SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025: THE POWER OF CHRIST BY PROPHETESS B. BALOGUN

 

The Power of Christ

Bible Readings: Psalms 24:1-10; Acts 3:1-10

Introduction: For every being, there is power. When we talk about the power of Christ, we are talking about God Himself. The might and sovereignty of God are the power of Christ. When we minister to people, we see the power of Christ manifesting in their lives. A church full of power is a church where the power of Christ is evident.

There is nothing we need as much as power. The Lord has been teaching us this for a considerable time. We have plenty of means, but without power, they will not accomplish our goals. "What God did not authorize, He will not empower you to do."

• Knowledge without divine power is ineffectual.
• Without the power of Christ, no sinners can be converted. "The power of Christ is the very life of God."
• Without the power of Christ, no saints are sanctified, no churches are raised, and no foes are conquered.

Authority and Power:

• Authority: The right to exercise power.
• Power: The ability to act or produce strength.
• Without authority, you have no right to use power, and without power, your authority is meaningless.

The Power of Jesus Christ:

• Often referred to as His anointing, it encompasses a broad spectrum of abilities, influences, and authority, including healings, deliverance, and salvation.
• Faith in His name can unlock power, leading to personal transformation and a closer relationship with God.

The Source of His Name:

1. Humility and Obedience: He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death (Philippians 2:6-11).
2. Victory on the Cross: His victory on the cross was unparalleled in history (Colossians 2:15).
3. Manifestation in Prayer: When believers pray, Jesus manifests Himself in glory as we call on His name (Colossians 1:18).

The Power in His Name:

• The power in any name is in what the bearer does. Christ is not the last name of Jesus but signifies His actions (Mark 16:17-18).
• Acts 3:16 shows that faith in the name of Jesus made the crippled man whole. When we have a clear vision of what we expect the name of Jesus to do, we are empowered to call on that name to manifest our expectations.

Jesus' Authority:

• Jesus has been given all authority (Matthew 28:18). This authority covers all of heaven and earth.
• Jesus is in a position of authority (Ephesians 1:19-22). He has been raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God.
• Jesus' authority is above all principalities, powers, might, and dominion (Ephesians 1:21).
• All authority and power are found in the name of Jesus. Every knee must bow, and every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Believers' Authority:

• Authority and power have been given to believers in Christ. Being in Christ refers to someone who has made Jesus their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Luke 10:19).
• Believers have the same authority, ability, responsibility, and position that the early church had after Jesus' ascension. Jesus expects us to use the power in His name to do His work on earth (Mark 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Living and Walking in His Power:

1. Imparted Power: Jesus has imparted His power to us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to overcome obstacles and live victorious lives.
2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live lives that reflect Christ's power and love.
3. Authority and Dominion: Believers have been given authority to exercise dominion in all areas of their lives.
4. Strength in Weakness: Believers find strength in Christ even in their weaknesses, enabling them to persevere through challenges and trials.
5. Resisting Darkness: Believers have access to Christ's power to resist the forces of darkness and live lives of integrity.
6. God’s Power: The power of Christ is God’s power (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Facing the Adversary:

• Satan is not nice; he is intelligent and subtle. His plans are hellish. Jesus Christ defeated Satan and his evil spirits (Colossians 2:15). Because you are in Christ, the enemy cannot defeat you.
1. He cannot devour the Christian who uses the powerful name of Jesus to resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7).
2. You cannot use your authority against people; it only works against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12).

Conclusion: All power in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ. Jesus has imparted His power to us through the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives, have dominion over evil spirits, persevere through challenges, and resist the forces of darkness.

You can have this power when you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Let’s pray.

PALM SUNDAY 2025: Blessed is He that cometh By Special Apostle Pastor G.E Oladejo

Introduction

Today, we remember the day Jesus entered Jerusalem. This day marks the beginning of the work Jesus came to do on earth: to restore the relationship between man and God. To build this relationship, He had to go through a challenging process. As Christians, this teaches us that we must also face challenges to fulfill God's purpose in our lives.

We will see how Jesus demonstrated humility even unto death. Though He had the power to avoid the cross, He chose humility. When He was arrested and Peter reacted, Jesus responded with humility. He had the power to avoid arrest and persecution but humbled Himself to fulfill God's plan for the world. In Philippians, we see that God has given Him a name above all names. Jesus showed us humility.

Psalm 118:22-26 tells us that a rejected stone becomes the cornerstone. Jesus was rejected but became the cornerstone of heaven and earth. If Satan could have killed Jesus, he would have, but Christ had a purpose. David prophesied in verse 26, and many prophecies about Jesus showed Him as one who would fight against sin, not earthly kings. Jesus fought and won, giving us the gift of salvation.

