Jesus … said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19

The story of the demonic-possessed man in Mark 5 could be the story of each of us. God, in His mercy, delivered us from the different situations we were enslaved to. The Gerasenes opposed Jesus’ mission to preach to them. If they lost two thousand pigs for one man to be delivered, how many more pigs would they lose if Jesus healed more people? Their concern was economics and nothing more. Jesus still wanted the Gerasenes to hear the good news. Without seminary training or discipleship, Jesus instantly commissioned the man He healed to take His place and proclaim the gospel in the town. All he knew was what Jesus did for him, and he told everyone in the ten cities. Today, individuals and nations have rejected Jesus, and all He offers in preference to mundane things. We, too, must take the place of Jesus in our towns and tell everyone what He has done for us.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

by †Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo

First Sunday Prayer on June 4 And First Tuesday Prayer And Fasting For Revival on June 6, 2023

The American Dictionary defines the word “fervent” as “showing strong and sincere feelings or beliefs.” The synonyms include ardent, devout, earnest, heartfelt. To be fervent is to display or to have a passionate emotion for anything.

When associated with prayer, the meaning is often mistakenly associated with loudness, extreme emotionalism and verbiage. A prayer can be fervent without any of the above descriptions.

In teaching His disciples how to pray, Jesus said “And when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Matt.6:7-8. Compare the prayer of Elijah and that of the 850 prophets of Baal. 1 Kgs.18:25-29,36. Another similar example is the one between the Pharisee and the Publican. Lu.18:11-14.

A fervent prayer does not need to be unusually long and verbose. Compare the prayer of the thief on the cross.” Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Lu.23:42. Peter facing the storms cried out,” …Lord, save me.” Matt.14:30. None of the petitioners failed to obtain their request. Every one of the prayers was passionate, devout, earnest, heartfelt, of few words and still fervent and obtained desired answers. Simplicity is also a secret of a fervent prayer.

Please join in the First Sunday on June 4, at 9 PM EST and the First Tuesday prayer and fasting for REVIVAL on June 6 at the regular schedule of 6 AM EST, 12 Noon EST, and 6 PM EST.

Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo studied at Grace Collage and Grace Theological Seminary, both in Winona Lake, IN, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees respectively. He also did some Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. He is the coordinator, African Missionary Outreach. Rev Ezeigbo is the currently Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator ECWA USA. He has also served as Secretary and Chairman of ECWA USA DCC. Rev Ezeigbo is an advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a Bible teacher for ECWA MD and Researcher – Church History and Theology.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Ps. 116:15

M

any people die every day, but we cannot help noticing a trend that God seems to take away the best from families. Have you ever wished God had taken someone else from the family instead of the good person He took away in death? Well, God has an answer for you. The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death (Isa. 57:1, 2). This is a powerful truth from God. Sometimes I think of God as a Chief Executive Officer who hires the best candidates and posts them to serve in various sections of His earthly Kingdom subsidiary. Those who serve well or for other reasons best known to God get promoted and transferred to Headquarters in heaven, where they will serve directly in God’s presence. Who does not want such a promotion?

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

If you love me, keep my commands (John 14:15). But Samuel replied: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams (1Sam. 15:22). God’s love language is obedience. Obedience is “the act or practice of doing what one is told to” (Chambers Dictionary). God frowns at every act of disobedience. Samuel describes disobedience in verse 23 as rebellion, witchcraft, arrogance, and the sin of idolatry. Lucifer, the former highest-ranking angel in heaven, disobeyed God and was punished. Moses, the meekest man on earth with whom God talked face to face, was denied entry into the Promised Land for disobedience. David, a friend, and a man after God’s heart, was punished, even though he repented. Jesus Christ was punished when He took on Himself my sins of disobedience. Grace does not permit us to sin. His love and holiness require Him to punish every sin. He will forgive and restore when we repent.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ … Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate. Mat. 19:5-6

I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel …” (Mal. 2:16). “… A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife” (1Cor. 7:10-11). “… a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him” (Rom. 7:2).

Here are some facts to think about:

1. God is the one who joins every marriage – Christian or non-Christian.
2. The man and woman become one, and no one has the right to separate them, not the couple.
3. Should they separate or even divorce, they cannot remarry.
4. Death of a spouse is the only gateway to remarry.

Where an unbelieving spouse walks away or in a case of marital infidelity, the other spouse is free, but no definitive statement that they can remarry. Count the cost before you marry.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Cor.12:31-13:3. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor.13:13.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident,…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Gal.5:19,22-23.

“We come to the ‘fruit of the Spirit’. It is fruit. You will notice the word is in the singular-not fruits, as we generally say, but fruit, which will emphasize the thought that if there be nine different virtues in this category, it is not that nine different persons are to manifest these virtues, but it is that each person is to have the nine. It is not that one has joy, another peace; but every man has love and joy and peace and all the rest of them.” W. Y. Fullerton

“In addition to a victorious life, the fruit of the Spirit is the only credible evidence of a Spirit-filled life attested by the holy Scriptures.” Joseph Ezeigbo

The fruit of the Spirit, perhaps, is the most neglected aspect of pneumatology. There is a vast literature on the personality of the Holy Spirit, the different aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit including His gifts, but very scarce material on the fruit of the Spirit. This is even though the fruit of the Spirit occupies a unique place in the study of and operation of the Holy Spirit. In addition to a victorious life, it is the only evidence of a Spirit-filled life attested by the holy Scriptures.

