2017 February healing service was one of a kind, God moved in another dimension. We had several uplifting testimonies that showed God’s awesomeness. Worthy of note amongst the numerous testimonies was that of one Sis. Patience Tonkumor Franklin from Tere-ama church who carried a baby with a “patched” womb. Read more details here.

The International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori gave a sermon titled “God’s Word, His Agent for your Healing” (Psalm 107:15-22). He started by giving several meanings of the word “Agent”. One amongst them was that “An agent is the one who acts for or in place of another” e.g. an active power of force. He said if God wants to heal or bless you, He sends His word and it does exactly what He wants to do. God’s word carries healing, salvation, deliverance, blessings etc (Hebrews 11:1 – 3). God’s word never fails; it must come back with result. (Isaiah 55:11) When the Word is being released, the devil also targets the Word because that is God’s agent to transform you.

Speaking further, he said, often times we run about looking for power, when we have God’s Word handy. The bible (God’s Word) carries all the power we can ever imagine and even more. He also added that it is spirit and life; it quickens and gives life (John 6:63).

He outlined few reasons why the Word does not work using the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1- 9, Mark 4)

The Word of God released is like a seed and every seed has great potentials but there are two reasons that determine the result you would get.

1. Attitude to the Word
2. The Condition of our heart

Kinds of hearts and the results

1. The Way side heart
   • The Word was not possessed because the heart had no capacity to take care of it. It is an exposed heart so nothing is safe.
   • No understanding. If you do not understand what God is saying, there will be no result.
2. The Stony heart
   • They hear the Word but the effect of the Word does not last because they are not grounded/rooted. So when difficult situations come, the Word is lost.
3. The Thorny heart
   • Thorns prick and irritate the Word. They represent the cares of life and worries which choke the Word of God. Rather than meditate on the problem, meditate on the Word of God and it will turn the problem around.

Making the Word Work

1.      Clear your heart of sin or unbelief or wrong habits etc. (Hosea 10:12)

2.      Attend to God’s Word (Give time to God’s Word), listen and follow His Word (Proverbs 4:20 – 22)

In conclusion, he said, appropriate God’s Word by faith when you read and pray.  Believe that God means what He says and He says what He means. Learn to confess the promises of God in His Word over your situation. Don’t complain, Confess God’s Word.

The Bible tells of the Samaritan woman, who after meeting with Jesus, went back into town and witness to others, inviting them to come and see Jesus as well. This was the case as Brothers Fellowship Monday and Dumdusi Isaac, two former cultists who had been led to the Lord through Pastor Ifeanyi Ozurumgba of GEWC Bera Church (Read here) went out in search of their former gang mates. Remember at the September 2016 Healing Service, they had boldly testified of how terrible their lives were, terrorizing the community and Jesus had changed their lives when they surrendered to Him. This time, 3 months later, an entire gang of 22 members had been set free.

Young men, who most of their lives had been given over to the devil, today had been set free. After accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, He has brought them peace, not just them but their families and the community at large. They testified how they lived their lives in the bush, stealing and maiming people as well as property but it is a different story today. To the glory of God, they are saved, free and delivered.

This is the power of Jesus to same and transform a man by His saving grace. There is no depth one can sink to, that He cannot save and deliver. We trust the Lord who has saved them, is faithful to keep them strong. Glory to God.

This was the first healing service for the year 2017 and God honoured us with His awesome presence. Also, we heard testimonies of salvation from a group of cultist from Bera, who openly declared their faith in God and affirmed continuity in kingdom activities. See more details here.

The message by the International Director was titled “The Power of Spiritual Desire” (Matthew 5:6). Introducing the topic, he stated that approaching life without any desire is a sign post to failure, as seeking for anything is a product of desire. He also said that, the capacity to search for anything comes when there is a desire. Furthermore, the sermon exposed a vacuum in the heart of every man and the efforts we put in, geared towards filling that vacuum– as declared by Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:1-3). This vaccum is, however, not physical and cannot be bought by money (Jeremiah 2:13). Nevertheless, some believe that having physical possessions can bring satisfaction or fill that void, not knowing that even acquisition of these wealth could increase sorrow. It is necessary to note that, God sees it as evil, when individuals forsake Him to find satisfaction elsewhere.

