COMBINE MESSAGE

It was a blessing and a privilege to be in the house of the Lord, in fellowship with other believers at House on the Rock, Asaba.

The first service on Sunday started with intercessory prayers led by Joe.

Opening prayers were said by Pastor Edo.

The call to worship was led by Direction with the song, "Be lifted high," and "He kept me"

Praise was led by Mariam and Ufuoma with the songs, "Watch me praise," "This is the day," "and "My praise."

Worship was led by Michael and Maryann with the song, "Holy is our God," and "Hosanna."

Pastor Ajie took the announcements. There will be a meeting of all the workers and leaders with the senior pastor tomorrow at 4 p.m., the "ELITES," the single members of the church, will meet this evening at 5 p.m., starting this coming Wednesday, there will be a live broadcast of the service in the children's church for the benefit of nursing mothers, all the Kindgom partners were encouraged to fufill their pledges, we were reminded of the women's conference coming up at the end of the month, and the women were advised to wait after service for a meeting concerning the conference.

After the announcements, "De Masterpiece" ministered with the song "I will run," led by Paulnams.

Pastor Chikelu came up to welcome all the first-timers in our midst, on behalf of pastor Paul Adeolu Adefarasin, the pastor of House on the Rock, worldwide and pastor Cosfinney Udoka, the senior pastor here in Asaba. In his welcome, he urged them to prayerfully consider making House on the Rock, Asaba their home church.

After the welcome, pastor Peter came up to welcome pastor Dexter to deliver the word of the Lord to the congregation on behalf of pastor Cosfinney Udoka, who was in Awka for the inauguration of another House on the rock branch.

His message was titled, "The gospel of the holy cow."

Bible Verse (s): Numbers 19 vs. 1-16

God placed value on the heifer talked about in the text because it was rare. Its value was connected to its rarity, not on any innate, special characteristic it possessed. Anything that is common looses its value.

In the bible, the red heifer was used anytime anyone came in contact with a dead person. When that happened, that person became ritually unclean and had to sacrifice the [red] heifer. In the same vein, anytime we come in contact with anything from our past, our sins, mistakes, failures, regrets, losses, etc., we become unclean and need the blood of the red heifer= Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice.

Had Jesus Christ been sentenced to death by the Pilate, his death wouldn't have been a sacrifice. But he was found clean by the Pilate and handed over to the high priest who sacrified him making the efficacy in his blood so powerful. thereful Jesus Christ became our "HOLY COW" whose blood cleans every thing dead (past, our sins, mistakes, failures, regrets, losses, etc) in our lives. If the blood of the red heifer was used in the past for cleansing, imagine what the blood of Jesus can do. So we should plead the blood of Jesus when we are faced with any challenges.

Tithes, offerings, and closing benedictions were handled by pastor Omunizua.

The second service was similar with the following exceptions: Pastor Dexter made the announcements, Chinwe welcomed the new comers, all those whose birthdays fell in the month of April cut their birthday cake, the second announcement of the upcoming wedding of Pastor Ohis and Anwinli, and pastor Chikelu delivered the message from the Lord.

The message was titled, "Come to me."

Bible Verse(s): James 1 vs 19-25, Matthew 25 vs. 31

 

Anyone who is not born-again is a goat, and anyone who has given their heart to Christ is a sheep. It doesn't matter how beautiful, smart or attractive you are, if you are not born-again, you will end up in hell. No matter how close or intimate you are with a sheep, no matter how you try to behave like a sheep, you cannot be a sheep except you were born a sheep. A sheep is one because it was born that way. In the same vein, you are righteous because you were born that way, by giving your life to Christ. In spite of the fact that the sheep is smelly, stubborn, prone to stray and get lost, with a low IQ, the shepherd loves the sheep and is always thinking about them. That is the same way God sees us when we have given our lives and hearts to Him by believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A lot of things that cripple Christians is the feeling of inferiority and not being good enough. We need to realize that once you have given your life to Christ, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and it is not a function of what you do or how you feel. Despite your frailties, weaknesses, mistakes, past failures, regrets, and losses, you are still the "RIGHTEOUS" because Christ is your personal Lord and Saviour. The opinion of man can never change the opinion of God, His word is the mirror that should be looked into and believed, no matter what.

After the powerful message, pastor Omunizua handled tithes and offerings, those who were born in the month of April were invited to cut their cake, and closing benedictions were said.

FIVE QUALITIES OF AN ASSISTANT(continuation) by Pst. COSFINNEY

The refreshing service started with intercessory prayers led by Pastor Sam.