The Importance of Today

What is Hosanna? Hosanna means "save now." When you say Hosanna, you are asking for salvation now.

Significance of the Coming Passion Week:

1. Revealing the Kingdom of God (Luke 19:11-28): Jesus' entry into Jerusalem signifies the revelation of God's kingdom. It reminds us to align our actions with God's will and to seek His kingdom first in our lives.

2. Jesus' Suffering, Death, and Resurrection (Luke 19:20-25): These events are central to our faith. Jesus' suffering and death were necessary for our salvation, and His resurrection gives us hope for eternal life.

3. Jesus has the power to subdue all powers (Colossians 2:14-17): Jesus nailed everything that could separate us from God to the cross. By doing so, He demonstrated His supreme authority over all powers. We must accept Jesus to receive all the promises provided by God (Hebrews 2:12-15).

4. Taking Away Our Sins (Hebrews 2:14, Colossians 2:14-17): Jesus' sacrifice on the cross took away our sins. This act of love and redemption allows us to have a restored relationship with God.

5. Destroying Satan's Power (1 Peter 2:24): Jesus' death and resurrection defeated Satan's power over us. We are no longer bound by sin and death but are free to live in the victory of Christ.

6. Restoring Man's Dominion (Hebrews 2:9-15): Jesus' work on the cross restores the relationship between God and man, first given in the Garden of Eden.

7. Humility and Servanthood of Jesus (Zechariah 9:9): Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility. This act fulfilled the prophecy and demonstrated that His kingdom is not of this world but one of servanthood and humility. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His humility and serve others selflessly.

8. Wholeheartedly Following Jesus (Luke 9:23): To follow Jesus, we must carry our cross and follow Him at all times. This means committing to His teachings and living a life that reflects His love and sacrifice.

9. Observing Jesus' Prophecies: Jesus' life and actions fulfilled many prophecies. Observing these prophecies strengthens our faith and reminds us of God's sovereign plan.

10. Understanding Jesus' Suffering and Crucifixion (Acts 14:22): Understanding the depth of Jesus' suffering and the significance of His crucifixion helps us appreciate the magnitude of His love and the salvation He offers.

Let's Pray

Be strong in the Lord by Prophetess B. Balogun

 Text: Ephesians 6:7-12, Joshua 1:1-9

If we remove the Lord from the topic, which power do we have, we are simply dust. 1 Samuel 2:10 says "By strength shall no man prevail". If the Lord did not build the house, those who build will build in vain.

No man can fight the battle of life without the help of God. If anyone of us believes we are wise or have any techniques to fight these battles we will not prevail.

If you will prevail over the battles of life, you need to have Christ inside of you. He is the only one that overcame the world through His blood on the cross of Calvary.

Strength is manifested in numerous ways. There is physical strength, mental strength, moral strength, healthwise strength etc. When your strength is of the Lord no Goliath can stand before you. It is a shame for a child of God to be involved in lobbying for anything, "Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me".

The Holy Spirit is the one that we fight on behalf of Christians. So many times the way God gives us victory is always surprising. For David to conquer Goliath, God asked him to pick stones to fight a man that is full of strong armour all over his body.

What does it mean to become strong in the Lord?

1. It means embracing empowerment from the Lord.

The same ways the Holy Spirit is possessing the people He wants to use, the same way the evil spirits possess their own people. If you have Christ no power of darkness can overpower you.

2. It means trusting in the Lord as the only true source of strength. Romans 8:31"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" If you don't have Jesus in your life even if you call Jesus more than a thousand times He will not answer you. Brethren, you must give your life to Jesus if you want to be strong in the Lord.

3. It means the power of enabling me to overcome all things. "Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me".

Saul in 1 Samuel 28 could not wait for the Lord but went to consult a familiar spirit and eventually, he lost his life.

In 1 Samuel 30:6, David faced a lot of insults from those he raised but strengthened himself in the Lord. Be encouraged Jesus is alive, our redeemer liveth. Don't compare yourself with another person.

Ephesians 6:11-13

The armour of God that we should put on is listed below:

Truthfulness. Say the truth all the time

Righteousness: Being in right standing with God even if people are not around

Peace

Faith

Salvation

Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God

Let Us Pray!

COMMITMENT AND CONSECRATION OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS

INTRODUCTION
It is a precious gift to see today again and as a church, we should thank and appreciate God for the privilege of being alive. I want to therefore welcome us all to this segment of 2017 Workers’ Retreat where we re-equip ourselves for the task ahead of us.