The study about the Holy Spirit is as vast as the study about God Himself. But the study about the Holy Spirit becomes more energetic because of the unending debates and disagreements with regards to His operation and outward manifestation in the lives of believers. One of these disagreements is regarding the subject of filling. The question may be asked, “what does a Spirit-filled believer look like?” How does one identify a Spirit-filled Christian?” Or perhaps as in forensics, “What is the evidence of a Spirit-filled life?” These are questions that cannot be ignored in the study of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, in answering the last question, some people erroneously teach that the outward evidence of a Spirit-filled life is the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit, especially speaking in tongues. Nothing can be further from the truth. On the contrary, the Scripture teaches that the evidence of a Spirit-filled life, in addition to a victorious life, is the fruit of the Spirit.

In Galatians 5:16-18, Paul admonishes the believer to walk in the Spirit in order to overcome the battle against the lust of the flesh. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Then in verses 19-21, Paul provides a partial list of the works of the flesh. And in contrast to that, in verses 22-23, he mentions the fruit of the Spirit as the antithesis to the works of the flesh.

Paul further exhorts, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” V.13.

In Galatians 5:13-15, Paul began a warning against indulging the flesh or carnal living. In verse 16, he exhorts the believer to walk in the Spirit in order to overcome the lusts of the flesh.” Walk” (Gr. peripateo) means to live a Spirit-filled life. It has the same meaning as “Be filled with the Spirit.”  Eph.5:18. This is the antidote to living a carnal life. He presents “walk in the Spirit”, a Spirit-filled life as the way to be victorious over the unceasing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. V.16-18. In verses 19-21, Paul gives a list of the “works of the flesh” and in quick contrast, in verses 22-23, he presents the list of the outward evidence of a Spirit-filled life. The soundness of the argument is logically evident. No clearer teaching or evidence of a Spirit-filled life is found anywhere else in the New Testament or in the entire Scriptures.

The Model of The Church at Corinth.

There is no church in the New Testament whose testimony belies the claim that the manifestation of spiritual gifts is the outward evidence of the Spirit-filled life as the church at Corinth. The Corinthian church had so many spiritual gifts and their manifestations, and yet it received the greatest reprimand and reproach of all the churches that were addressed by Paul. The giftedness of this church is referred to in the statement, “ I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, ( emphasis added) eagerly awaiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor.1:4-7. Yet, despite not lacking behind in spiritual gifts, this church was popularly known for its scandals and carnality.  Not only was the Corinthian church saddled with a long list of carnal, immoral and ethical misconduct, but even the spiritual gifts counted among its problems. 1 Cor.1:10-13; 5:1-8; 6:1-8; 11:17-22,27-33;14:26-38.  It is a church that is known for its carnality and spiritual immaturity despite its abounding spiritual gifts including speaking in tongues.

Paul addressed it in these rebuking words, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, ‘I am of Paul’, and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal? 1 Cor.3:1-4. It is an irony of spirituality that the gift that God gave for the edification of the church was turned into a weapon of its disruption. Early in his explanation of the spiritual gifts, Paul states, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works in all.But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.1 Cor.12:4-7. (Emphasis added)

After a painstaking effort explaining what could be termed the “anatomy and physiology” of spiritual gifts in chapter 12, Paul concluded by stating, “And yet I show you a more excellent way.” V.31. And to that more excellent way we now turn.

Love- A More Excellent Way- 1 Corinthians 13 In Its Original Context.

1 Corinthians 13 is one among many passages of the Scripture that have suffered “hermeneutical injustice”, being often read out of its original context. Its subject matter and literary prose have caused it to be called by other names as love chapter, hymn to love and frequently used at wedding ceremonies and marital counseling.

While these extended uses may be appropriate for their purposes, the main teaching of the passage is still concealed until studied in its original context. One can imagine that the carnality and other unspiritual characteristics in the Corinthian church contributed in a large measure to its multiple problems and to the misunderstanding of the operation of the spiritual gifts- a phenomenon that is not uncommon today.

Paul had earlier received some reports about these sad trends of events before the Church wrote to ask him for direction. 1 Cor.1:11; 5:1; 7:1; 12:1. Quite very much like today, among the boiling issues in the Corinthian church was the method of operation of spiritual gifts. It seems that this must have been particularly troublesome considering the lengthy discussion that Paul devoted to it. (1 Corinthians 12-14.). Why did Paul suddenly introduce another subject during his discussion of spiritual gifts?  Spiritual gifts as noted earlier, were a very vexing matter in the Corinthian church. Not unlike today, some people not only emphasized certain gifts and neglected others but expressed their preferred gifts in a selfish and quarrelsome manner. There was exceeding disharmony and rancor in the body life of the church because of the way many were parading their gifts.1 Cor.12:12-30. Note particularly verse 25. “That there be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” This matter of disorderliness is given a fuller discussion in chapter 14.

In correcting this confusion, Paul introduced a virtue that supersedes every and all spiritual gifts- love. Love is not a Spiritual gift, but a fruit of the Spirit. Since the fruit of the Spirit unlike the gifts is one bundle, love represents all the virtues of the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is not like the Spiritual gifts where one possesses one virtue and not the other. Every Spirit-filled believer possesses all the nine fruits of the Spirit. While all the gifts are not mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13, the partial list represents the whole, and the overall statement depicts love, (the fruit of the Spirit) as superior to all Spiritual gifts.

CONCLUSION

Although the Corinthian church abounded with many spiritual gifts, it’s abounding with so much moral scandal, spiritual immaturity and misunderstanding makes it apparent that it lacked the fulness of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13 is an ironic, and perhaps also, irenic way of pointing out what the church lacked as well as the remedy for its ills.  The summary teaching of 1 Corinthians 13 is as follows: Verses 1-3 is that it is possible to have the manifestation of the Spiritual gifts in the absence of the in-filling of the Spirit and that all such manifestations profit nothing. The characteristics of love in verses 4-7 represent the whole spectrum of the fruit of the Spirit and are presented as a positive manner of displaying spiritual gifts. In verses 8-13, love, which represents the fruit of the Spirit is shown to be more enduring than Spiritual gifts which are but temporal.

Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo studied at Grace Collage and Grace Theological Seminary, both in Winona Lake, IN, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees respectively. He also did some Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. He is the coordinator, African Missionary Outreach. Rev Ezeigbo is the currently Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator ECWA USA. He has also served as Secretary and Chairman of ECWA USA DCC. Rev Ezeigbo is an advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a Bible teacher for ECWA MD and Researcher – Church History and Theology.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. Isa. 49:15

Jesus responded out of compassion to our plight as sinners by dying in our place. His healing and deliverance were preceded by the phrase that Jesus had compassion for the individual(s). To be compassionate, one must feel how an individual feels and respond to mitigate the situation. Mothers, whether in the animal or human kingdoms, are wired with compassion to the degree that men can only imagine. Mothers intuitively understand their children and, out of compassion, will sacrifice anything, including themselves, to make them comfortable. Just as a woman can’t forget her child and not have compassion on them, God, the God of all compassion, will not forget you or fail to have compassion toward you. To our compassionate mothers, HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man will be betrayed … They will condemn him to death… mocked and flogged and crucified. Mat. 20:18-19a

Jesus Christ walked boldly into Jerusalem and suffered all He predicted would happen to Him without shrinking back. Jesus also revealed that believers will go through similar experiences. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Mat. 5:11). We too must face our persecutions boldly without shrinking back. We will not instigate persecution for ourselves, but since it is inevitable, we will prepare ourselves to face it. My opinion is that we are not to pray generally against persecution, but we can plead with the Lord on specific situations as the Holy Spirit leads us. We are encouraged to pray for the grace to persevere in the face of persecution. As Jesus learned obedience from the things that He suffered (Heb. 5:8), we too can learn a lot from our travails, and we are blessed for standing firm.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

by Rev. Sunday Bwanhot

Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me Mat. 11:6

The most tragic thing that can happen to a creature is to assume the role, second guest or misinterprete the Creator’s intent. John, like all his contemporaries, misunderstood God’s promised deliverance for Israel. God’s plan was salvation from their sins; but their expectation was deliverance from the occupying Roman forces. The Jews were disappointed in Jesus because of this error and since He did not meet their expectations, they gave up on Him and even supported His crucifixion. Today, many expect God to meet their expectations of prosperity, health, and a thousand and one things we name. We are ready to worship, sacrifice and do anything for God provided He meets our needs as enumerated. But God’s primary promise to everyone is salvation from sin. Our expectations are things He might grant to some and not to others for good reasons. Are we going to be disappointed with God or even turn away from Him when He does not grant us what we want but gives us what we really need?

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) at her 70th General Church Council (GCC) meeting emphasized the Church’s 2023 theme: ‘Occupy till I come’ (Luke 19:13). The theme was chosen to encourage believers in Jesus Christ, especially ECWA members, to remain occupied in working hard for the advancement of the Kingdom of God until Jesus Christ returns. This calls for every believer in Christ to remain committed and use their gifts and resources to witness for the salvation of souls for His Kingdom and not to be weary.

The Council acknowledged that as believers give themselves to the work of God’s Kingdom, revival breaks forth as the manifestation of God’s holy presence in power and glory in the lives of individuals, families, churches, communities, and the society at large. Revival being the urgent need in the country and ECWA being the catalyst for this great evangelistic and missional thrust, the Council urge all ECWA pastors and members to pray fervently for this fire of revival to spread.

In the course of the 5-day meeting, the Council articulated the 4-fold agenda of ECWA:

1. Connecting ECWA to God which involves leading members to grow in the word of God with the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting.
2. Connecting ECWA to ECWA with the sole purpose of working together in synergy
3. Connecting ECWA to the world through church planting, broadcasting, evangelism and discipleship
4. To develop and mobilize resources that will help reposition ECWA to minister the whole Gospel to the whole man in the whole world.

In the course of the 70^th General Church Council meeting, elections were conducted and Rev. Stephen Sunday Ajise was re-elected unopposed as ECWA Vice President for a second term of three years, while Rev. Ayuba Ashishe was elected as ECWA General Secretary for a first term of three years.  Rev. Michael Adamu was elected as the Trustee of Zone 2 (Gada) and Rev. Dr. Isaac Laudarji as the elected Trustee of zone 6 (North East 1).

The meeting had in attendance the members of the ECWA Executive, ECWA Board of Trustees, Chairmen, Secretaries, and Delegates of all the Ninety-three (93) District Church Councils (DCCs), ECWA Leaders from the Republic of Chad and United States of America. Also in attendance were Directors of the various ECWA Departments, and Heads of ECWA Tertiary Institutions. The Council deliberated on Church related matters, State of the nation Nigeria, the global community and made the following resolutions:

1. Creation of a New DCC: The Council granted a conditional approval to the proposed Jos Central District Church Council out of the present Jos DCC.
2. The Insecurity in Nigeria: The Council frowned at the high and frightening levels of insecurity in Nigeria through banditry, kidnappings for ransom and ritual killing, incessant killings of innocent citizens by “Unknown Gun Men”, terrorism by especially Islamic extremists, and destruction of lives and property with impunity by these undeserved elements who are ravaging and forcefully occupying cities and lands in the nation with inability of the government at various levels to successfully tackle the menace. A few examples of such atrocities are:

1. 1. the recent killing in the month of April, 2023 of sixty-eight (68) people at Zangon Kataf and several other communities in Southern Kaduna
   2. killing of thirty (30) people in Agatu LGA, two hundred and fifty (250) people in Apa LGA, seventy-five (75) people in Otukpo; thirty-nine (39) people in Guma LGA making a total of three hundred and ninety four (394) people in Benue State, Nigeria
   3. killing of ten (10) people in Mangu and Bokkos, Plateau State
   4. sacking of indigenous communities in the Middle-Belt States namely Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Southern Kaduna, Benue, and Taraba.

