MESSAGES AND SERMONS CONT'D
BE THOU PERFECT:
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (Genesis 17:1 KJV)
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. (Deuteronomy 18:13 KJV). God almighty demands that for anyone to walk with Him, the person must be perfect. This was the commandment that He gave to Abram at the beginning of his walk with God. It was the obedience of Abram in keeping this commandment that made him to become the friend of God and father of faith.
Many people think it is impossible to be perfect because we are human in the flesh full of corruption. But God knows that it is possible for humans to be perfect that is why He calls us to be perfect. And that was what Abram exhibited in his life even when there was no example to quote as we do have a catalogue of examples today.
Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. (1 Kings 8:61 KJV). It is basically the perfection of the heart with the Lord, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments at all times that God demands. You cannot claim to be walking with God and you do things contrary to God’s statutes, opposed to His commandments and still profess to be going to heaven?
Nay, it will be impossible as you will not even see the strait gate that leads to heaven.
I have heard it more than a thousand times from people that serving God is in my mind not what people see me do. They use that to defend their way of careless dressing or actions that are questionable that one begins to question if these people know God and believe in Jesus at all? Yet they claim they are born again, they speak in tongues, they prophesy to people. It is possible to do all these even when the heart is not perfect but such speaking in tongues or performing of miracles or speaking in tongues are not of God because their hearts are far from God.
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (1 Chronicles 28:9 KJV).
God searches the innermost part of the heart and He knows the imagination of every man. The Bible even tells us that we cannot tell what is in our hearts, only God knows. Many people believe that they are born again yet they murmur, have hatred and bitterness in their hearts, intolerant with other fellow brethren, nurse jealousy and envy in their hearts.
Many have unforgiving spirit but present it through avoidance. So if there is an occasion that will bring them close to the person they don’t want to forgive or tolerate, they will prefer to avoid the person. So when they arrive the Church and see the person sitting on a particular bench they will choose to go about 3 to 5 rows away from that individual. This unforgiving spirit is very deadly that it will blind your mind and consequently blind your spirit. God sees your heart if you are one who does this. You must go down on your knees and pray to God for forgiveness and deliverance from the spirit of unforgiveness.
In many instances, the spirit of unforgiveness clothes itself with the garment of pride and arrogance that the person will look at himself/herself as being too big to come down to the level of the other person and then will not see anything wrong they have done to warrant praying to God for deliverance from it. In fact, the person could be a Pastor or a leader who does deliverance to other people. God is no respecter of anybody. If your heart is not perfect, you cannot walk with God or work for God no matter how zealous you tend to be in your work for God. .../Continue ===>
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48 KJV). Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Matthew 19:21 KJV).
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. (Luke 6:40 KJV). So as a disciple of Christ we are called Christians. We can only truly be Christians if we are like Christ, the perfect one.
PRAYER FOR PERFECTION:
Before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed for the perfection of the disciples who later became the apostles and all of us today who are followers of Jesus Christ.
Jesus prayed, “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me”. (John 17:23 KJV).
And Paul also wrote, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you”. (Philippians 3:15 KJV). God Himself shall reveal to us anything that is contrary to the perfect heart required to walking with God that may be lurking somewhere in our hearts.
PREPAREDNESS FOR PERFECTION:
Although it is God who commands us to be perfect, it is not by our power or strength or goodness. It is Him who makes us to be perfect. It is only our willingness, submission and preparedness to be perfect that God looks in our heart and He does the rest. He is the only surgeon that operates our hearts without any cut anywhere. He is the perfect doctor !
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:21 KJV).
POSSESSION OF PERFECTION:
We can possess this perfection required of us to walk with God by making up our minds to obtain this gift from God. We only need to surrender to Him and keep ourselves under checks constantly so that we do not fall out of the grace. We must constantly examine ourselves as we are gathered together gazing and waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ that is very imminent.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2 KJV).
Again, let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:15 KJV).
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Corinthians 13:10 KJV). You cannot claim to be perfect today and tomorrow fall back to who you used to be. That is like making a mockery of God. You know what that entails: everlasting punishment. May that not be our portion in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. Rather, God will give us perfect hearts to serve and do His will now and for ever more in Jesus' name. Amen.
Bro Shadie Okpako.
(13 Sept 2017).
Facebook Page:
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Gather The People Ministry (GTPM) WORLDWIDE:
END OF YEAR 2024 PRAISE AND WORSHIP
28 DECEMBER 2024
By: Pastor Shadie Okpako, Global Coordinator
Jesus Only Is Our Message
Text: Acts 4:12 - "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
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Introduction:
• The core of the Christian message is Jesus Christ.
• Everything in Scripture points to Him: His person, His work, and His salvation.
• Today, let us reaffirm why our message must be "Jesus Only."
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1. Jesus Is the Centre of the Gospel:
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."
• The gospel is not about a religion or philosophy; it is about Jesus Christ.
• His death, burial, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith.
