RCCG Open Heavens Dundee OHD Newsletter January - April 2008 Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 Making ready a people prepared for the Lord 2008 Our Year of Divine Enthronement He does not take His eyes off the righteous; He enthrones them with kings and exalts them ” “ Job 36:7 Inside this issue: Intro to OHD 1 What is Grace? 1 2008 Prophecies 2 Testimonies 2 Give Thanks 3 Marriages & Births 3 The Heavens are open over Dundee The story of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Open Heavens Christian Centre, Dundee, exemplifies God’s faithfulness. Only He can take the glory for where we are today. Several years ago, prayers went up to God for Him to visit Dundee and specifically to establish a Redeemed parish here in Dundee. In His faithfulness, God began to speak to men whom He would use to answer these prayers. In March 2006, the vision came strong and a house fel- News & Contact Info 4 This article seeks to provide a general background on the subject of God’s grace. It does not contain all that there is to know, as the subject is very vast and no single individual can know everything about grace. I pray this short article will bless your soul in Jesus’ Name. Grace has been defined as the unearned, unmerited favour of God. Two important things to realise from this definition of grace are: the totally undeserving nature of the recipients (us), and the totally generous nature of the giver (God). It is a gift. Our God is sovereign and therefore has the prerogative to decide whom He shows His grace. No amount of religious activities such as bible study, prayer, fasting, giving to the poor and so on can give you the right to expect God’s favour. God does not owe anybody. If it is by works, then it is no longer grace and if it is by grace, then it cannot be of works. Romans 11:6. Grace is also defined as God’s life, power and righteousness coming to us, undeserving, as a gift. It is through grace that God effectively changes our hearts. Grace takes God Himself, working in the human life, to make us what we ought to be. At every step, we are dependent on God's life and power to come to us and work in our hearts, if we want to be and do what God wants. lowship was set up. Being God’s be saved. time, everything began to fall into place rapidly, and by the God has opened the heavens 7th of May of the same year, over Dundee and they will the house fellowship metamornever be shut again. Amen. phosed into the Open Heavens Dundee parish. Over the past year, we’ve grown immensely, spiritually and physically. We’ve experienced new heights of God’s power. God has added adults and new babies to our number. He has also added to us such as would What is Grace? Grace gives us a new life which is not condemned by God. Through God's grace we are forgiven, sanctified and made holy. Grace transforms our thinking, resulting in the renewing of the mind. Grace enables us to live the kind of generous, carefree life of service and joy God wants us to experience. Grace also saves (Eph 2:8 for service (Rom. 1:5; 1 Cor. 3:10; Rom. 12:3; Rom. 15:16; Eph. 3:7,8; Rom. 12:6; 2 Cor. 8:2; Eph.4:7; 2 Cor. 4:15) and enables us to reign (Rom. 5:17; Rev. 1:5). For the grace of God to work for us, we have to believe in it (Acts 18:27; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 12:3), receive it (Rom. 5:17; Rom. 1:5), continue in it (Acts 13:43), use and manage it (1 Peter 4:10) and spread it (2 Cor. 4:15; Eph. 4:29). Grace is God’s way of helping His children to live victoriously in this world. May His grace abide with you in Jesus’ Name. Pastor Rufus Aizeboje [email protected] Caption describing -9; Rom 8:23); justifiespicture (Rom 3:24; graphic. (John 1:16; Titus 3:7); orsanctifies Acts 13:43; 20:32; 1 Pet 5:10; 1 Cor 1:12), strengthens us to stand against opposition (Rom. 5:2; 2 Tim. 2:1; Heb. 13:9; Eph. 6:10-11), delivers us from dominion of sin (Rom 6:14-16); helps us to live godly (Titus 2:11-12); makes us what we are in God (1 Cor. 15:10; Gal. 1:6, 15; Jer. 1:5); empowers us Page 2 OHD Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 Prophecies for 2008 Pastor E. A. Adeboye CHURCH: God said I will do new things. Return quickly to your first love of holiness, prayer, evangelism and self-sacrifice if you are to benefit fully from the new things God is about to do. Intensify your prayers for the elders. Why? For their revival, restoration and long life. Intensify prayers for the youth so that their foundation could be sounder than what it is now. For the individual in the church; move on to a higher level of personal devotion to God; and the rewards will be outstanding challenge to those who are luke- warm. Constantly thank God for His goodness and wonderful works in our lives. INDIVIDUAL: For some people, there will be accelerated promotion this year; There will be deeper knowledge of the word of God for some people this year; For those that are committed to His service, the world will begin to see what a man and God working together can do this year; Whatever you and God tackle together this year will be accomplished; Whatever you and God resist together this year shall crumble; This year, "My wind shall be behind you pushing