The Council called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to rise up to her constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property and dealing ruthlessly with those responsible for these wicked acts, and to provide good governance characterized by transparency, integrity and accountability by constituting an atmosphere for employment of teaming youths of Nigeria so as to stem hunger, unemployment, illiteracy, corruption and religious extremism.

3. Attacks on Security Personnel: The Council condemned the frequent assaults on security personnel in the line of duty by unidentified groups across the nation. Therefore, the government should improve the provision of security equipment and take adequate care of security personnel while also sieving the security outfit of bad elements and bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to book.

4. The Nigeria General Elections: The Council expressed displeasure over the unprofessional conducts of some of the electoral umpires and security agents that, to a very large extent, marred the overall outcome of the just concluded 2023 national and states general elections. The General Church Council called on the judiciary to do justice to all matters that may be brought before the courts as justice should be seen and be manifestly seen to be done since the courts are the last hope of the common man. Politicians, political party leaders, their representatives and supporters were called upon to sheathe their swords and refrain from making inflammatory statements to allow the judiciary carry out its constitutional responsibilities in this case so as to avoid overheating the polity.

5. Nigeria Currency Swap Policy: The Council appreciated the Nigeria Currency Swap Policy as a good initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria.  However, it expressed displeasure at the unbearable hardship the policy brought to the Nigerian masses. This was compounded by fuel scarcity and hyper-inflation. The Council called on the government to reconsider the processes of implementation of the policy and provide all alternatives to cushioning the negative effects of the policy before 31^st December, 2023 deadline and ensure, among other things, that the banks are fully and seamlessly prepared for the smooth implementation.

6. 2023 Census: The Council affirmed that national census is a good thing, although it is long overdue. It called on the government to ensure that the Commission adequately mobilizes all genuine citizens for the census. The Council also charged the National Population Commission to be honest, just and equitable and justify the conduct of the exercise. In lieu of the overall call from many quarters of Nigeria for the postponement of the scheduled May 2023 census, also given the fact of the scheduled handing over of government in the same May 2023, the Council advised the Federal Government to postpone the entire exercise till the incoming administration settles down.

7. The Incoming Administration: The Council admonished the incoming administrations at all levels of government to learn from the flaws of the past administrations, ensure equity and fairness in the appointments that will reveal the true federal character, listen to the yearnings of the masses and ensure the practice of actual democracy that is founded on the basis of the rule of law. The government was further called upon to ensure the protection of lives and property to avoid escalation of brewing violence.

8. Nigeria External and Internal Debt Profile: As at Thursday, 20^th April 2023, the Nigerian Debt Management website was quoted as reporting that Nigeria’s External Debt Profile was forty-six trillion, two hundred and twenty-five billion naira (N25) equaling two and a half years Nigeria’s Annual Budgetwith additional internal borrowed fund from CBN to the tone of eight hundred million dollars ($800m) to be shared as so-called palliative to people. The Council advised and cautioned the government to be rational in her borrowing from external and/or internal bodies in order to prevent the national economy from total collapse.

9. The International Community: The Council frowned at the global trend of shootings and killings of vulnerable school children, especially in recent shootings in the USA and Canada, child trafficking, drug abuse, military invasions of smaller nations by stronger nations without recourse to international treaty of the sovereignty of each nation. The United Nations was called upon to ensure that such international treaties are strictly adhered to and complied with in order to prevent future occurrences.

The Council closed with special prayer for national and global peace, justice, smooth transition of power in Nigeria and economic growth of the nations.

GOD BLESS ECWA!
GOD BLESS FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!
GOD BLESS OTHER PARTICIPATORY NATIONS!!!

Signed

Rev. (Dr) Stephen Baba Panya                Rev. (Dr.) Yunusa Sabo Nmadu Jr. fips, mnim, meli, MyrP

ECWA President                                  ECWA General Secretary

Authors

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered away? Mat. 18:12

There is no doubt from this parable that even if I were the only lost person in the world, and there was no other way I could be saved, Jesus would have still willingly died for me. His death was for individuals who sinned individually against God. This is the good news we were reminded of this past Easter. Well, the parable had only one lost sheep out of a hundred. The reality we are dealing with today is that there may be at least ninety-five lost sheep out of a hundred. Jesus Christ left us with the task of finding the ninety-five lost sheep. Finding these many lost sheep is not difficult because they are all around us – in our homes, neighborhoods, at work/school and playgrounds. Since Jesus Christ came to look for you and save you, is it too much to engage yourself in His task to find other lost sheep and bring them to Him?

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee. Luke 24:6

People generally act on what they hear and believe to be true. Jesus told His disciples several times that He would die and rise again on the third day. Their actions betrayed their unbelief. If they had believed Him, the women would not have wasted their money on spices. The disciple would not have declared the testimony of the women who reported that Christ is risen as nonsensical. They would have gone early to the tomb to see Him rise and not to embalm a corpse. The religious leaders who hated Jesus took His words seriously and acted by posting a guard and sealing the tomb to ensure that Jesus did not get out of it. Believing is acknowledging the facts, being convinced in your heart, and acting. “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2Cor. 5:15). If my belief in the resurrection has not led me to stop living for myself and live only for Christ, my faith is in vain.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

JESUS — Streaming Free Easter Weekend! by Sight & Sound TV (www.sight-sound.tv)

This Easter, we are thrilled to be offering a free three-day streaming of JESUS — April 7 – 9! Filmed in front of a live audience, this state-of-the-art theatrical production has been experienced by more than five million people worldwide. Throughout Easter weekend, we invite you to gather with the ones you love to witness some of the most awe-inspiring, miraculous events in the gospels as the story of Jesus’ life unfolds on your screen. From the bustling streets of Jerusalem to the raging Sea of Galilee, there’s no place and no person his love can’t reach!