The subject of discuss is Commitment and Consecration of Christian workers and we shall be looking at it from individual angle to general application within the church and effect of such on the growth of the church.

Commitment means the trait of sincerity and focused purpose.
Commit means to give in trust, to put into charge or keeping.

Consecration means to declare, to separate, to make holy, to be dedicated.

Christian worker: a Christian who has heeded call to salvation and proceeded to heed the call to service, thereby giving oneself to serve God in whatever capacity and in areas of gifting according to grace received. Romans 12:6

Commitment and consecration goes hand in hand and how committed you are will determine how consecrated you will be.

Being a Christian worker means you have voluntarily offer yourself for God’s use (as a vessel).

4 Keys to Commitment: R.A.T.E
Ready to serve – a Christian worker should always be ready at all time to serve not minding the conditions attached, not by men-pleasing but by pleasing God irrespective of how you feel.
Available – a Christian worker is always available to do his/her assignment without being forced or persuaded by anyone or anything.
Trustable – a Christian worker is God’s employee and should be trustable by the employer. God is trustworthy and wants a trusted man/woman to work for Him. To work for Him as a trustable worker, you must walk right with Him.
Experiential – a Christian worker becomes experienced as he/she keeps working progressively and grows matured in the assignment and life. Being experienced makes you able to put others through in the assignment.

Price of a consecrated life
• Walks, stands and sits in the presence of God – Ps. 1:1, Isaiah 52:11
• Strives to be godly examples – I Tim. 4:12
• Receives continual purging – I Tim. 2:20-21, Mal. 3:3
• Stands for the truth – II Cor. 13:8, Gen. 39:9

To become a committed and consecrated Christian worker –
• Offer your life on the altar of God as a living sacrifice
• Live a holy and acceptable life
• Renewing your mind unto transformation
• You become a prove of good, acceptable and perfect will of God
Romans 12:1-2

God expects us to be consecrated for Him and Him alone, separated both in church and out of church, replicating the life of God wherever we find ourselves. Our commitment should be more to godly matter and less to issues that does not glorify God.

Daniel was an example of Christian worker who was committed and consecrated – Daniel 1:3-9
Stephen was a committed and consecrated worker – Acts 6:5a, 8, Acts 11:24
Demas lost his commitment and consecration – II Tim. 4:10

There is a goal to be met and only committed and consecrated workers who lives and works blamelessly and righteousnessly would achieve that goal. To remain committed and consecrated, we must be connected always to the throne of grace and represent well our Lord and Saviour as we prepare for His return to take us home.
Leviticus 20:7-8 “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD you God. Keep my statutes and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you”. NIV

My prayer: that we all will re-consecrate ourselves genuinely and re-ignite a fresh fire of commitment for the work of God in our hands so that we would receive the good reward and reign with Him eternally in Jesus name. Amen

Lecture delivered by Pastor Babawale Adekanye
At the Church 2017 workers' retreat

THE HEART OF A CHRISTIAN WORKER

INTRODUCTION
The way of achieving goals lies in the heart and how your heart operates determines how much achievement would be made. Dealing with the heart (mind) of a Christian is crucial and especially that of workers in the vineyard. May the Lord help our understanding in Jesus name. Amen

The matter of heart is important to God because He looks into man’s heart checking the purpose and intent of our actions. Men call or put people into assignment without knowing what is in the mind of such persons, but before God will call a person to ministry, He checks the mind (heart). Romans 8:27

God checks on our availability to function for Him most times and not ability. Our willingness to walk in obedience to Him serves as a yardstick to measure our hearts desire to serve as a church worker.

Let’s check the heart as an acronym: H.E.A.R.T.
H – Humility – keeping off all ego become humble in character and behaviour – James 4:6, I Pet. 5:5, Prov. 16:18, Prov. 11:2
E – Enterprising – being very able and brilliant in God’s business – II Pet. 1:10, Neh. 2:7-8
A – Active – possessing the power or quality to act in causing change, we should be change agents for God as His workers – James 2:22-24 (NIV), Luke 1:8-9
R – Responsible – personal accountability as a worker to God and becoming answerable to authorities for acts performed – I Cor. 9:16, Phil. 1:21-22
T – Teachable – willing to receive instructions (readiness to learn more to become better) in the assignment – Col. 2:7, Titus 1:9

How to prepare my heart as a Christian worker? I Tim. 4:13
• Give attention to reading – the word of God, Christian materials (books and journals) on the area of your assignment.
• Give attention to exhortation – listen to other people (ministers’ messages), tapes, godly counsel and discourse.
• Give attention to doctrine – doctrine means teachings, and strictly teachings of the Holy Bible which is the generally accepted Church Doctrine everywhere.