The sermon also revealed that spiritual desire can launch one into God’s purpose for their life, but for this to take place, our spirit needs to be alive. Being hungry or thirsty is a sign of life (Matthew 6:33) thus having no craving for righteousness, implies that our spirit is either sick or dead. As water and food is to the body, so is righteousness to the spiritual body.

To fulfil God’s purpose for our life, we must seek God first. This is possible when we become part of His kingdom. Kingdom here refers to the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in our personal life. It also refers to salvation, which requires you to live according to the directives of Christ by submitting to His Lordship. Anyone who does not recognize Him as Lord over their life, is not qualified to be part of His kingdom. Another relevant part of seeking the kingdom is spreading the gospel of the kingdom through soul winning and discipleship.

The second level of spiritual desire is seeking His righteousness. Righteousness means being right with God and with man. It means Purity of heart and uprightness of life. It also emphasizes living in accordance with the standards of God’s kingdom, which requires our heart and life to be in conformity with God’s word. It is therefore not about how people see you but how the Spirit of God agrees with your Spirit in the things you do. At this point our motives are judged according to God’s standards (Matthew 5:20). Matthew 5:21 shows some examples of righteous standards. The standard of the kingdom requires a pure heart, so we must constantly examine the state of our heart.

The danger of failing to seek His kingdom and righteousness is that you will not enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:22, 23). Thus frequent examination of our lives is important. If you must fulfil God's purpose, first things must be first: The Kingdom and Righteousness.

Some questions you should ask to know if seeking the kingdom is your priority are:

1. Where and for what am I primarily putting my energy and why am I doing it?
2. Am I living for temporal things or for eternal things?

The blessing of spiritual desire

1. Filled: Matthew 5:6 – Those who go after righteousness will be filled and once you are filled, there would be no space for worry, fear etc. Also, you will have godliness and contentment.
2. Answers to prayer: Psalm 34:17 - When you seek righteousness, God will hear you when you cry.
3. God will not forsake you: Psalm 37:25 - The blessings of righteousness will follow you and your seed.
4. Flourish: Proverbs 11:28 – You will flourish and not know dryness.
5. Protection: Proverbs 18:10 – No matter the level of insecurity, you are protected.
6. Boldness: Proverbs 28:1 – Righteousness will make you bold as nothing can intimidate you.
7. Open Doors: Isaiah 26:2 – There are open gates for you because righteousness opens doors

To access these blessings, we must not compromise. Not seeking God’s kingdom shows a misplaced priority and one who exhibits such will not go far with God, neither will he/she find fulfillment. Even though they are Christians, they will only live like the ungodly who focus on earthly possessions (Matthew 6:32). So, let our focus be on Christ and His righteousness, as we exist to please the King. Finally, do not be satisfied with the level of righteousness you operate on now, SEEK MORE!

The fourth quarter sea campaigns, which lasted from February to May 1978, embraced a number of towns and villages in the Opobo and Nembe (Bayelsa State) axes. On the afternoon of 24th February 1978, the field team left Port Harcourt in their native boat for Opobo, passing through several creeks and crossing about three or four high seas via the Bonny River. The sea was very turbulent. The waves roared and roared and the sea swelled.

Their boat was tossed up and down, to and fro by the angry waves. Water was pouring into their boat and splashing on them as well. They were all drenched with water, their luggage including their evangelical instruments were all soaked.

Although it was not their first experience on the sea, it is not possible for one to get used to the dangers of the sea. If you remember, the disciples had experienced fishermen like Peter and Andrew amongst them yet in the face of a storm on the Sea of Galilee they were frightened. It was no different in the case of the field team. Fear gripped the hearts of many of them. The sea was so boisterous that they feared that their wooden boat would be ripped apart by the strong waves which lashed it mercilessly and continuously. All the time Apostle Numbere was right at the front of the boat, seated on the roof, drenched but taking authority over the sea, rebuking the wind and the waves.

