Agape's Last Worship at 605 West Madill, Antioch--It was Emotional, to say the list!

Agape had its last worship at 605 West Madill Street in Antioch today. We are relocating temporarily to another location pending the time we shall purchase our church building. It was an emotional experience. Our original plan was to purchase the building at 605 West Madill, Antioch. But even with the best intentions, things could still have a different outcome. But through it all, we thank the Lord for His grace and mercies. Effective next Sunday we shall be worshiping at Ambrose Community Center, Bay Point. See some pictures of some of the church members at the service today here below.

The God Who is Always There (1)

The God Who is Always There (1)

Memory Verse: Psalm 23:4 (NIV) ⁴ Even though I walk through the darkest valley,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

TEXT: John 1:1–14

25TH MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARY--THANK GOD FOR HIS MERCIES

Psalm 136 ¹O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

It was 25 years ago today. The weather was very bright. The city was filled with guests from all over the country. Sometimes around 12 noon on that special day, I said “I DO” to the love of my life, Sister Alice Ojewole (Nee Bamigbade) at First Baptist Church, Ilero in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State Nigeria. I really thank the Lord for His grace and mercies. To Him alone be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 118:23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

The Reason for the Season

Easter Series: The Succor of Our Savior

The Reason for the Season

Memory Verse: John 3:16 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.

 Text: Luke 24:1–12; 1 John 3:10-23

The Point of His Passion

Easter Series: The Succor of Our Savior

The Point of His Passion

Memory Verse: Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV)  All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Text: Colossians 1:19–23

Restored for a Reason

Easter Series: The Succor of our Savior

Restored for a Reason

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

TEXT: Colossians 3:12–17

How to go from Here to There

How to go from Here to There

Outline of the Message preached at the 2^nd Anniversary of Ebenezer Community Church, Brentwood on March 18, 2012

© John Ojewole, 2012

Text: Philippians 3:12–16

Introduction:

 “Personally, I’ve never understood inactivity. Why a person would sit when he could soar, be a spectator when he could play, or atrophy when he could develop…(it) is beyond me!”—Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Church

1.   We must not be Constricted by our Past

Philippians 3:13 (NKJV) ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Cf. Philippians 3:2–8; Luke 9:62; Luke 17:32; Genesis 19:26; Exodus 14:15; Isaiah 43:18; Hebrews 10:17; 1 Timothy 1:12–17

Forgetting the past “… simply means that we break the power of the past by living for the future. We cannot change the past, but we can change the meaning of the past”. --Warren Wiersbe

2.   We must not be Complacent about our Present Achievement

Philippians 3:12–13 (NKJV) ¹² Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

“Restlessness and discontent are the first neccessities of progress.”

—Thomas A. Edison

COMLACENCY IS THE ENEMY OF ADVANCEMENT

“The first play is not to make “there” sound wonderful. The first play is to make “here” sound awful.” Bill Hybels

Seven Last Words of the Church-- "We've  never done it like that before."-- Ralph Neighbour,

1 Corinthians 15:3–11;

3.   We must Concentrate on Whatever it takes to Move us from Here to There

Philippians 3:12–14 (NKJV) ¹² Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Cf. John 10:27; Philippians 4:13; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Hebrews 12:1–3

CONCLUSION:

“Aim to achieve the goal God has set for you. Spare no cost in the quest. Spare no effort in your pressing toward the mark of knowing Christ.”-- Jerry Horner

Advancing Through Adversity--Sermon Outline

Easter Series: The Succor of Our Savior

Advancing Through Adversity

Memory Verse: Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Text: 1 Peter 5:6-11

Our Journey with Our Savior-Outline

Easter Series: The Succor of Our Savior

Our Journey with Our Savior

Memory Verse:

Psalm 62:8 (NKJV) Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

Text: Luke 24:13–35

The Panacea for our Problems

Easter Series: The Succor of Our Savior

The Panacea for Our Problems

Memory Verse: Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) 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.

CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS-outline only

CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS

Memory Verse:

1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (NKJV) ⁴ There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1–8; Cf. 1Corinthians 12.