Opening prayers were said by Pastor Peter.

Praise followed and started with the song, "Rejoice," followed by "Lion of Judah," "Praise your name," and "My Redeemer lives." The session was led by Knowledge and Direction of "De Masterpiece." Worship was led by Maryann with the songs, "You are my portion," and "Great are you, Lord."

Buchi came up after that to take the announcements: the monthly vigil will hold this Friday, April 26 at 10 p.m. A strategic pastors' and workers' meeting will hold on April 29 at 4 p.m., "Woman to Woman" fellowship will hold this Thursday at 5 p.m. Lastly, from next Wednesday, all nursing mothers will be able to view the service live from the teen's church.

After the announcements, our senior pastor, Cosfinney Udoka, was welcomed to deliver God's message to the congregation.

He continued the message he started last Wednesday titled,"Five qualities of an assistant."

Bible Verses: Matthew 4 vs. 12, 17-20

Qualities of an assistant (Cont'd):

1. "Assistants must be faithful. Faithfulness in leadership is believing in what the leader is doing. It is not necessarily believing in the vision, but in the instrument of leadership God is using in   

     accomplishing the vision. You must be committed to the man pursuing the vision. Faithfulness is staying at the ladder, no matter what is happening up the ladder.

2. "Assistants must be firm. Firmness is not allowing yourself to be exploited of manipulated. It is a quality that is paramount in an assistant, or "ladder-holder." A good assistant should not be

     able to be used or exploited against the leadership. An effective leader should be interested in everyone on his or her team, because it takes just one to destroy or damage the leadership and

     succumb to the wiles of manipulators, who are everywhere.

3. "Assistants must be loyal. As turbulent as an organization may look and can get, the leader is still the one who will handle the turbulence. You as the assistant and "ladder-holder" are not

     permitted to take over and handle the situation. Loyalty is a seed. If you sow, it you will reap it. The blessings of the assistant are tied to the leader.

Things you should not do as an assistant:

1. "Each time you disagree with the leadership, do not make it public. Avoid having a public confrontation with the leadership.

2. "Each time you disagree with the leadership, make sure it is not for personal gain.

3. "Each time you disagree with the leadership, check your motive before you speak.

4. "Do not talk about the weaknesses of the leadership you are privileged to assist. Among the many reasons why you should not talk about them, you may be the next one in the position of

     leadership and you would not want your assistants and "ladder-holders" to do the same to you. You should cover and protect the leadership as much as possible."

He concluded the series and the message by reminding us of the importance of good leadership and good assisting/"ladder-holding."

Tithes and offerings were collected. Closing benedictions brought the service to a close.

QUALITIES OF AN ASSISTANT BY PASTOR COSFINNEY

It was a wonderful privilege to come together again to bask in the presence of our Lord and receive much needed spiritual refreshment.

Wednesday bible study started with intercessory prayers led by Sunday. The call to worship followed with the song "Holy are you, Lord," led by Flora.

Chinomnso said the opening prayer that declared the service open.

We sang the songs, "Arise," "Lord you are good," and "I'm a friend of God," during the praise session led by Maryann and Knowledge.

Worship was led by Anita with the songs, "I give myself away," and "You are my passion."

Buchi took the announcements, everyone who would be going to the dedication of the Rock cathedral in Lagos was asked to wait behind after service to meet with the senior pastor, Cosfinney Udoka. This upcoming Sunday service will start at 8:30 a.m. CITH (Church in the home) will hold this Sunday, the women's fellowship will hold tomorrow, April 18, at 5 p.m.

After the announcements, he welcomed pastor Udoka, to give us the word from the Lord. 

Before he delivered the message, he led the church in a brief time of prayer for the world.

The prayer points were:

1. Peace over the world.

2. Security of [your] life.

After the prayers, he went on to deliver the message, titled "Five qualities of an assistant," a continuation of the series on leadership he started a few weeks ago.

Exodus 17 vs. 11

"No matter who you are, you need an assistant. Anyone who doesn't have one or see the need for one, is limited in what he or she can do. An assistant is one who supports or helps you with something. An assistant is a "ladder-holder," someone who is part of your support system. Such people are very important in every area if you must climb higher in life. Many leaders have died and failed because they did not have any "ladder-holder" supporting them.

"The strength of the person holding your ladder determines how far you can climb and how confidently you can do the climbing.

Qualities of an assistant:

1.  "Assistants must be strong. One of the major qualities to look for in your assistant is strength, because who ever is your assistant holds your life. Not physical strength, but  

     emotional and mental strength. When choosing an assistant (s), choose someone who has your best interest at heart and who is willing to support your vision and support the      

     way you want to achieve that vision. It is not the work of assistants to enforce their own methods on the leader, their job is to be pillars of support and encouragement.  