Where to Watch JESUS: www.sight-sound.tv
Event: Friday, April 7 – Sunday, April 9

Sight & Sound is a storytelling company passionate about bringing redemptive stories that reveal the power of the gospel to life on stage and screen. Since its beginning as a traveling multi-media show in 1976, Sight & Sound has inspired over 30 million people with stories from the pages of scripture and history. Today, Sight & Sound operates two live-theater venues, immersing over a million people each year in state-of-the-art original productions. In 2020, Sight & Sound launched an online streaming platform, welcoming a new global audience from over 175 countries around the world. Most recently, Sight & Sound expanded into feature films, debuting at #2 in movie theaters across the nation. Sight & Sound is headquartered in Lancaster, PA with over 700 employees companywide. For more information, visit www.sight-sound.com.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:8

As I reflect during this passion week, I am amazed about God’s sacrificial love for a rebel and worthless sinner like me. What made God give up His perfect, sinless, one and only Son to die for me? Why will Jesus Christ willingly endure the cruel, painful, and slow death on the cross for someone not worth a dime? No answer on earth can fully explain this grace. But did we return God the favor? Not at all! Like the disciples, even after being with Jesus for three years, Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him, and the rest of the disciples ran away. For Judas, thirty pieces of silver were enough for him to give up on Jesus. Today, we are giving up on Jesus to keep some friends, to fit into the mainstream of our society. For others, the pull of licentious life is too strong to resist, etc. But we must ask ourselves: How valuable is God’s love to you? How much is your love for God? How much do you love the people He died for?

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. Ps. 67:1-2

To bless someone is to pronounce what you desire for that person. Jacob and Moses blessed the twelve tribes of Israel, which was prophetic. In many other situations, the blessings are just wishful desires, as has become the norm among many pastors today. When God blesses anyone, the pronouncement will come to pass. Everyone wants God to bless them, but what is in our minds is to prosper and have a good life. God’s blessings are not primarily for personal benefit. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. Israel was blessed so that all nations would know God through them. The Church is blessed so that it will fulfill the same purpose – make His salvation known and people worship Him. God has blessed you already, even though you may be desiring more. How are you making God and His salvation known to those around you?

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Pray for Muslims with Prayercast March 22-April 21, 2023

During Ramadan many Muslims go to the mosque and spend several hours praying. In addition to the five daily prayers that are part of the core of Islam, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Tarawih prayer (night prayer).

What is Prayercast?

Prayercast exists because roughly 140,000 people enter eternity every day without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And only God has the power to change that number.

So we cry out to Him!

Because when God’s people pray, HE MOVES.

And when God’s people pray, THEY CHANGE.

Prayercast combines the arts and media to unite and activate the global body of Christ to world-changing prayer for the sake of the lost.

Roughly 3 million Prayercast videos are viewed each month in over 190 countries, leading God’s people around the world in strategic, knowledgeable, persistent prayer for the lost.

Join the global prayer movement!

Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master … Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. 1Sam. 25:28

Abigail wowed David by the display of the many attributes she had. Read 1 Samuel 25 and be amazed about Abigail. You will discover some of her characteristics: Approachable (Vs. 17): The servants could relate to Abigail but not Nabal. Prompt (Vs. 18): She was no procrastinator at all. Wise (Vs. 18, 19, 28-31): She knew what to do, like packaging supplies for David and his men, knew the right time to tell Nabal the imminent danger he was facing, and advised David to stay guilt-free. Respect (Vs. 23): Though a very wealthy woman, she showed respect to David. Intercessor (Vs. 24, 28): She took her husband’s blame on herself, just as Jesus did for our sins. Prophetic (Vs. 28, 30): She spoke confidently about David’s future. Humble (Vs. 41): Willing to be the servant of David’s servants. Faith. Beauty. Etc. Find out more and imitate Abigail.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Pt. 2:9

Who you are and why you are here on earth are essential questions that require the correct answers. Beyond that, one must live according to the actual answers obtained. A lot of people have identity crises, especially the younger generation. We stress ourselves out chasing purposeless fleeting shadows that only result in hopelessness. If you are in Christ, this is your new identity – Chosen, Royal Priest, Holy, and God’s special possession. Do not listen to what you or anyone else says about you. Your new identity leaves you responsible for declaring the praises of God, who saved you. That is your primary assignment. You declare the praises of God by worshipping Him and presenting Christ to people who do not know Him so that they, too, can worship Him. Know who you are and live out God’s purpose for you.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

visit ECWA Jerusalem Pilgrimage website at http://ecwajerusalempilgrimage.org

ECWA USA Israel Pilgrimage
7 DAYS ISRAEL TOUR PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 14-22, 2023

Day 1: Wednesday 15th of November 2023
ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL, NAZARETH, AND MOUNT CARMEL
We are met and assisted by our Israel Partner representative, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 118:26). At Ben Gurion Airport we will be served breakfast, following that we will travel north to Nazareth in the Galilee where Jesus Christ grew up a little over 2000 years ago. And so, here, we begin our journey following in his footsteps. After the lunch and brief rest, we will visit the Great Sea – The Mediterranean and Mt. Carmel where Prophet Elijah challenged King Ahab and defeated the false prophets of Ba’al. (1Kings 18). Overnight at Tiberias.

