means for them.

Amaka: Ugh! I’m so tired. Today was such a bad day!

Joy: Oh no, what happened?

Amaka: My mom packed the same boring lunch AGAIN, my sandals got dirty, and I didn’t win the spelling competition. Everything is just annoying!

Isaiah: Hmm… but Amaka, did you know that gratitude can change the way you feel?

Amaka: How? It won’t change the fact that I had a bad day.

Joy: Maybe not, but it can help you see the good things in your day too! Let’s try something fun. Let’s all say three things we’re grateful for. I’ll go first! I’m grateful for my lovely dress, the yummy cookies my mom baked, and having amazing friends like you!

Isaiah: Nice one, Joy! I’m thankful for my football, my baby brother, and the fresh air we are enjoying right now.

Amaka: Hmm… I guess I’m thankful that I had food to eat, I still got a good score in the spelling competition, and… well, I have you guys!

Isaiah: See! Gratitude makes everything feel better. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, we can thank God for what went right.

Joy: That’s right! The Bible says we should give thanks in all circumstances. Even when things don’t go our way, there’s always something to be grateful for.

Amaka: Wow, I never thought of it that way. From now on, I’ll try to be more grateful every day!

LESSONS LEARNED

• There’s always something to be thankful for, no matter what happens.
• Gratitude helps us feel happier and see the good in every day.
• When we thank God, we grow closer to Him and spread joy to others!

LET’S TALK!

• What are three things you’re grateful for today?
• How does gratitude make you feel inside?
• Now, take a moment to say “Thank You, God!” for something special today.

 

Development Corner

Learning Discipline 

There are so many definitions of Discipline but I like the way Cambridge dictionary defined it especially because it aligns with what we would be discussing this month.

Cambridge dictionary defines discipline as “training that makes people more willing to obey or more able to control themselves, often in the form of rules and punishments if these are broken”.

The keywords worthy of note in this definition are training, willingness, obedience and control. You cannot learn discipline if you do not understand these words. 

If there is an area of your life where you lack composure or control, then you need to learn discipline.

It isn’t something a person can do for you, hence the need to be willing to learn. In accomplishing your goals for the year, you need discipline. If you cannot control yourself, it would be easy to lose yourself. That is not what I wish for you. It would be unwise of you to hate discipline.

I leave you with the words written in Proverb 12:1 (AMP) which says “whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof and correction is stupid”.

 

Biblical Poetry

Relax, you have a High Priest. 

You have lived through the first quarter of 2025,
You went to bed and awoke the next day.
You are still breathing,
so this year you focus on possessing your possessions.

The enemy has no power over your life,
Hold firmly to your confession that Christ is our Great High Priest,
Even when faced with earthly obstacles, tighten that grip.
You won’t always be able to pinpoint the Author of a Chapter, 
But you can find peace in recognising that God is the Master Author inspiring all scriptures.
Hebrew 4:16

Daily, take a bold step towards the throne of Grace.
Know that Christ became the Great High Priest on our behalf.
He was raised up, so that we could be seated together with him in heaven.
He lived as Man, so that he could relate to us and understand our weaknesses
Therefore, your weakness does not disqualify you from calling on Christ.
You are not even part of the equation of Love and Grace.
Relax, and know that despite the inferiority you may feel,
He remains as your high priest.
And you can pour out your heart to him
Hebrews 5:2

Each night say a private prayer.
Reflect on the activity of the day,
and smile knowing who you are in Christ.
Acknowledge that even though Jesus was God’s son,
He still learned how to practice obedience through the suffering.
Therefore, learn from your day, give thanks for the bad and good. 
Relax, take a deep breath and rest.
Hebrews 5:8 

In your subconscious stating your identity in Christ renews you. 
Do not be afraid to lean onto the Christ that lives inside you.
Lord as we sleep each night empower us,
Expose the opportunities and give us the creativity to remove all limitations, Amen.
1 John 5:4

 

Health Corner

Health and Wholeness: Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, making it highly transmissible.

