Next Level Encounter: Embracing God’s Presence and Purpose

It’s a joy to be here, and I feel a deep sense of anticipation for what God is about to do in our midst. We’ve been praying and believing that the time is now. God is ready, and we need to be ready to flow with Him. He’s been waiting for us, and I believe this moment is crucial for our church and our lives.

The Importance of Prophecy

Before diving into the Word, I want to emphasize the significance of prophecy. It’s essential that we lay hold of the prophetic words spoken over us and continue to pray into them. This is how we build our lives around God’s purpose. The enemy will always try to distract us, but we must stay focused.

Current Challenges in Nigeria

I want to share a little about what’s happening in Nigeria. It has been a tough year for us. Our nation is facing significant challenges, especially under the current leadership, which is pushing an agenda that threatens the Christian community. The statistics are alarming; last year alone, around 9,000 Christians were killed, and already this year, we’ve seen 6,000 lives lost in violent attacks against believers.

The Muslim Fulani herdsmen are wreaking havoc, invading villages, destroying homes, and targeting Christians specifically. They claim that Nigeria is their inheritance and are intent on dispossessing Christians. This violence has led to countless church burnings and the kidnapping of pastors.

In one instance, a bus traveling between Wari and Port Harcourt was hijacked, and all passengers were killed. We’ve also heard harrowing stories from survivors who managed to escape these attacks. It’s a difficult time, and the church in America needs to pray for us. Despite the challenges, many of us have resolved to stand firm and continue spreading the Gospel to every corner of Nigeria. We refuse to retreat or surrender.

Unity in the Church

It’s painful to see the church divided, especially when many leaders prioritize their own interests over unity. Recently, prominent church leaders visited the president to congratulate him, which feels like a betrayal to the body of Christ. However, I believe God is preparing to separate the wheat from the tares, and we must be vigilant and united in our faith.

Operation Christmas Blessing

In the midst of these trials, God has been doing remarkable things through our ministry. One of our initiatives, Operation Christmas Blessing, allowed us to reach forgotten villages and provide tangible help. We’ve witnessed people living in dire conditions, and it’s heartbreaking to see their suffering.

Through our efforts, we’ve been able to distribute food, clothing, and even provide clean water sources. In one village, we drilled boreholes, and the joy on the villagers’ faces when they received clean water for the first time was indescribable. We’ve seen lives transformed, and over 134 individuals accepted Christ during our outreach. This is the power of the Gospel in action.

Graduation and Discipleship

This past December, we celebrated the graduation of 24 teenagers from our Bible school, and we are currently welcoming a new intake. This shows that despite the challenges, God is raising up a new generation of leaders in our church.

Returning to the Word

Now, let’s turn our attention to the Word of God. I’d like to read from Matthew 21:12-16. In this passage, Jesus enters the temple and begins to drive out those who are buying and selling, emphasizing that His house should be a house of prayer.

The first thing Jesus brought into the temple was His presence. Without His presence, we are nothing. It’s His presence that makes the difference in our lives. The Israelites understood this when they refused to move forward without God’s presence. This is a call for us to crave and desire His presence above all else.

Purity in the House of God

The second thing Jesus brought was purity. He cleansed the temple of distractions and misalignments. In our lives, we must also seek purity, removing anything that hinders our relationship with God. We need to make our hearts a place where His presence can dwell freely.

The Spirit of Prayer

The third aspect Jesus introduced was a spirit of prayer. He called His house a house of prayer, emphasizing the importance of communion with our Heavenly Father. As we embrace this next level encounter, we must cultivate a rich prayer life that fosters deep fellowship with God.

Power Manifested

The fourth element is power. Jesus healed the blind and the lame in the temple, demonstrating the power of God at work. We are entering a season where God’s power will be manifested in our midst. Expect miracles and breakthroughs as we move forward in faith.

Embracing Praise

Finally, Jesus brought praise into the temple. The children praised God, and this praise stirred up the atmosphere. We must understand that praise is not just a reaction; it’s a powerful weapon that can change the spiritual climate around us. When we praise, we invite His presence and power into our situations.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we embrace this next level encounter, let’s remember that we need His presence, purity, prayer, power, and praise in our lives. God is calling us to rise above our circumstances, to be the light in the darkness, and to shine brightly for His glory. This is our time to step into the fullness of what He has for us.

Let’s pray together and ask God to help us embody these principles as we move forward as a church and as individuals. May we be filled with His presence and empowered to carry out His mission in our world. Amen!

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