Loving the Unlovely

Agape Love Sunday

 Loving the Unlovely

Memory Verse: 1 John 4:7 (NKJV) ⁷ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Scripture: 1 John 2:9–11; 1 John 3:10–18; 1 John 4:7–19 (NKJV)

How to Align our Values with God’s

How to Align our Values with God’s

 Memory Verse: 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

The Task that Must be Done

JONAH: An Inescapable Mission

The Task that Must be Done

 1 John 2:3 (NKJV) ³ Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 

What to do When in Distress--Outline only

Jonah: An Inescapable Mission

What to do When in Distress?

Memory Verse: Psalm 120:1 (NKJV) In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me.

Text: Jonah 1:17-2:10

When You Run Away from God’s Service-outline only

JONAH: The Inescapable Mission

When You Run Away from God’s Service

Psalm 139:7 (NKJV)

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

Text: Jonah 1:1–17 

How to be Co-laborers with God-outline

How to be Co-Laborers with God

1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV) ⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV) As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

What Christmas is all About-Outline only

What Christmas is all About

© John Ojewole, 2011

Galatians 4:4-5

Galatians 4:4–5 (NKJV) But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

CHRISTMAS EVE CONCERT WITH ARDON LOCKYER

What it Means to Believe the Impossible--Outline only

Mary: What it Means to Believe the Impossible

TEXT: Luke 1:26-38

²⁶ Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

²⁹ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.”

³⁸ Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Thanksgiving: The Key to The Release of God’s Blessing Into Your Life

Thanksgiving: The Key to The Release of God’s Blessing Into Your Life

Memory verse: Psalm 107:1 (NKJV) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Agape Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Agape Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

GOD SURPRISED ME

GOD SURPRISED ME

NKJV | ‎Ps 126:1 When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream.  ‎2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”  ‎3 The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad.

VICTORY BY FAITH-Sermon outline

VICTORY BY FAITH

Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4 (NIV) ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

REVIVAL MINISTRATION AT KADUNA NIGERIA-VIDEO

REVIVAL MINISTRATION AT FBC IDIKAN, IBADAN, NIGERIA-VIDEO

REVIVAL MINISTRATION AT FBC IDIKAN, IBADAN, NIGERIA-VIDEO

REVIVAL MINISTRATION AT KADUNA NIGERIA-VIDEO

REVIVAL MINISTRATION AT FBC IDIKAN, IBADAN, NIGERIA-VIDEO

How to be Victorious by faith

How to be Victorious by faith

1 John 5:4 (NIV) ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Home at Last

Home At Last

(Psa 107:8 NIV) Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,

Finally, Brethren

Finally, Brethren

(2 Cor 9:15 NIV) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

This evening marks the end of the two weeks revival services that I specifically came to Nigeria for. The exercise started about two weeks ago when I conducted a week-long revival service at Ife Oluwa Baptist Church in Kaduna.

The revival service at Idikan First Baptist Church, Ibadan started last Sunday. It has been a very inspiring week. I love everything that God did throughout this event. As mentioned earlier, we prayed concerning rain and throughout this event rain did not disturb any of the services. To God be the glory. The attendance tonight was beyond my imagination. The whole lower level of the church was packed while there was overflow congregants at the upper level of the church. I don’t have the precise figure. But I sensed that it was a very huge number.

The grand finale of the revival at Idikan First Baptist Church was very powerful. I will share some pictures and video clips when I return to the US. The message tonight is titled: A Breakthrough Miracle. The passages used are: 1 Kings 17:1-16; Mark 5; John 5:1-9. The points include: Healing breakthrough, Provisional Breakthrough, Restorative breakthrough. Many people responded to the invitation to commitment. Some of them made decisions to become a Christian rededicate their lives, and some requested for prayers. During a special invitation in keeping with one of the emphasis of the sermon, 5 women came out indicating that they are tired of life. They were prayed for. But I am requesting for their names so that we can continue to pray for them as well. At the end of the service, I gave copies of Pastor Ray Pritchard’s Anchor for the Soul to all the new converts and those who indicated that they were tired of living. The pastor of the church will follow up on these people while I will continue to keep them in my prayers.

The pastor of the Church, Rev. Dr. Steve Ogunbode and the church leadership surprised me with a birthday gift and a birthday song towards the end of the service tonight. I was so moved such that I nearly cry. It was amazing how appreciative the pastor and the entire church are to my coming to their church for the revival.