Signs and Symptoms of TB

Some common symptoms of active TB include:

• Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Chest pain
• Fever and night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness

Prevention and Treatment

Thankfully, TB is preventable and curable. Here’s how we can protect ourselves and our communities:

• Early Detection: If you experience symptoms, seek medical help immediately. TB can be diagnosed through skin tests, blood tests, and chest X-rays.
• Vaccination: The BCG vaccine helps protect children from severe forms of TB.
• ⁠Proper Medication: TB treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken for 6–9 months. It is crucial to complete the full course of medication to prevent resistance.
• ⁠Good Hygiene Practices: Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and ensure proper ventilation in crowded places.

A Call to Action

Tuberculosis is not just a health issue but a global challenge that requires collective action. As believers, we can contribute by spreading awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and praying for those affected. God has promised healing and restoration, and through faith and medical advancements, we can overcome diseases like TB.

Conclusion: God’s Gift of Good Health

God, in His infinite love, has given us the gift of good health and the wisdom to care for our bodies. As Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV) reminds us, He brings healing and wholeness to His people. While we take practical steps to prevent and treat diseases like tuberculosis, we must also recognise that our ultimate source of health and strength comes from God.

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security”.

By following good health practices, seeking medical care when needed, and trusting in God’s healing power, we can live to its’ fullest the life he has given us. Let us be grateful for the gift of health and commit to protecting it both for ourselves and those around us.

May we walk in divine health, wisdom, and the peace that comes from knowing God is our healer.

Stay healthy, stay informed, and stay safe! 

 

Fun Facts

1. Scientists used AI to invent a new shade of blue(named “XYLAZUL”) that’s easier on screens and reduces eye strain.
2. Micorsoft’s anechoic chamber is so silent you can hear your own organs.
3. Paul wrote nearly half the new testament.
4. The book of Psalms is the longest, Job is the oldest.
5. The shortest verse is just words John 11:35:- “Jesus wept”
(but in greek, it’s only 3 letters:”eἐδάκρυσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς”).
6. The “QWERTY” keyboard was designed to slow you down.

 

Closure

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that involves cultivating a deeper relationship with God and becoming more like Jesus Christ. It is a process of transformation that requires effort, dedication, and a willingness to surrender to God’s will.

Spiritual growth is the process of maturing in our faith, developing a stronger connection with God, and becoming more Christ-like in our thoughts, words, and actions. Ephesians 4:13-14 NKJV “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting”.

Why is Spiritual Growth Important?

Spiritual growth is essential for several reasons:

• It helps us to develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths”. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• It enables us to overcome challenges and difficulties with faith and confidence. “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Romans 8:38-39).
• It transforms us into the image of Christ, making us more like Him in our character and behaviour. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
• It prepares us for eternity, helping us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20).

Spiritual growth is a lifetime ride that requires effort, dedication, and a willingness to surrender to God’s will. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and become more like Jesus Christ, we will experience transformation, purpose, and direction in our lives.
May we commit to pursuing spiritual growth, trusting God to guide and empower us every step of the way. Amen.

We now have Missional Communities in 15 locations and would like to encourage you to find one near you or start one in your local area. 

Opic; Isheri, River View Estate	Oworo, Olorunfunmi Street.	Surulere, Iponri Estate.
Lambe, Korede Balogun	Unilag, Akoka	Federal College of Education, Akoka
Lekki Phase 1	Victoria Island, Ligali Ayorinde	Ikoyi, Awolowo Road
Victoria Island, Oniru	Victoria Island, Chicken Republic, Oniru	Abijo, Destiny Homes Estate
Ogunfayo, Off Palace way	Victoria Island, Kofo Abayomi	Victoria Island, Ligali Ayorinde

 

Upcoming Events

April and May 2025

Activities outside of the regular Mid-week and Sunday services

April

• 1-3rd: Three Days of Glory
• 5th: TakeOver at the Summit
• 12th: Evangelism, led by OUT family
• 21st: Teens Carnival
• 26th: Hour of Grace & Evangelism

May

• 1-3rd: Three Days of Glory
• 3-4th: S.H.E Conference
• 10th: Leadership Meeting (Pastorate)
• 24th: Hour of Grace & Evangelism