At a point, when the Crusaders were right in the middle of the sea, it looked like the sea would swallow them up, but sudden courage surged into them and they all started singing choruses, worshipping and praising the Lord. Eventually, they had the victory, the sea calmed down and they finally landed safely at Opobo by 9:30 p.m. It was indeed a miracle that not only they but that toy of a boat had made it to the land safely. Apostle Numbere looked over the boat in amazement and in gratitude to God. “This is not a boat but a sea horse!” he exclaimed. Thereafter members of the field team changed the name of the boat from the humorous name of “MV GENC SEA III” (the third evangelical boat owned by the Ministry) to “SEA HORSE.”

Opobo, like other ancient towns, was strongly rooted in traditions customs and religionism and had ten different Churches including the Anglican Church, Roman Catholic Mission, Cherubim and Seraphim. The first ten days were used in crusading Opobo town and the other days they crusaded the other villages of Opobo kingdom, namely Kalaibiama, Queen’s Town, and Kala-ama which comprised of Opusunju, Minima, Okpukpo, and Strongface.

The Opobo crusades lasted for twenty-one days. Initially the people were very skeptical but God did such special miracles that they started rushing down to the Crusade ground every night. Right from the very first night people were healed en-masse and hundreds gave their lives to Christ rushing to the platform anxious to testify of their healing, including a fifteen year-old boy who was a deaf mute right from infancy. There was also the miracle of the rain stopping immediately Apostle Numbere rebuked the
rainfall, a fairly constant feature in their campaigns.

The presence of the Lord was so much with them that some nights people got healed as the servants of God sang and worshipped the Lord – no preaching, no prayers. Then one day a man with hernia and a big scrotal swelling (hydrocoele) passed under Apostle Numbere’s shadow and he got healed immediately. After this incident, the Lord also extended that anointing to the other members of the team. This again made great news in the town and people began to follow them wherever they went. On one occasion when they were visiting new converts in their houses, as their shadows fell on people who were following them, they got healed instantly.

Two of such cases were a man who had gonorrhoea since 1924 (fifty-four years!) and a woman whose menstrual flow had ceased for two years. As the shadows of the servants of God fell over these two they were healed instantly – the man’s discharge and ulcers dried up immediately while the woman’s menstrual period began to flow immediately.

(Culled from "A Man and A Vision" (A Biography of Apostle G. D. Numbere) by Pastor Nonyem Numbere)

The saying that Ministers’ Children are worse off than others as it concerns spirituality and morals, is an old one. However, some people have gotten bothered about this because it ought not to be so. The House of Levi, a forum for Ministers’ and Elders’ children, is a body that is burdened with making this saying go away and become unpopular. The vision was birthed by a group of concerned minister’s children in 2005. Over the years, the body has had a few meetings every year. The first House of Levi Conference took place in 2013. Since then, it has come to stay.

The 2017 Conference took place at Rainbow church, from the 4^th - 7^th of January 2017, with participants coming from Rivers and Bayelsa States. The theme for this year was “Beyond the Ears” which was in line with the 2017 theme of Ministry - “Disciples indeed”. Both of them referring to the truth that we must go beyond just hearing to doing for that is what makes us disciples indeed.

The Conference kicked off with a talk “Teach us to pray!” by Evangelist Victor Ejimadu. Speaking from Luke 11: 1-22, he gave five key points about prayer which are:  the model for personal prayer, the principle of intercession, the assurance of answered prayers, the most important prayer point and finally the principle of warfare prayers. After his teaching, an altar call was made to which some Levites responded. It was a session of enlightenment for many. The program closed quite early because Midnight prayers (running from 12:00am to 12:30am) was part of the program. It was a time to practice what had been taught – a time to pray!

The program for Thursday, 5^th January started with “On the couch series”.  For that morning, we had Mrs. Ego Akintoye, (Business Manager), a graduate of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan, as our guest and Teacher Tammy Ejimadu was the moderator. Hers is a beautiful story, from before she got admission, to university days, to NYSC days and up till date. An entrepreneur even before her undergraduate days, she managed to combine business with academics. Although she didn’t start on a very good footing in her academics, she finished strong and graduated with a second class upper. Talking about workplace ethics, she said to treat everyone as important because ultimately, your goals will be achieved with the help of others. In other words, we must learn to manage people.  She also said we must always have the "G-Factor" i.e. The God Factor to succeed. She was very practical, direct and real.