Day 2: Thursday 16th of November 2023
SEA OF GALILEE, CAPERNAUM, TABGHA, JORDAN RIVER, MOUNT OF BEATITUDES
Today we will explore the surroundings of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry. We will start by driving to Capernaum, the fishermen town that became Jesus`s new home. We will visit the ancient synagogue where he preached and the new church above Peter`s house. We will continue to Tabgha (seven springs), where Jesus fed the five thousand. We will visit the church of Loaves and Fishes and the Mensa Christy Church, where Jesus gave Peter the primacy. At noon we will cruise the Sea of Galilee on a boat and enjoy some St. Peter`s Fist for Lunch. Following lunch, we will drive to the Jordan River to feel the cold water and climb to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Day 3: Friday 17th of November 2023
NAZARETH AREA: NAZARETH, CANA OF GALILEE, MOUNT TABOR
After breakfast, we will explore the city of Nazareth starting at the church of Annunciation where Angel Gabriel met Virgin Mary. Then we will continue to St. Joseph Church, built on the remains of his carpentry shop. Following those sites, we will drive to the Mount of Precipice where Jesus fled from the city. We will continue to Cana of Galilee, where we will visit the wedding church where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. After lunch, we will climb Mount Tabor; visit the church of the Transfiguration. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Day 4: Saturday 18th of November 2023
WORSHIP AT ECWA GOODNEWS IN TEL AVIV, BETHLEHEM, EIN KEREM: BIRTHPLACES OF JESUS AND JOHN
We will drive to Tel Aviv 36 Levanda street and worship at ECWA GOODNEWS Church, Tel Aviv. We will visit Ein Karem, the place of Zachariah and Elizabeth. There we will visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was built above the site of his birth. We will visit the church of the visitation, where Mary and Elizabeth met. We will spend the afternoon in the city of Bethlehem – the native land of King David and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, “Son of David.” We will visit the church of Nativity, which was built by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, on the site that Jesus was born. We will continue to St. Jerome Chapel where he wrote the “Vulgata” and to the shepherds` Field, where the angels announced the birth of Christ. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 5: SUNDAY 19th of November 2023
GALILEE TO JUDEA: JORDAN VALLEY, JERICHO, AGRIC VISIT, DEAD SEA, QUMRAN
The day will begin by driving south along the Jordan Valley, the way Jesus and his family use to walk to Judea and continue to Jericho the Palm City. We shall then have a visit to Kibitz for Agric tour before driving to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, and to Qumran where the Essene community lived and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6: MONDAY 20TH of November 2023
JERUSALEM: MOUNT OF OLIVES, MOUNT ZION, ST. ANNA CHURCH, VIA DOLOROSA, HOLY SEPULCHRE WAILING WALL
After breakfast, we will go to the Mount of Olives, the best observation point over-looking Jerusalem. We will go down the road where Jesus entered the city as a king on Palm Sunday. We will visit the chapel of Dominus Flevit, the Chapel of Peter Noster, and the church of Agony. We will end at the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested. Next, we will drive to Mount Zion to visit the last Supper room (Coenaculum), King David`s tomb and the Church of the Dormition. Then we will continue to visit the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. We will enter the Old City walls through St. Stephens Gate (Lion’s Gate) and visit the Church of St. Anne and the pools of Bethesda. From there we will start walking the path Jesus took to his crucifixion-the Via Dolorosa. We will begin from the place of the trial, presided over by Pontus Pilate, and continue walking along the Stations of the Cross to the Golgotha Hill, where he was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Then we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built by Helena. Our day of touring will conclude with a visit to the western wall, which is the remnant of the wall surrounding the Temple Mount then to Jaffa gate market.

Day 7: TUESDAY 21ST of November 2023
JAFFA, ABU GOSH, JP CEREMONY, END OF THE JOURNEY AND RETURN BACK HOME

After breakfast, we will visit the Old town of Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world. From here, John took the boat to Tarshish and here St Peter had his dream to evangelize Gentiles and brought Tabitha back from the dead. After lunch, we will visit Abu Gosh- ancient Kiriat Yearim. Here the ark of covenant rested for twenty years before being brought by King David to Jerusalem. We perform our JP ceremony and leave Jerusalem for the Tel Aviv Airport. We will pray together for a safe trip back.

Cost
For 30 People on the trip: $1550/person for double occupancy in 4-5-star Hotel.
For 30 People on the trip: $1950/person for Single occupancy in 4–5-star Hotel.
Note: If we have more than 30 people, the cost will be less. If we have less than 30 people, the cost will be a little higher.

Included
✔ All rates in US Dollars
✔ Meet & assistance on formalities upon arrival and departure at airports
✔ Fees for entries in Israel as per Itinerary attached
✔ Tour gift by ECWA Jerusalem Pilgrimage and Ground handler
✔ Transportation with a modern and AC vehicle
✔ Accommodation on FULL BOARD (7 lunches)
✔ Health Insurance
✔ Singles: maximum of 20% of the rooms reserved at single rates.

Not Included
X Extras and personal expenses.
X Drinks and meals other than the mentioned above
X Portage services at hotel and restaurants.
X tips (guide, driver, boat ride, etc.)

Airfare: Flying out of Chicago for economy seats is about $1000 round trip.
NB: These prices are tentative and actual costs will be determined by September.

Requirement
✔ US Passport or Green Card holders will get visas on arrival at no cost.
✔ Other passport holders will apply for visas.