Concentrate on your gift – I Tim. 4:14
Most times, because of the wrong thoughts in our hearts, we neglect our given gifts, focusing on another person’s thereby making the duty post empty and unfulfilled. We are many members in one body functioning differently but towards one big GOAL (expanding the kingdom of God by winning souls for Christ). Concentrate more on your gift(s), learn and work towards developing it to be more fruitful and profitable for God. Remember the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-25). Acts 6:2-4.

To be progressive as a Christian worker with disciplined heart – (I Tim. 4:15-16)
• Meditate on what you read, heard and learn by the teaching of God’s word, they will transform your mind gradually and continually unto maturity.
• Be practical in doing what is right and what you have learnt to grow upward in your assignment and Christian life.
• Deal with your heart rightly and do not look back. If the devil cannot get your heart, he cannot get your life and assignment. CONSIDER.

When our hearts are filled with works of the flesh, our assignment will be frustrated because such a heart is unacceptable before God.
When we display the fruit of the Holy Spirit, it makes us flow like spring of living water and we are able to do that which God expects us to.

Personal check
Is my heart pumping well? What flows in and out?
With what mindset am I serving as a church worker?
What reward will I get if I am called to quit now?

Revelation 3:1-3 – General reading

My prayer – Faithful Father, help us to be faithful to you as we offer our hearts to You to work upon now and always in Jesus name. Amen

Lecture delivered by Pastor Babawale Adekanye

At the church 2017 Workers' retreat

FREEDOM

Freedom is the rallying cry of many deliverers that God is raising up. Three streams of revelation will become increasingly prominent. These streams mirror the three stages of freedom that Israel experienced as she left Egypt and inherited the Promised Land.

• The first level of freedom involved: Deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

• The second level of freedom involved: Learning the ways of God in the wilderness.

• The third level of freedom involved: Inheriting the Promised Land.

Deliverance from Egypt

The nation of Israel was enslaved in Egypt. They were the covenant people of God but they were not living in covenant provision. Those who are in covenant with God are connected with Him in a unique way. They intuitively know that they are destined for freedom. Covenant creates a yearning for intimate knowledge with the covenant partner. This knowledge brings freedom and fulfilment. Destiny is awakened at a heart level.

Many in the Body of Christ today are enslaved by spiritual forces that keep them feeling defeated and powerless. An intense cry for freedom is awakening in their hearts.

The children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. Exodus 2:23

There will be increased authority and revelation in the areas of healing and deliverance. It is not God's intention for His people to remain in bondage. God is our deliverer (Exodus 1-14) and our healer (Exodus 15:26).

Learning God's Ways

After being delivered from Egypt, Israel was alone in the wilderness. God met with them at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19). Encountering God set Israel apart from all other nations. During a forty-day visitation God gave Moses the blueprints for the tabernacle (Exodus 24-31). The tabernacle became God's dwelling place in the midst of the nation. It mirrored spiritual realities in Heaven (Hebrews 8:1-5). God used the tabernacle to teach Israel about the spirit realm and about His character, His nature and His ways. As the nation embraced this revelation they came into a new level of freedom. This freedom was necessary for them to inherit the Promised Land.

Through dramatic signs and wonders in Egypt, the nation was delivered from outward slavery. However, the slavery mentality still existed in their hearts. Through intimate encounters with the God of covenant they were delivered from inward slavery.

There will be increased authority and revelation in the areas of encountering God, moving in the spirit realm and learning His ways. God encountered Israel at Sinai. His greatest desire was to dwell among them. This desire was realized through the tabernacle. Through the tabernacle Israel came to understand the spirit realm and learn God's ways. Limited perceptions were smashed.

Inheriting the Promised Land

Deliverance from Egypt was dramatic. Learning God's ways was mind-blowing. However, the fullness of freedom didn't begin until they inherited the Promised Land.

• When Israel was in Egypt the nations despised her.

• When Israel was in the wilderness the nations feared her (Exodus 15:14-16, 23:27).

• When Israel was in the Promised Land the nations were influenced by her.

Possessing land enabled Israel to have an expression among the nations. Her unique culture began to disciple other nations. People were free to live out their God-ordained destiny. This level of freedom is true for us today.

Our land of promise includes fulfilling the creative endeavours God has uniquely assigned to each of us. The creative expression that is coming through Christ's Body will disciple the nations in His ways. It will include great innovation in business and finance, technology, the creative arts and education. There will be increased authority and revelation to inherit these and other areas of influence that the enemy has held for too long.