Then came the session on hygiene. A general talk on hygiene was first taken by Pastor (Dr) Wari Numbere for few minutes. After his brief talk, the class was split up into two; male and female. The males dealt with hygiene in general, the females had a class with Rose Owoh on “Care of the Hair”, who we say “has bragging rights as it concerns her hair”. Her hair is very beautiful and well-kept and as such, a perfect fit to give the talk.  After this, we had a rather interesting interactive session tagged “Are you in or out?” This time, we had Pastor Johnwill Otobo as the moderator and Evang (Dr) Lawrence Hart as our resource person. This session was aimed at tackling the reasons why youths leave the Ministry.  This trend was thrown open to the house for reactions as to why this was so. A lot of persons gave reasons, some very valid. Yet another question was asked, “Why have you not left the Ministry?” We also got beautiful responses. One person said he had found God here, another said anyone who wants to make heaven would know that he/she is in the right place. There seemed to be an unrest in the atmosphere as people aired their views, hurts, displeasure. Really, it was a time in which people poured out their hearts. However, by the time the resource person was done speaking, he calmed the atmosphere. Some of the very significant things he said was that the youths should make themselves visible using Jesus as an instance, in Luke 2:46, he was found amongst the doctors of the law discussing in the temple etc.

We had yet another session on “Breaking habits”. This time, we had Mr Onoura Onianwa, speaking to us. He paraphrased the topic to “dealing with addictions”. Speaking, he said, two things give strength to addictions, the first being the fact that it is usually a secret, the second being the pleasure derived. He gave some rather disturbing statistics of how masturbation and pornography are what tops the chart when it comes to addictions in the Church. We bless God however, that the problem is not without a remedy as in the course of the talk, he gave steps on how to deal with addictions. Some of them are; admitting that you have an addiction, confessing your addiction to God and man; someone to whom you can be accountable, cut off whatever feeds the addiction and finally, we must learn to anticipate the temptations and avoid them. In conclusion, he encouraged as many as were trapped in one addiction or the other to not lose hope or give up, but rather to fight in the strength of God and remember that God is on your side and as such, victory is sure.

Friday, 6^th January, began with a talk by Teacher Tammy Ejimadu on Christian dressing. She said a lot that gave a whole new perspective to the way we look at dressing. Dressing, she said, plays a lot of roles, it is for covering, protection, comfort, pleasure and yes, it is an identity. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly list out all the items a Christian’s wardrobe should contain, it gives us a standard, and that standard is modesty (1 Tim 2:9-10, 1 Pet 3:2-5).  Speaking further, she said “because we communicate with our attires, dressing is never entirely a personal affair” and that we should allow the love of God restrain us even when it comes to dressing.  The Christianity that lives on the inside must reflect on the outside. To the persons who seem to come under pressure to follow the latest trend and not be left behind, her response was “Be your own pressure group”.  However, it is important we note that dressing modestly doesn’t imply looking shabby. Looking shabby doesn’t glorify God either. We had yet another break out session, 18 years and above was taken by Evangelist Victor Ejimadu. The class dealt with the topic “Before you say I do”.  For everyone below 18, they had a class taken by Pastor Johnwill Otobo and they dealt with the topic “Don’t touch me”.

We had the privilege of having our Mummy, Pastor Dr. Nonyem Numbere, the president GEWFI and wife of our founding father later that day. She spoke on the signs of the end time, which was an extension of her teaching at the end of year retreat. She also answered some questions that bothered us. The last breakout session for the Conference was for singles “The Spirit of Excellence” by Dr. Datonye Briggs and Couples: Wives - “The Surrendered Wife” by Pastor (Mrs.) Ifeyinwa Alabogu and Husbands - “Satisfying Your Wife” by Dr. Mrs. Mabel Charles Davies.