(It was told the story of a very rich American whose only son that joined the army died in the war in Vietnam. When the young man was shot in the battle front, his friend tried to carry him for treatment, but he died from the wound. His friend drew a portrait of the son and kept it till when he returned to America and went to present it to the son’s dad. Then when the man was old he decided to auction his beautiful and expensive paintings of world renown artists like: Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, etc. He added the portrait painting of his late son that was given to him by the son’s friend. He instructed the auctioneer to start with his son’s portrait which was not so great compared to the others. So when the auction began the auctioneer announced that they were going to start with the son’s portrait. The people were not happy to hear that as they were expecting something more attractive. So when this first portrait was presented, the millionaires looked away as they preferred the more expensive ones. Only one person raised his hand to buy it and the hammer of the auctioneer went down that the portrait was sold. Next, he announced that the auction was over as the instruction given to him was that, whoever bought the portrait of the son has all the rest. The millionaires were very angry and disappointed but that was it. So is the plan of God that whoever has Jesus has access to all things including, eternal life).
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2. Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life:
Scripture: John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
• Jesus is not one of many ways to God—He is the only way.
• Preaching "Jesus Only" brings clarity to a confused world seeking truth and meaning.
• Preaching “Jesus Only” enables us to break the wall of partition call denomination that the enemy uses to create disunity within the Christendom.
• Calling the name of Jesus is a powerful weapon in the hands of a Christian which brings miracles to our lives and hope to our situations because unpleasant situations hear the name of Jesus and they bow.
• The Blood of Jesus provides Divine Protection upon our lives
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3. Jesus Is the Hope of Salvation:
Scripture: John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
• Jesus offers salvation to all who believe in Him.
• Our message is one of hope, love, and eternal life.
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4. Jesus Is the Head of the Church
Scripture: Colossians 1:18 - "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence."
• The church exists to glorify Christ and proclaim His name.
• Our ministries, worship, and message must always point to Jesus.
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5. Jesus Is Our Example for Living:
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21 - "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps."
• Jesus is not only our Savior but also our model for a godly life.
• When we preach "Jesus Only," we guide others to live in His footsteps.
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Application
• Let our message in every sermon, song, and testimony be about Jesus.
• Focus on His love, sacrifice, and call to follow Him.
• Reject distractions that shift the emphasis from Christ to lesser things.
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Jesus Is the Centre of the Gospel:
The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Jesus Christ as the centre of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Here’s a journey through Scripture to show how Jesus is the centrepiece of the gospel.
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1. Jesus in Genesis: The Promise of Redemption:
• Genesis 3:15 - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."
o This is the first prophecy of Jesus, often called the protoevangelium (the first gospel).
o Jesus is the "Seed" of the woman who would defeat Satan and redeem humanity.
• Genesis 22:8 - "And Abraham said, 'My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.'”
o This foreshadows Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
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2. Jesus in the Law: The Fulfilment of the Sacrificial System:
• Exodus 12:13 - "Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you."
o The Passover lamb is a type of Christ, whose blood delivers us from death.
• Leviticus 17:11 - "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls."
o Jesus' sacrifice fulfils the requirement for atonement, providing the ultimate and perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).
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3. Jesus in the Prophets: The Coming Messiah:
• Isaiah 7:14 - "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."
o Jesus is Immanuel, "God with us," fulfilling this prophecy in His incarnation (Matthew 1:22-23).
• Isaiah 53:5-6 - "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
o The suffering servant described here is a vivid picture of Jesus' atoning death on the cross.
• Micah 5:2 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel."
o This prophecy points to Jesus' birthplace and His eternal reign.
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4. Jesus in the Gospels: The Fulfilment of the Promise:
• John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory."
o Jesus, the eternal Word, took on flesh to dwell among us and reveal God’s glory.
• Matthew 20:28 - "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
o Jesus' mission was to offer His life as a ransom for sin.
• John 19:30 - "It is finished!"
o On the cross, Jesus completed the work of redemption, fulfilling all the prophecies and the requirements of the law.
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5. Jesus in Acts and the Epistles: The Proclaimed Saviour:
• Acts 4:12 - "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
o The early church preached Jesus as the only way to salvation.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day."
o Paul emphasizes that Jesus’ death and resurrection are the core of the gospel.
• Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
o Jesus is the origin and completion of our faith, central to every believer’s journey.
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6. Jesus in Revelation: The Eternal King:
• Revelation 5:12 - "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing!"
o Jesus is worshiped in heaven as the Lamb of God who redeemed us.
• Revelation 19:16 - "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
o Jesus is the victorious King who will reign forever.
• Revelation 22:13 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
o Jesus is the culmination of history, the eternal God who fulfils God’s redemptive plan.
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Conclusion:
From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures testify of Jesus as the promised Redeemer, the sacrificial Lamb, and the eternal King. He is the centre of the gospel because He is the one through whom God accomplishes salvation. Let us proclaim Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s promises, the hope of all nations, and the Saviour of the world.
Key Scripture: John 5:39 - "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."
FINALLY
• As the apostle Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 2:2: "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
• Let us boldly proclaim, "Jesus Only is Our Message," for in Him is the fullness of life, salvation, and glory.