you forward and not in front of you.” INTERNATIONAL: There will be scientific breakthrough this year; There will be major medical breakthrough this year; We must pray against destructive hurricanes coming back this year Testimonies A New job “Thank the Lord for giving me a new job after months of waiting and believing. He also gave me a wonderful husband, a man after His own heart.” Sis J. E. Divine protection “In my job I had to travel long distances frequently but have never been in a road accident. The closest I ever came to being in a car crash was when I was to travel with my boss in his car, but was made to take another car. Eventually the car I was to travel in had a bad accident. Secondly, when I was to travel for my studies, my boss refused my request to take paid study leave, so I prayed about it and believed Proverbs 21:1. On coming to the UK, I was informed that my salary had been paid into my account. I also believed God for a scholarship and I just got word that it’s been approved. Praise the Lord.” Bro J. D. Healing “On my way back from Glasgow by coach after the New Year celebrations, I almost fell down as I boarded the bus, but the Lord helped me not to fall. While on the bus, I felt very unwell, almost fainting or blacking out. I kept pleading the blood of Jesus all the way to Dundee. On arriving I used what little strength I had to get home. I rebuked the devil and told him he could not take my life in this New Year. I was due to begin work in the New Year but I wasn’t sure I would be able to work with the way I kept feeling. I asked the Lord for and He gave me the strength I needed to do my work. I then developed a very bad backache. A sister invited me to church for the special programme where (Pastor Kunle Olawale) was ministering. I wasn’t sure I could stay till the end but She persuaded me to, the very last thing the man of God did that evening was to say that there was someone in the audience with a backache! I came forward, he prayed for me, and the Lord has healed me. Sis D.K God’s faithfulness years with no child. When I was pregnant with my child I felt deep compassion for her. But to God be the glory, she is pregnant and is now in the 6th - 7th month. I know that the Lord will bring her safely to delivery. Sis G.E. Favor “I was looking unto the Lord for the regularization of my documents and He made it happen for me. Secondly, at my place of work, people were being laid off, but when I was called upon by my employers for an interview, what they did was promote me to a level which I would ordinarily have needed training for. Bro A. God’s mercy and grace “The Lord has been faithful in keeping my family over the years. Twice He has prevented us from being sent out of the country as results of our own mistakes owing to God’s goodness is never ignorance. For 5 years I have been ending! here in the UK, without a job, but the Lord told me I should concen“I thank the Lord for all the wonderful trate on raising soldiers for Him and things He has done for me over the last He would pay my salary, and He has year. I have a wonderful husband, a beautibeen faithful in doing so. Sis S.I ful baby girl, and my visa was extended too. My elder sister had been married for over 5 OHD Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 3 Give thanks, give thanks, give thanks! In everything give thanks: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Consider Moses the law-giver and liberator, to whom God gave the Ten Commandments. His name is still known all over the earth 4000 years after his death. But remember, this same Moses was a murderer. He was listed in Egypt as public enemy number one. He was a fugitive from justice who fled to the wilderness where he lived for 40 years as a shepherd. Yet with the chisel of adversity God was shaping Moses to stand in Pharaoh’s majestic palace and announce, “let my people go”. A "Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe." - Augustine The Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, "If you'll come to the Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven." "I don't think I'll be there," the boy said. "You don't even know your way to the post office." nation was born because this man refused the burden you are carrying. He's greater to stop struggling to achieve his divine than the giants you're facing. destiny. Look at the bible record of men and women Don’t be paralyzed by your past. If God who chose to focus on the silver lining, not used Moses, He will use you. Everyone the dark cloud. These people didn’t curse goes through adversity. The phrase to the darkness, they shined the light and remember when things go wrong is: THIS scattered it. They chose the right attitude, an WILL PASS! Have you been hurt? It will attitude of faith. Come on, stop hiding from pass. Have you been betrayed? It will pass. success because you’re afraid to fail. Failure Have you failed? It will pass. In heartache, means you're a learner, not a loser. Stop give thanks. In poverty and prosperity, fearing risk. Take God’s hand, step out and give thanks. God is greater than the fulfill His purpose for your life. criticism you are getting. He’s greater than Bro. Gboyega Thomas