Saturday, 7^th January, was the grand finale and was highly anticipated. It kicked off with the last “On the couch” series. This time, we had Mr. Divine Basil on the couch as our guest. He is a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt with a degree in Geology but happens to be a music producer and has worked with artistes in the league of Freke Umoh etc. He also happens to be a very good pianist. Coincidentally, his parents were Ministers. He spoke on his personal struggles – the loss of both parents and some siblings, little or no financial assistance, starting again after 2 failures etc.  Many were encouraged by his personal testimony. He thrilled us a bit with his fingers on the piano and then God came in and took over the session. It was an hour and half of unplanned worship, liberation and the moments of worship scheduled to hold later that night in all reality began that morning.

We had the only bible study for the conference after that session and the topic was “Beyond the ears”. We were also privileged to have our father, Pastor Isaac Olori; the international director of GEWC, grace the closing ceremony with his presence. He spoke on the theme of the conference (James 1:21-27). Speaking, he said, inasmuch as hearing is important, we must grow past just hearing to doing, for therein lies the blessing. He said to go beyond the ears, two things are necessary; spiritual ears and those ears must also be obedient (Proverbs 25:12). He also gave us some benefits of going beyond the ear, some which include; prosperity (Joshua 1:8), we become set apart for God, it is a basis for a living relationship with Jesus (Matthew 12:50). After his teaching our father prayed earnestly for the Levites as well as the organizers of the program and the testimonies already abound.  

The last program for the day was Moments of Worship, we were blessed by many of our own in songs and talks. House of Levi conference has been a blessing to many lives and to every Levite yet to join in, our advice is “Join this chariot!”

Welcome to 2017. The theme for the year is “Disciples Indeed”. It was a moment of thanksgiving and rejoicing as we all thanked God for allowing us see another year. Testifying were 5 brethren from Bayelsa who had come for the 2016 End of Year Retreat, exactly one year ago and were involved in a motor accident on their way back home. By the grace of God, no life was lost and they all fully recovered from the accident.

The sermon of the year was delivered by the International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori and titled “Sufficient Grace”. Introducing this topic, he pointed that everything we need do, in this New Year would only be possible by God’s grace.  It offers us a challenge to be God’s ambassadors on earth, as well as instruments in God’s hands. He described this grace to be different from human graces that brings you in favour with man – usually in the form of gifts, kind gestures etc. To survive through the hurdles of this New Year, God’s kind of grace is needed, as human grace is insufficient.

Understanding this kind of grace, in his words, can only come via revelation as was seen in the life of Paul according to 2 Corinthians 12:7. So, to receive this revelation and operate in God’s sufficient grace, we must walk in intimacy with God. The sermon also revealed that, from the day we decide to walk with God, we attract messengers of Satan, troubles and adversaries but to succeed, we must build our lives in accordance with God’s grace. These adversaries come in form of spiritual and physical pressures but the grace of God is always adequate in every situation and as such, there is no need to fear. Some truth about grace revealed in this sermon are;

1. Grace talks about divine intervention that is made available when we hold on to God.
2. God’s grace speaks of unmerited favour.
3. The mystery of God’s grace is that God will not always remove the trouble but He will cushion it.
4. God’s grace made available in our weaknesses does not imply that this grace will aid our weakness of failure to study God’s word or praying, but will be made available in difficult and overpowering situations that come as a result of physical and spiritual pressures.
5. To enjoy God’s grace we must tap into it – Titus 2:11-12.

Some blessings that come with God’s grace include;

1. Salvation - When we embrace this first consignment, other things will follow. No matter how ungodliness fills the whole world, there is grace to live righteous. The grace of God helps us to hate worldliness and ungodliness.
2. If we continue in the Word, God’s grace is there to build us up in any area of our life. Acts 20:32. God’s Word is referred to as the Word of His grace. If we discover His revealed Word, we discover His grace.
3. An inheritance amongst a sanctified people. If we operate in God’s grace, He will give us an inheritance amongst a sanctified people, hence, there is no need for struggle and rivalry, as God will give us our due portion (1 Corinthians 15:10 – it is the grace of God that makes me who I am). Nevertheless, to get a portion amongst a sanctified people, we must seek sanctification – 2 Timothy 2:1.