These are wonderful folks. They are friendly and hospitable. I will never forget my time with them. They will always occupy a special spot in my heart. I will miss them. But I have to go.

The church here plans on taking me to the airport on Friday. Hoping to be back in the US this weekend, God willing.

I thank God for his mercies, his protection, his anointing, intervention and his presence. To Him alone is the glory for ever and ever.

John Ojewole

Ibadan, Nigeria

October 20, 2011

Ibadan Chronicles2

Ibadan Chronicles2

Got no checkbooks, got no banks. Still I'd like to express my thanks - I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night. --Irving Berlin

(Psa 118:21 NIV)  I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

The revival event of today at Idikan First Baptist Church, Ibadan, is already behind us. We give God the praise for what he is doing among his people. Tonight, I spoke on the topic: Having an Expectancy of a Bountiful Harvest. I used three Bible Passages: 1 Chronicles 29:1-20; Malachi 3:6-12; James 2:14-17. The main points are: We must help those in Need
(James 2:14-17); We must give according to the biblical model (1Chronicles 29:1-20); We must adopt God’s plan for prospering us (Malachi 3:6-12). As stated earlier in the week, this revival service is unique in that the entire focus is on stewardship.

The service was well attended. The worship is uplifting and the atmosphere is inspiring. God honored his word again today by delaying the rain till after the service.

One of our friends showed up to support me at the service tonight. He is Mr. Tunde Olaniyan (a friend of the Thomas’ family from our church). Also, yesterday, an old friend of mine from my St. Andrews College Days, Mr. Adesola Benson, attended the revival service. This is encouraging. The overall attendance at this revival service is beyond my imagination and expectation. I give God the glory for everything.

We are looking to the Grand finale of the revival tomorrow evening. Please pray that God moves in the lives of the people as I minister so that a lasting spiritual impact will be left on the people. During tomorrow’s meeting, I plan on giving away Pastor Ray Pritchard’s Anchor for the Soul books to those who gave their lives to Jesus during the entire revival service.


Earlier today, Rev. Dr. Steve Ogunbode of the church here, took me to a historical house on the same street where the church is located. The house belonged to a one time business tycoon in Ibadan area. The place is called Adebisi mansion. The house was built sometimes around 1924. It was amazing how the architectural design used at that time is still appealing today. The house is very big, having several rooms. It is a great adventure for me. 

Till the next update. Shalom.

John Ojewole

Ibadan, Nigeria

Ibadan Chronicles

Ibadan Chronicles

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."    (1 Th 5:18 NIV)

The revival ministration at Ibadan is going well as planned. Early yesterday morning (October 17, 2011) I was asked by the pastor of First Baptist Church, Idikan, Ibadan to share words of encouragements with the people at an early Monday morning prayer service called “Owuro Ologo” meaning “Glorious Morning”. I shared briefly with the people from 2 Chronicles 7:14. It was a power-packed prayer meeting. One thing I have noticed so far is that Nigerian Christians are committed to prayer, the word of God and worship. The service was so wonderful. I think about 500 people attended that meeting.

Yesterday night (October 17, 2011) I ministered from Matthew 25:18-31 on the topic: How to Invest My Life in God’s Kingdom. The main goal of the message is to encourage the congregants to use their talents for God’s glory.  I also made it clear that there is no talentless person. The service was well attended as the entire sanctuary was fully packed. I am assuming that there might be about 3000 people in worship last night.

Tonight (October 18, 2011), the ministration is spirit-filled, inspiring and uplifting. I shared with the congregants from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, about Jabez’ prayer. The title of the Message is “Enough is Enough”. At the end of the message many people responded to the invitation to commitment ranging from salvation, prayer, rededication, and commitment to ministry. The pastor of the church shared with me that there were two testimonies about divine breakthrough. To God alone is the glory for ever and ever.

Before I conclude, I need to bring out a remarkable incident that happened Sunday evening. During the ministration, one young man came into the church from out of nowhere. The pastor felt prompted spiritually to call on the person. The person came out and we prayed for him. I think the individual was troubled before coming to the revival. We prayed for him. I believe that he has been delivered. I ask the saints to please continue to pray for this man for total restoration.