On behalf of the ECWA Executive, I bring you greetings in the name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

As we mark this year’s Bingham University day, I am delighted to express our deepest gratitude to the entire ECWA family for the support given to this promising and fast growing University over the last 18 years. It is indeed a testament to our collective support that the University continues to thrive despite the daunting challenges that comes with nurturing a University.

I am proud to report that by the grace of God through the ECWA family, the University has recorded tremendous progress in its sojourn so far as evidenced by the rising profile of the University.

The University has witnessed astronomical growth in academic programs from 18 in 4 faculties at Inception of the University to 64 programs in 12 faculties as of December 2022. In addition to the above, part-time undergraduate programs were established in 8 areas to Improve access to education.

The University has also witnessed a tremendous growth in the number of full professors from 15 in 2018 to 34, and 6 Associate Professors to 22 Associate Professors in 2023. Our staff are now cited internationally in reputable peer reviewed journals and some have won international engagements and recognition based on excellent performance. For example, Prof. H. O. lsah of the department of Community Medicine has been appointed a Visiting Professor of Public Health at AHRO International University in Glasgow Scotland, UK, Dr. Patricia Esiegbe of the Department of Family Medicine emerged winner of the Besrour Centre Fellowship program in Medical Education research based in Canada and Dr. Uju Ejike of the Department of Biochemistry has won the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Germany Academic Exchange grant for the DIES International Dean’s Course for Africa 2023/2024.

To the glory of God, the University is now highly rated having been rated number 47 out of over two hundred Nigerian Universities by the National Universities Commission latest rating which was carried out in 2020.
 
 

Author: Rev. Stephen Baba Panya
Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Baba Panya was born in April 1963, to the family of late Rev. (Dr.) Panya Baba, himself a former Director of Evangelical Missionary Society (EMS) and later one time ECWA President. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK), and studied accounting. He is a Chattered Accountant and former Banker turned Missionary; a man with a heart burning passionately for Missions and Revival. He obtained his Association of Accounting Technician (AAT), London in December 1982 and Obtained the Best Prize at Level 1 Worldwide. He also obtained his Association of Chattered Certified Accountants (ACCA), London in June 1987. And the Association of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA), Nigeria, in 1990.

He is a called missionary who breathes Missions, speaks Missions, lives Missions, and can sacrifice anything for Missions. His life depicts the words of C.T. Studd that, “If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” He is a visionary leader whose heart’s desire is to see the mighty supernatural move of God in ECWA and the Church of Jesus Christ at large for the salvation of souls, the setting of the captives free from bondage to sinful flesh and the devil, resulting in transformation of lives, the healing of the sick and the diverse blessing of God’s people, the church, for the mighty glory of God.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Rom. 1:18

Wrath is one attribute of God that many do not want to dwell on and consider a misfit for God. God’s attributes are interconnected, and you cannot separate one from the other. They are a chain; everything falls apart once you break one link. A definition of wrath is violent anger or righteous indignation. God’s anger is directly related to His Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, etc. He directs His wrath on those who reject Him and keep living in defiance of His Words. He has a right over us because He created us for Himself to do His will, as we learned last week. Our justification by the blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:9) means that we will not have to face the wrath of God. Thank God for that! However, He will discipline us when we are out of step with His will because He loves us. Tell people the good news to save the lost from the coming wrath.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

“…And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31.
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52.
“Walk in the Spirit.” Gal.5:16.
“Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18.

Introduction

The apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 is undoubtedly one of the greatest prayers in the Bible. It is a prayer for spiritual discovery. It seems as the petition got more profound as the list increased. The last petition in verse 19 was for the believers to experience the power that raised Christ from the dead. It was not only Christ that was raised by this power, but the believer also. Paul states that this power is the same that made the believer alive in Christ. “And you He made alive , who were in trespasses and sins. … Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:1,5-6.

This power, like electricity, had coursed through the believer while spiritually dead and made him alive in Christ. But now, in his spiritually alive state, Paul prays that the believer might actively experience this power of resurrection. The Bible states that this power is the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:11. Christ promised this power during his earthly ministry. ”On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive.” Jn.7:37-39. Jesus alludes to more than the indwelling of the Spirit, but the fullness. He also states that the condition for obtaining this fullness is “if anyone thirsts.” Although on a few occasions, some people obtained the fullness of the Spirit at the moment of conversion Acts 9:17; 10:44-47; 11:15-17, but the norm has been to ask for it. Lu.11:13; 4:29-31. This sentiment is echoed in the Old Testament. “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground.” Isa.44:3.

1. Not Exclusively A New Testament Phenomenon

The fullness of the Spirit is not exclusive to the New Testament. It is an experience that was well known and experienced by various people in the ancient Biblical times. Bezalel Exo.31:1-3; Prophet Micah, Mic.3:8; Samson, Judg.14:19; King Saul, 1 Sam.10:10. Although there was no permanent indwelling of the Spirit before the day of Pentecost, different people in both the Old and New Testament had empowerment of the Spirit in order to accomplish various tasks. Also, before the day of Pentecost, each of the following characters was filled with the Spirit. John the Baptist, Jn.1:15; Mary, the mother of Jesus, Lu.1:35; Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, Lu.1:41; Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist,1:67; Simeon, Lu. 2:25. Jesus Himself was filled with the Spirit for His earthly ministry. Lu.3:21-22; 4:1,18-19; Acts 10:38.