Finally one of the things that releases great grace on men and the Church is getting involved in the gospel (Acts 4:23, 9-33).

The Retreat continued on Saturday, 31^st December 2016 with a Bible Study session titled “The Lordship of Jesus Christ “. It addressed Understanding that Jesus is Lord as well as submitting to His Lordship in every aspect of our lives.

Pastor Dr. Nonyem Numbere gave an exposition on the End Time Events sighting Bible references and current happenings which tell us without a doubt that Jesus is coming soon.

Pastor Isaac Olori (International Director, GEWC) gave the last talk for the conference titled “The Result or Benefit of Discipleship” (Matthew 11: 28, 29). It revealed how communion with God is a spiritual covering of any believer who is committed to following and dwelling constantly in God’s presence. It also exposed the role of a believer in ensuring a close relationship with God. Furthermore, it was stated that, knowing the truth, which is Jesus, is what brings liberty/freedom, and until one encounters the truth, deliverance from any negative situation is impossible.

He was careful to mention that, revelation of the Word is what exposes Jesus to any man, as one can only find Jesus through the Word. This word, in itself is not subject to revision, so, if we must get into a deep communion with God, we must let the principle of God dictate our actions. God’s Word is a decree and anything in your life that does not conform to the perfect law of liberty is in error.

Some major points from this talk are stated below

1. When/if we allow God’s Word to be implanted in our spirit, we become different.
2. The Word of God attracts God’s spirit. Psalms 91:4, Malachi 2:6. John 17:17.
3. The truth – God’s Word, separates you and sets you apart from difficulties and challenges.
4. The two types of law that operate according to Romans 8:1, 2 are: The law of the spirit of life and The law of sin and death
5. When you are in Christ and walking in Christ, the law of the spirit of life operates but when you do not dedicate time to the study of the Word and other spiritual works, you begin to operate based on the law of sin and death.
6. The beginning of walking in the Spirit is the Word.
7. One cannot know the dictates of the Spirit if he/she does not study the Word of God.

Finally, we are in Christ by Justification and sanctification. Justification here is gotten through the death of Christ to save man while sanctification implies that our walk with God, after being justified, has a role to play in our salvation. Also, to attract the trust and attention of heaven, we must be disciples indeed who are dedicated to sowing spiritually through good works like study of the word, getting involved in the spread of the gospel, giving etc. (Galatians 6:7 and 8).

The second day of the retreat was characterized by great teachings and study. The first bible study was on “Stewardship”. It emphasized that every Christian is a steward and must handle God’s resources with utmost care. In all, God requires us to be faithful and being faithful is to do His wish at all times.

A session of prayer led us to a seminar by Evang. Victor Ejimadu – Book Review: Catch The Fish and Keep it Alive by Pastor Nonyem Numbere. The review emphasized the following;

1. The primary purpose for the coming of Jesus to earth was the salvation of man, hence this should be our priority.
2. The call of believers to evangelise in this book, was likened to fishing. That is to say, the call of every believer is to fish for men and harvest souls.
3. Every believer is a labourer
4. The scope of the gospel is the whole world
5. Taking into cognisance Matthew 28:19 & 20, the book mentioned that the Word “Go” in this context is a command which must be obeyed.
6. Our task as believers does not stop at winning the souls but discipling them.
7. Types of evangelism range from personal evangelism to mass media evangelism, Group evangelism and a lot others
8. Hindrances to evangelism could stem from fear of being ridiculed by people, lack of self-confidence, prayerlessness, ignorance of the Word of God, lack of commitment, selfishness, laziness etc
9. Examples of soul winners include Jesus, Andrew, Apostle Numbere etc

Finally, Keeping the Fish Alive, entails proper nurturing and care which was termed Follow-Up in the book. This could be done by ensuring the person is truly saved, counselling, encouraging the person to attend church activities etc.