Another thing that is worthy of note is the way that God has continually honored this revival by preventing the rain from keeping people from attending the services. So far, the rain stops before the revival meeting starts and continues again after the revival services. That was the case both today and yesterday night. God is faithful. He is worthy of our praise.

I am really grateful to the Lord for his manifestations throughout this revival. I believe God for bigger things in the remaining two days of the revival ministrations here. It is well.

I will provide you with pictures and videotapes when I return to the US. I have limited internet access on my mobile phone here.

Until the next update. Shalom.

John

Ibadan, Nigeria

Updates from Ibadan, Nigeria

Updates from Ibadan, Nigeria

Psalms 107:1 (NIV) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

This is just to keep everyone abreast of the happenings in my life lately. On Friday, October 14, I flew from Kaduna to Lagos. It was the first time in 22 years that I flew on a Nigerian commercial airline. I flew on ArikAir which is very reliable and great. God showed me his favor that day. Some people scared me ahead of time that I am going to pay so much for excess luggage because Nigerian domestic airlines charge money on any luggage weighing more than 20KG. But, to God’s glory, I spent less than I earlier envisioned.

On Arrival at the Domestic airport, Lagos, my younger brother, Dele, met me and took me to a private Christian guesthouse where I rested for the night. The following morning the delegation of 3 from First Baptist Church Idikan, Ibadan came to pick me. It rained heavily as we travelled to Ibadan. But we arrived in Ibadan without any incident. To God be the glory.

The reason why I have not provided any updates since I came to Ibadan is because the hotel facility where I am staying now does not have any WIFI access at all. It is like I am disconnected from the rest of the world. We don’t know how much we relied on the internet until we don’t have access to it. We are privileged in the US because of the unlimited access to the internet. I know that Nigeria is moving along that direction also. But in the meantime, one has to manage. I am able to send this update through a limited internet access on my mobile phone.

The revival at First Baptist Church Idikan, Ibadan started this morning. Their church revival is slightly different in that its theme is on stewardship. This morning, I preached at their English and the Yoruba services. I am guessing that the attendance at the English service may be around 150 people while the attendance at the Yoruba service will be about 3000 people. These are my guess estimates. If I get other figure I will give an update later.

The title of the message this morning is: The Unchanging Truths about Stewardship. The passage used include: Genesis 1:1, 26-31; Psalm 24:1-2. The main points of the message are: God is the originator of everything. God gave everything to mankind as a steward. God owns everything.

For the first time in a long time, I preached in Yoruba today. The pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. Steve Ogunbode thought that I should preach without an interpreter. And the experience is exciting and enriching.

I had one surprise today. Immediately after the morning service, a couple came around to hug me. When I looked at them, they were old members of First Baptist Church, Kano where I served before traveling to the US in 1988. The last time that I saw them was in 1988. They attended the service when they became aware that I am the guest speaker for the revival at that church.  They are Mr. & Mrs. Adeleke Adeyi. They were so happy to see me and I was thrilled to see them. This is how you know the solidity of true friendship.

This evening revival service is also fantastic. The praise worship led by the Pastor’s son and another Lady, was so inspiring. There is something that I noticed about the music at this church. They have excellent musical instruments and the songs are fantastic. This evening, I preached on the topic: When You are Tired of Trying taking from Luke 5:1-11. During the invitation, many people came out for prayers.

There is something that we need to praise God for. It is the turnout at this evening revival service. Earlier in the service, the pastor of the church had warned me that we may not have good attendance this evening because church members have never come out in large number on a Sunday evening like this. But after a while, he told me that history is not going to repeat itself today because we have more attendance than he expected. I am assuming that the attendance tonight may be around 2000 people, at least.

On the whole, I don’t have anything to give my Lord than to thank him. He is an awesome God.

Until the next update, stay blessed in Jesus name. (I will send you pictures when I have access to the internet.)

John

Ibadan, Oyo State,

Nigeria

Please excuse my grammar. I typed this on my cell phone.

Ebenezer, “Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us”

Ebenezer, “Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us”

1 Samuel 7:12 (NKJV)  ¹² Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Psalm 118:23 (NKJV)

²³   This was the Lord’s doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.