Holy Ghost Retreat (Power as of Old) – Day 3
DAY 3
The Holy Communion service was presided over by Bolorunduro Archdeaconry. The Ante communion part was taken by the Ven. A.A Akinola. The Old Testament lesson was taken by the Rev’d O.O. Oreofe while the Rev’d Adebayo led the reading of the psalm 100. The Rev’d Banjo Adeoye read the epistle from the book of Romans 9:19-33. The Holy gospel was taken from John 10:1-10 by the Rev’d S.O.B Ogundipe. The Rev’d Canon Elijah Abolade took the Homily based on the theme: Encountering the power of the Holy Spirit, which is power to do exploit for God. Text chosen was Act 2:3-4. The preacher emphasized that possessing the power of God is Second to and also none; therefore we should all strive to have this power from God and learn from Holy Spirit.
Ways to posses the power of the Holy Spirit
We need to pray without ceasing.
We need to resist anger as children of light.
Result of having this power
Wipe away our tears.
We enjoy life in eternity. Jer 48:10
He concluded his sermon by challenging us all to be rapturable.
BIBLE STUDY II led by Ven. Dr.M.O. Akinola
Theme: Power as of Old.
Subtheme: Power of Pentecost.
Topic: Praying as a family of faith.
Texts: Acts 2:1, Acts 12:1-16, Eph 6:17-18, Col4:2, 1Thess 5:17.
AIM: To teach the essence and effect of praying together as a Christian family.
INTRODUCTION: Parents should pray together as a couple and with their children. The importance of a family altar cannot be overemphasized. A family life in God should never be underestimated; it is the foundation for a strong family in an ungodly world.
STUDY GUIDE: In responding to the first question asked on the criteria for receiving the power, it was said that we should wait on God in one accord. Families should keep the bond of prayer
in order to stay together in Christ. Conditions for effective family prayer are humility and readiness to serve.
He concluded that family that prays together wins together.
REVIVAL AND WARFARE PRAYER II by Ven. Kehinde Johnson
The revivalist charged us on the existence and importance of the Holy Spirit. Other names of the Holy Spirit are:
Spirit of God (Romans 8:9)
Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29)
The helper (John 16:7)
The Spirit of truth (John 16:7)
The effect of the Holy Spirit
The apostles preached with boldness
The declared the promise boldly. Matt 16:16
The demonstrated various gifts as a proof that they under divine authority. Acts 2:38, 8:12
REVIVAL/PRAYER by Ven. Earnest Akinnubi
The revivalist started with songs of revival. He charged us to be obedient to the will of God. The power of God blocked the mouth of lion in order not to devour Daniel when he was thrown into the lions den. The power is still available today if only Christians can seek for it. The power of God stands forever. When Joshua commanded the sun not to set for three days, the sun obeyed. Joshua exercised the power of God. The power of God is beyond science and technology. Jesus is the wisdom of God. No one has ever died and rose again except Jesus Christ. No power like the power of Jesus. The bible said it affirmatively that the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. Christians must desire the power of God. He led the people of God in prayer for the power of God.
HEALTH TALK: Mental illness and Christianity by Dr. Lanre Ibigbami
Anyone can fall sick irrespective of tribe, status, religion belief and so on. W.H.O said perfect health is not only absence of sickness. Spiritually, it is possible for someone to be afflicted with diseases. When we put what we know in line with faith in God, everything we work together for our good. Mental health is the state of wellbeing when someone is able to cope with the stress of life. Person with good mental health must realize his ability. For someone to be mentally healthy, the person must be able to work well and contribute to the community he is in. To be healthy , we must stay away from alcohol.
Things to do to maintain our mental health status:
Know your status and not neglect the gathering of the brethren
Study the word of God.
Feed your mind right.
Talk to people if we are facing challenges.
Be a listener.
TALK 5: I AM THAT I AM (Exodus 3:15) by The Rev’d Canon S. I. O. Agboola
Canon Agboola started with the hymn, I.O.M. 393, “Wa ma sise”. God created the heaven and the earth in the beginning. Gen 1:1. He is the creator of all creatures. Every other creature may die, but our God is immortal. He created man in His own image and likeness as He has purposed in His heart. He want us to possess the same power He has. John 14:12.
Half knowledge is bad. The devil was able to deceive Eve because she has half knowledge of God and His commandment. Half knowledge made Adam and Eve lost their position in the garden of Eden.
I AM THAT I AM came in exodus when the Pharaoh that knew Moses not became the king. The Israelites started mourning. God sent Moses to Pharaoh to let His people go. Moses asked what his response should be if Pharaoh ask who sent him and God told him to say I AM THAT I AM sent him.
In Luke 9 and Matthew 10. Jesus gave to His disciples the sign that will follow them as they exercise the power of God. This power of God is still available till today. The more is still existing and still very much around. We are representatives and ambassadors of Christ. There is a reward for whoever gain souls into the kingdom of God, so also there is punishment forever allows souls to perish in his vicinity.
PUSH: PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPEN by Sis. Nike Omotosho
Sis. Omotosho led the people of God in prayer.
PRAISE, TESTIMONY & PRAYER by Bro Adelusi Michael.
Bro Michael invited testifiers for their testimonies before song of praises for offering.