The closing talk for the day was taken by the International Director, with the topic “The Making of a Real Disciple” (John 8:30-36). The message revealed that to be a disciple indeed one must continue in the Word, which is what distinguishes a true disciple. To continue in God’s Word is to abide in the Word and not depart from it. It also means to remain faithful to God’s Word no matter the situation. Obedience to the Word means live by the Word by continuing in His testimonies and patterning one’s life after Him. Other critical points mentioned in this talk include;

1. Genuine salvation comes through the Word.
2. One can only find rest when they continue in the Word.
3. One of the greatest bondage is the bondage of ignorance but continuing in the Word grants you knowledge and deliverance from ignorance
4. When a person is in Christ, all things become new and as a result there must be a difference when the old life is compared to the new. Nevertheless, if a person is not taught properly by the Word, the old nature will persist.
5. For the image of Christ to be formed in any believer, he/she must do something about it.
6. The reason for the making of a true disciple is that every man will be presented perfect in Christ Jesus - Colossians 1:28.

Also, he was keen to mention the key element that will make one a disciple indeed and that is the Word. This is possible when one is engrafted in the Word. The process of engrafting shows a fitting process and allowing the Word to bring about the best fruits in us. By engrafting, our old nature is put away and what is revealed are the fruits of the Word– James 1:21. Having being engrafted, one must put away sin, else the Word will not survive in such a life, as sin is a killer of the Word.

The talk also analyzed the two parts of the Word – the letter and the spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6). To have access to the Word, you need the Spirit everyday - 1 Corinthians 2:9-14.

It was with great excitement and expectation, the 2016 End of Year Retreat kicked off on 29^th December 2016 at the Greater Evangelism World Crusade World Headquarters, Rukpokwu.  Brethren came in from far and near and also some joined us online via our live streaming service. The International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori began the retreat by announcing the 2017 Theme as “Disciples Indeed”. He therefore began his series of teaching expounding the theme from John 8.

Excerpts of his talk below:

You cannot truly learn of Jesus when you are not yoked because there is still that fleshy liberty. Jesus instructed us to take His yoke and learn of Him. Then you will find rest for your soul. If this first issue of getting yoked is not taken care of, it will be difficult. When you are yoked with the Master, you are restrained to move just like Him.  A disciple is a follower of Jesus. Indeed means ‘in reality’. Disciples Indeed, implies you will be His disciples certainly. It also means there are some who claim to be disciples who are not. There are therefore fake disciples and genuine disciples.

Every human can be classified into three

1. Those who do not pretend that they are not followers of Christ.
2. Those who say they follow Him but have a surface/shallow connection therefore cannot sustain the relationship. They are not disciples indeed.
3. Those who truly follow Him.

Five levels of followers

The level of followership determines the level of relationship

1. The Multitude: means a large number of people, a crowd. They also followed Jesus while He was here on earth. They followed Him because of

• Curiosity
• Their needs (John 6:24 – 30, John 4)

2. Believers: Those who relate with Him on the basis of faith. They believe in Him. At a certain time they must have surrendered their lives to Christ. However, they are not bold to stand and declare their faith. They are not willing to take the risk for Christ (John 6:60-66).
3. Disciples: They follow because of their conviction. They are learning to know and become like Christ. If you are not a disciple, Jesus will not count you as His follower. Jesus focused on His disciples, not the crowd (John 6:67-70). The least level of followership is discipleship.
4. The Twelve: These people have an unreserved allegiance to Jesus. They are ready to take a risk for Christ.
5. Inner Circle: Jesus had Peter, James and John. At the mount of transfiguration, they were there. Before He was crucified, He took them aside to pray. These are the people who can share the burden of the Lord.

 Characteristics of fake disciples

1. They have a false profession. Titus 1:16
2. Disobedient to God’s word. Titus 1:16, Genesis 19:26, Lev 10:1, Numbers 20:11
3. Matthew 7:3, Rom 2:21, James 3:10
4. Only hearers, not doers. Luke 6:46-49
5. Not ready to pay the price of following Jesus. Luke 9: 57-62, Matthew 8:19-22

Examples of fake disciples

1. Judas Iscariot: John 6:70 – 71, John 12: 5-6