Document 241620

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