Some ancient landmarks that must be kept

Pastor (Dr) Senior Gabriel Okpako Uyeh Vice President, The Apostolic Church Nigeria/ Chairman, Lagos, Western and Northern Areas LAWNA Territory

THE power of the Church is prayer and should not be taken with levity. There is erroneous teaching that Jesus has fasted for us. Some can fast till 12 noon and some even eat at 5 a.m. before continuing the fasting. Jesus said; “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29). Signs, miracles, healing and wonders can happen if we have the faith and in prayer and fasting. The bible says; “if my people who are called by name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land – IIChr. 7:14; Isa. 55:7; James 4:10.

8. THE ANCIENT LANDMARK OF CHURCH MEETINGS AND FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND THE SAINTS – HEB. 10:25; IJOHN 1:3-7.

The Lord ordered me a few years a go to re-kindle the fire of the Holy Ghost in the Church. God ordered Aaron through Moses that the fire must not quench from the altar, but to be rekindled – (Ex. 13:22, 40:38; Mal 3:2; ISam. 3: 1-8). Paul encouraged Timothy to rekindle the gift of God in him. The Holy Spirit is the fire in the Church and we should not quench it – IITim, 1:6-7; IThess. 5:19.

We should always tarry and let the gifts of the Spirit be operational. The voice of the Lord must not be omitted in our Divine worship. We should not go back in spiritual things but keep the fire burning always, and by that we are truly Pentecostal. The Holy Spirit must speak in our midst as in early days – Acts 13: 1-3; Rev. 1:10.

9. THE ANCIENT LANDMARK OF FAITHFULNESS IN PAYMENT OF TITHES AND OFFERING – MAL. 3:8-12; DEUT. 26:12-15; IICHRON. 31:5-10.

There are some preachers who are now teaching contrary after enriching themselves with Tithes payment. Jesus never condemned Tithes but rather warned us to pay and not to omit the law with other matters necessary. Your freewill offering, gift and donation is different from Tithes. The Lord has promised to rebuke the devourers and enemies of progress and to bless our lives, body, our  bread, water, the land and crops to be delightsome and prosperous for us – Deut. 14:22; Ex. 23:25-28; Phil. 14:16-20. Remember that Abraham, the father of faith paid Tithes of all things and we should follow His pattern to the end of our life – Gen. 14:19-20.

10. THE ANCIENT LANDMARK OF CARING FOR THE POOR AND THE NEEDY – PROV. 19:17; EX. 22:21-22; MATT. 25:34-40.

The less privileged, orphans and widow are always with us, and caring for them is very essential. This is pure religion and undefiled before God – James 1:27. It is a life live in service to those whom Jesus referred to as “the least of these.” Mtt. 25:40. It is a life focused on extending Christ’s love across boundaries of race, class, nationality, language and education. It is about opening one’s self to the stranger and alien living in our midst. We should not provoke them nor oppress them for the Lord God will not take it kindly. Our late fathers were very generous and helpful to many.

APPLICATION

I declare that this God will be our God forever. Like Joshua – As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Therefore, we should be real Apostolic not wavering but standing in Apostolic Doctrine. May we not remove any Ancient landmark. God bless his word.