Preparation for Harvest

Here is a summary of the three levels of freedom and what they represent for us today:

1. Deliverance from Egypt: Freedom from outward slavery, demonic oppression and physical infirmity.

2. Learning God's ways: Freedom from inward slavery and limited mindsets. Discovery of the depths of covenant relationship with God. Inner transformation. Understanding the spirit realm.

3. Inheriting the Promised Land: Freedom of expression. Fulfilling our unique destinies. Great authority to disciple the nations (many express this as the seven mountain mandate).

Israel progressed from one level of freedom to the next as a whole nation. We are entering a season in the Church in which all three levels of freedom will advance simultaneously. Many churches and ministries will be uniquely gifted and called to focus on just one of these levels of freedom. God is preparing us for a great harvest.

Each stream of revelation must be strongly established so that people can easily progress from initial salvation to the fullness of their God-ordained destinies. Each level of freedom has a different emphasis. If these emphases are advanced in the wrong way, they can be used to come against the other levels of freedom. God is raising up prophetic and apostolic messengers who see the big picture. They will be entrusted with great authority to bring understanding and clarity about the whole process. This is God's mercy so that we don't end up fighting with each other.

The enemy fears our cry for freedom. Each level of freedom is only possible because a deep heart cry is ignited within us. We must determine to keep going until we live in the full measure of freedom that God intends for us (Ephesians 4:13)

DON'T GIVE UP, HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH

From my personal experience, I feel that we all need the time to vent. I know when I was going through my darkest times all I really wanted was to say it out loud.  I did not want sermons or advice, nor did I want someone to tell me they were praying for me. What I wanted and needed was someone just to let me say it out loud.  Even though I was my own worst enemy and created my own problems, I needed to verbally express my frustration with my situation.  I was not blaming God, I just wanted to say it without the judgment of other believers.

We all have similar experience, you know what I mean, you can’t concentrate when you read or study the Word, the music that lifted you up or quieted your soul either irritates you or leaves you feeling numb, verses that you know by heart and depend upon to comfort you seemed to have been erased from your memory.  And your prayer life?  What prayer life?  You stumble and stutter, get so sleepy, too busy, hit the wall and “bounce prayers off the ceiling”.  I’m frantic trying to figure out why this was happening. I would be angry and start railing at God for “forsaking” me. Sometimes I would even profess that I was giving up!

I am thankful that I made it through those times.   I did not have anyone to verbally say it out loud too.  So I would drive in my car, miles and miles of driving.  Radio off and at times, me screaming at the top of my lungs of my frustrations and my pain. My Christian friends were not there. But I did not do it alone. There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother…and although I was always taught that I needed to be reverent when I prayed, I’ve learned that sometimes prayers can be done in different ways.  In my times of frustration and loneliness, when I thought all was lost and there was no one there, I cried out to God and He was listening all the time.

In times of struggle and frustration, it is okay to question.  It’s okay to cry out.  You do not have to always understand why you are going through hard times.  You don’t always have to feel happy about the way your life is going.  Your salvation is not dependent on your feelings.   Hard times do not equal displeasure from God.

What am I supposed to do?”
 “Just pray about it…” 
 “I’m praying for you…”
 “You just need to ask for forgiveness…”
  “You have un-confessed sin in your life…”
 “I feel sorry for you…”
 “Jesus loves you…”
 “You’re running away from God…”

All of these responses have their place. They are indeed true when applied correctly. Unfortunately, I have seen these used in the wrong manner and at the worst times.

I thought for a moment and I tried to remember what would have helped me when I was going through similar things.   Only one thing came to mind, I said…

“Hold on…hold on to your faith…even when God doesn’t make sense.  It will be okay,  just hold on to your trust in God! “

What is the Lord teaching all of us in times of trouble?

Hold on. That is all, just hold on to your faith and your trust in God.

Hold on when you can’t see the end of trouble,  hold on when you cannot hear God’s small voice and hold on when you do not feel like God is there at all.   The lesson learned for all of us is that God is holding on to us even when we don’t feel His arms around us. God allows us all to go through things in our life that we don’t understand.  It is part of the “testing” of our faith.  This “testing” does not always mean you are in sin.  There are reasons why God allows it.  Sometimes in life we see clearly why, in other times, we will never really know until we get to heaven.  The bottom line is that God wants us to remain faithful and holding onto to our faith regardless of the situation in our life.

If you are struggling with hard times.  Times where you feel so far away from God.  Reach out and just hold on.  Remain faithful.  Determine to stay the course.  You can trust that our Lord will take you through the deepest, darkest, loneliest times.  

Just Hold On.