Towards the Attainment of Kingdom Responsibility and Excellence: The Pillars (Men Natural Group) With new leadership focused on keeping the wheels of progress rolling, as handed over by its predecessor, the Group has set out a defined agenda for the attainment of its kingdom responsibility and excellence. The Group’s focus is on: i. Spiritual development of its members through organised spiritual activities (night vigils and seminars), ii. Living up to its responsibility as the pillars of the church through all-round commitment to the cause of the Church. iii. Pushing the frontiers of membership unity in a socio-spiritual context. iv. Encouraging the visible presence and participation of members in the church workforce. Based on the above, the Group has been able to hold its maiden night vigil; there is now an improved communication mechanism at all levels among its membership; a visible and improved enthusiasm has also been registered, as participation and interest are at a record high. With this rising Divine Direction and Grace, the Men Natural Group look towards breaking new ground in spiritual and contemporary pursuits, and working with the leadership of the church in achieving some of the overall objective of OHD. Bro Femi Oke Blessed Arrivals Joyful Tosin Idowu born to Mike & Sade Idowu; Paul & Tina Phillips Queen Essien born to Udeme & Glory Essien; Tedo Abuul, born to Victor & Cynthia Abuul; Motade Babatope, born to Ayo & Bolu Babatope; Degbola Adebiyi, born to Unions Bolaji & Eniola Adebiyi; Steve Adebiyi, born to Tayo & Debra Adebiyi; Claire Phillips, born to Alvin Elofuke, born to Petrus & Glory Elofuke; Deji Stephanie Okon, born to Udosen & Odion Okon; Obindah Sarah Senuga, born to Deji & Bola Senuga; Rotimi Alejo, born to Kayode & Moyo Alejo. & Joke Olukokun & Monique Wagbara Godson chukwu & Hadiza Ugo- Department in Focus - Evangelism Department RCCG Open Heavens Dundee We bless the Lord for all He is doing through us. The last quarter saw us able to meet every Monday evening at 6.30pm at the City Center, to distribute tracts and share the Word of God with passersby. It was and still is a very rewarding experience. This year we are trusting the Lord for more impact in taking the city of Dundee for Jesus Christ. We also are looking forward to seeing many more hands joining us in fulfilling the great commission. Remember, every Christian is called to be a soul winner. 1 Corinthians 9:16: ‘Woe unto me if I fail to preach the gospel!’ Matthew 28:19: “ …. Go and make disciples of all nations.” Make 2008 your year of obedience to the Word of God. Worshipping at: St. Salvador’s Church Building Off Carnegie Street, Off Alexander Street, Dundee. Prayer lines: Phone: 01382 566 345/07877 836887 E-mail: [email protected] We’re on the Web! www.rccgdundee.org.uk Evangelism Line: 07939313045 OHD Departments and Heads Ministerial Team: Pastor Rufus Aizeboje “We find freedom when we find God; we lose it when we lose Him” - Paul E. Scherer Choir: Sister Ify Obi Ushering: Brother Bayo Adebowale Hospitality: Sister Monique Wagbara Prayer Band: Sister Juliet Effanga Evangelism: Brother Daniel Nwankwo Sanctuary Keepers: Sister Kolade Kazeem Transportation: Brother Robert Adetayo Children’s Department: Sister Tayo Adebowale Sunday School: Brother Mike Idowu House Fellowship: Bro Akosa Anyaduba Follow-Up: Sis Yinka Nwankwo Publications: Sister Tomi Akanle Serve in the House of God - Join a Team Today! Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cream on her face. "Why do you do that, mommy?" he asked. "To make myself beautiful," said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue. "What's the matter?" asked Little Johnny. "Giving up?" . An atheist complained to a Christian friend, "You Christians have your special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. Jews celebrate their national holidays, such as Passover and Yom Kippur. But we atheists have no recognized national holidays. It's unfair discrimination." His friend replied, "Why don't you celebrate April first?" The fear of God kills all other fears - Hugh Black OPEN HEAVENS QUARTERLY EVENTS 4th Quarter, 2007: 1st Quarter, 2008: Friday, 10th - Sunday, 12th August, 2007 Thursday, 31st January - Sunday 3rd Feb- Theme: All-Round Prosperity Guest Speaker: Pastor Taiwo Ola Saturday, 15th September, 2007 African Praise Night Friday 30th November, 2007 ruary, 2008 Theme: Sufficient Grace Guest Speaker: Pastor Kunle Olawale Friday, 22nd - Saturday, 23rd February, 2008 Festival of Life (FOL) Open Heavens Family Pastors Retreat Excel Center, London. Venue: Hawick, Scottish Borders. Saturday, 8th December, 2007 Christmas Carol Service Tuesday, 25th December, 2007 Christmas Day Service Friday, 29th February, 2008 @ 10pm Sunday, 2nd March, 2008 Mother’s Day. Friday, 28th March, 2008 Festival of Life (FOL) Minister: General Overseer, Pastor E.A. Adeboye Venue: London Excel Center Time: 7pm prompt. Sunday, 20th April, 2007 Informal Sunday RCCG Scotland Area Holy Ghost Service Venue: Fountain of Love Parish, Glasgow The members of the Publications Team are: Sis. Arinola, Bro. Gboyega, Sis. Hadiza, Bro. Hussaini & Sis. Tomi
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