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Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the centre of our faith and the hope of our salvation. Help us to lift Your name high in everything we do, say, and preach. Let our lives and our message always reflect Your love and truth. Amen.
END OF YEAR 2024 PRAISE AND WORSHIP MESSAGE:
END OF YEAR 2024 MESSAGE: 31 December 2024.
END OF YEAR 2024 MESSAGE
We are coming to the close of 2024 in some few hours' time. Before then, let us take a moment to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness to us throughout the year. Despite challenges, joys, and uncertainties, the Lord has been our sustainer and guide blessing us in the face of all odds. He is worthy to be thanked for His Love for us. For His Mercies, Grace, Divine Protection, Provisions and Preservation that we still remain in faith. Hallelujah !!
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us:
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
GRATITUDE TO GOD ALMIGHTY:
Let us enter the new year with hearts full of gratitude and hope, trusting that He who has been faithful in the past will continue to lead us into the future for greater blessings and exploits for His service in Jesus.
As God ushers us into 2025, let us embrace the promise of Isaiah 43:19:
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." God shall make ways of Progress in all areas of our lives in the coming year just as we have experienced in 2024. With long life, prosperity and good health shall He satisfy us in Jesus's name. Amen.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus throughout the coming year.
Happy New Year, and may God richly bless you, your family and Ministry in Jesus's name! Amen.
Pastor Shadie Okpako
GTPM, Global Coordinator.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025 TO ALL OF US:
New Year Message of Hope for 2025
01 January 2025.
ONCE AGAIN, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025 TO ALL OF US:
We thank God for bringing us into 2025. Hallelujah!!
Brethren, let us once again remember the promise of God in Isaiah 43:19 which says:
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." God shall make ways of Progress in all areas of our lives in this New year just as we have experienced in past years especially the last year 2024. With long life, prosperity and good health shall He satisfy us in Jesus's name. Amen.
Theme for 2025: Our Year of Peace
As we step into the New Year 2025, let us all in agreement declare this year as “Our Year of Peace.” The peace of God is not the absence of challenges but the presence of His assurance, guidance, and calm in every situation. So as we go through the year, always remember the PEACE OF GOD that takes away all anxieties, worries and panic.
John 14:27 reminds us of Jesus’ promise:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
In our world of today filled with uncertainties, anxieties and worries, our peace is rooted in Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 says:
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Walking in Peace in 2025
Peace with God:
Through Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to God. Let us draw closer to Him this year.
Romans 5:1 - "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Peace in Every Situation:
Whatever the year may bring, trust in God’s ability to guard your heart and mind.
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Do not fret for anything but always remember to take everything to God in prayer and believing that God answers prayers. So when you have prayed to God about something, wait patiently for the manifestation of the answer. It might not be immediately because God's way is not the same as our ways. Don't become impatient and begin to panic and think of Plan B or cut corners. That will negate the answer that you are expecting from God because you can't rush God to answer you or move God with your Plan B. Be careful and sensitive even in your thinking because God sees and hears what you are thinking even when you have not said anything.
Be Peacemakers:
As God’s children, let us also be agents of peace in our homes, communities, colleges, and workplaces.
Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Encouragement for the Year Ahead.
As we journey through 2025, remember that the Lord Himself is your source of peace and guide:
Numbers 6:24-26 - "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
Go forward with confidence, for the God of peace is with you. Let 2025 be a year marked by the peace of Christ ruling in your heart, life and home. Walk daily in the 365 days of the year 2025 with the assurance that God is with you and your family always even where it seems like you are alone. So as you walk physically on the road, or driving your car or just sitting alone in your living room or office, always remain conscious that Jesus and the host of angels are there with you for your comfort and protection. And so shall it be in Jesus's name. Amen.
The Name of Jesus Shall Avail For Us:
As part of the package for the year 2025, The Name of Jesus shall avail for us throughout this year. In the Name of Jesus, the name above ALL NAMES, Miracles shall begin to happen for us at all times. There shall be miraculous healing for those with health challenges of whatever category. Good health all year round for all of us with strength to do exploits for God this year. Those marriageable ones looking for their life partners shall get connected this year. Those couples married for some years now still looking for the fruit of the womb shall have miracle babies this year. Those in business shall have great contracts and boom in their businesses. Those in schools, colleges and Universities shall excel in their academics and have academic success. Those who are looking for employment shall get employed. Those who are employed shall get their promotions this year. Those under the spell of generational curses or demonic/Satanic oppressions shall be delivered and have their Peace and liberty. Those with court cases will all win their cases, discharged and acquitted successfully this year. The Peace of God shall be upon our children, youths, young adults, adults, elderly people among us, boys, girls, women, men and all of us in Jesus's name. It shall be Peace in all areas in Jesus's name. Amen. Believe it and Receive it in Jesus's name. Amen.
Happy New Year 2025, and may this truly be our Year of Peace indeed in Jesus's name. Amen!
Pastor Shadie Okpako
GTPM, Global Coordinator.