2. Two Aspects Of Filling

There are two aspects of filling that are described in the Scriptures. This applies also to those in the Old Testament. The first could be described as God sovereignly intervening and filling someone with the Spirit for a special task. Examples of this are Bezalel, Samson, King Saul, Elizabeth, Zacharias, the apostles, Acts 2:4, Paul, Acts 9:17. The second aspect is when the Spirit has a pervasive influence and control of a believer’s life . The believer lives in an abiding state of the fullness of the Spirit rather than a peremptory and temporary in-filling. This second aspect describes a life that is totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit and lived in His power daily. Examples of this are, Jesus Himself, Lu.4:1, the seven deacons, Acts 6:3,5;7:55; Barnabas, Acts 11:22-24. There seems to be no better illustration of this than the seven deacons whose spiritual characteristics are described in Acts 6:3. “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known (emphasis mine) to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” NIV. This verse makes it clear that there was a distinction between the seven deacons and all the other men of the Hellenistic stock. Further, Paul makes the same assumption when he commands, ”Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18.

3. It Is The Required Life

It is so sad that in spite of the above truth, many believers today are comparable to the disciples of John the Baptist whom Paul met in Ephesus. And when he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” replied, “We have not so much heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2. In a previous pastoral Letter (October 2021) I told a similar story of a Bible college student who did not know that there is a difference between indwelling of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit. It is extremely appalling that this gaping ignorance exists among believers despite the fact that the Spirit-filled life is the life that God intends for all believers. The fullness of the Spirit is the normal Christian life. Jesus alluded to it when he stated, “I have come that they may have life ,and that they may have it more abundantly.” Jn.10:10. It is undoubtedly in agreement with this that Paul admonishes, “Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18. “Walk in the Spirit.” Gal.5:16. Evangelist Billy Graham gives this compelling elucidation, “All Christians are committed to be filled with the Spirit. Anything short of a Spirit-filled life is less than God’s plan for each believer.”

4. The Benefits Of Obtaining This Power

There are manifold blessings associated with obtaining the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit. But due to the constraint of space, only a few will be highlighted.

1. The believer is equipped to live a victorious life. Rom.8:1-11; Gal.5:16-18.
2. The believer is empowered for victorious service.Lu.24:49; Acts 1:5,8; 4:29-31.
3. The believer is enriched for fruitfulness. Jn.7:37-39; 15:5; Gal.5:22-25.

Charles Spurgeon, the famous British pastor elaborates in these words. “But to Christians the instruction comes, ‘be filled with the Spirit,’ for the Spirit of God can give you strength to the highest degree. He can gird you with spiritual strength-the strength of faith…He can give you strength that wrestles in prayer… The Spirit of God gives the strength to suffer and the strength to labor, to receive, and to hope, love, and to conquer temptation, to perform holy action. When you are filled with the Spirit, how strong you are.”

Jesus knew that His followers would need this power, hence He exhorted them to wait for this power before embarking on their worldwide evangelization mission. “Behold, I send the Promise of My father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Lu.24:49. Cf. also Acts 1:4-5.

Spurgeon adds this insightful comment. ”Whether you are a preacher or teacher or parent or someone who is in the service of God in your ordinary labor, if you want strength with which to bring glory to the Most High, be filled with the Spirit.”

5. How To Obtain This Power?

The formula has been variously presented in different numbers of steps and many times by synonymous titles. However, there are unquestionable unvarying steps that lead to obtaining the fullness of the Spirit. Some of them have been mentioned or alluded to earlier. The believer who wants to obtain this power must follow these steps.

1. Desire, thirst, aspire for it. Ps.42:1-2; 63:1-2; Isa.44:3;Jn.7:37-39.
2. Confession of all known sins. Ps.66:18; Pro.28:9,13; Isa. 59:1-2; Jas.4:2.
3. Ask for it. Jas.4:2; Lu.11:13; Acts 4:29-31.
4. A surrendered life. Rom.6:12-13; 12:1-2.

Conclusion

1 Tim. 1:17. Now unto the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
A fuller discussion of the above segment is presented in the Pastoral Letter dated October 3,2021 titled Revival And The Life Of The Spirit referred to earlier. That Pastoral Letter and this one supplements each other.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.2x
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me and use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Author Daniel Iverson.

Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo studied at Grace Collage and Grace Theological Seminary, both in Winona Lake, IN, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees respectively. He also did some Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. He is the coordinator, African Missionary Outreach. Rev Ezeigbo is the currently Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator ECWA USA. He has also served as Secretary and Chairman of ECWA USA DCC. Rev Ezeigbo is an advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a Bible teacher for ECWA MD and Researcher – Church History and Theology.

Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant, … ‘I canceled all that debt of yours … Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you.’ Matt. 18:32- 33

As Christians, forgiving those who wrong us is not optional. God requires it. We are to forgive no matter the magnitude of the offense. God even encourages the victim to take the initiative of going to the offender to resolve the issue. We are to forgive because God has forgiven us and demands that we do the same for all who offend us. We are to forgive as God forgave us – unconditionally, from the heart, and even forget the offense and never recall it again. Humanly speaking, we do not easily forget the wrongs we suffer from people, but when we forgive from our hearts, remembering such wrongs will lead to compassion and not resentment. A helpful way is to pray for the offender as Jesus and Stephen prayed – Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Lord, help us so to do this!

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

by Rev. Sunday Bwanhot

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Rev. 4:11. King James’ version states that God created all things for His pleasure. The point is that God did not create you for you but for Himself. We entertain the idea that if we live for and serve God, He is obligated to protect, provide, and meet all our needs. We have even graduated from asking to commanding God and decreeing things that we expect Him to act on dutifully. We project ourselves as servants of God while trying to use God for our ends. We cannot hide our motives from Him. How many today will say with Paul, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain?” (Phi. 1:21). How many will lose every earthly possession, including health, and say with Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised?“ (Job 1:21). Only people who know that God created them for Himself and not for themselves will live right.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.