     Unnecessary emotions get in the way of effective leadership and can potentially kill the work/vision.

    "The best assistants and "ladder-holders" have an "us", "we" mentality more than an "I" mentality, especially concerning the vision of the leader. They also are willing to take

     rebuke and still hold the ladder properly.

2. "Assistants/"ladder-holders" must be attentive. Attentiveness is the ability to hear and respond to instructions without unnecessary repetition.

Assistants and "ladder-holders" are equally important to the fulfillment of vision. It was a reminder that leadership is not positional, but based on influence.

He concluded the message on that note, and led the congregation in prayer.

Tithes and offerings were collected, followed by the benediction that brought the service to an end.

BEGINNING AND THE ENDING OF INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE BY PASTOR COSFINNEY

It was a wonderful communion service on Sunday morning, and we were privileged to be in His presence.

The service started with intercessory prayers ledby Josephine.  After that, Lois took a short worship song titled “In Humble Adoration.”

Wilson led the opening prayer. The praise session was led by Maryann of “De Masterpiece” with the song titled “Anybody here.” Knowledge took the second part with the songs“Bless the Lord with me” and “Ha-Hallelujah.”

Worship time started with a song titled “Only you are God,” led by Direction.

‘Buchi gave the following announcements: Church in the home [CITH] was scheduled to hold at 5 p.m., the week-long fasting ended today, the kingdom partners’ meeting will hold this Saturday, March 13 at 11 a.m., with the Senior Pastor of the house, the millennium temple, the global headquarter church of House on the Rock will be dedicated on the 21^st of April, in Lagos.

After the announcements, “De Masterpiece” ministered to the congregation with the song titled, “Sometimes,” led by Ufuoma and Maryann.

Pastor Chikelu came up to welcome the new comers in the congregation and encouraged them to prayerfully consider making House on the Rock, Asaba their home church if they are residents of Asaba.

After the welcome of new comers, he went on to welcome the man of God, Pastor Cosfinney N. Udoka, our host pastor here as “De Masterpiece” sang “I’m thirsty for you.”

The message was titled: “The beginning and end of intimacy.” It was a continuation of the series on marriage he started about five weeks ago.

Bible Verses: Genesis 24 vs. 1-3, 2 vs. 24, Ruth 1 vs. 16-18.

He prayed and continued with the message.

“Intimacy means nearness in fellowship, getting to know someone deeper. Marriage is a hundred percent spiritual and it is likened unto the relationship we have with God.”

“The church is married to Christ and is supposed to have intercourse with Him. Intimacy in marriage begins with your choice of a partner and the spirit behind the marriage. The God behind the man controls the man [or woman]. If a man and woman do not have the same God, it will be very difficult for their spirits to unite, even after their flesh has united in “marriage.”

“The Bible says, “Do not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.” That means, do not marry or get involved with someone who doesn’t have the same belief system as you do.”

“Another factor that helps intimacy in marriage is time. In today’s world, couples seem not to have time for their marriage because everyone is so busy.”

“At the very least, couples should devote fifteen to twenty minutes daily, almost two hours every week, and at least two weekends every year to spend together, not complaining or talking about children, bills, or work. This should be time spent enjoying each other and reminding each other of the love you share.”

“Sex is the most efficient tool to bring about intimacy in marriage. It is a spiritual thing that should be enjoyed in marriage. It brings a greater height of intimacy in marriage; it can cause issues if not had on a consistent level.”

“It is the same with our relationship with God. We should take out time to commune with our God, at least ten to twenty minutes, daily. He is craving to have us come to Him in worship, without complains.”

“The benefits of sex [in marriage]:

1.    It reduces stress, high blood pressure, and boosts immunity.

2.    It increases your IG-A[Immunoglobulin “A,” designed to fight cold and infection].

3.    It burns calories.

4.    It improves your cardiovascular health, it protects the heart.

5.    It increases your self-esteem.

6.    It reduces chances of prostate cancer [for men].”

“The recommended amount of sex for a married couple is at least twice a week.”

He concluded by saying that proper intimacy in marriage cannot be developed in marriage without constant sex with each other.

After the message, prayer, tithes and offering, the Holy Communion was taken.

Closing prayers and benedictions were said, bringing the first service to a wonderful close.

WHO IS MY HUSBAND BY PASTOR COSFINNEY

This Easter morning we join believers worldwide to commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
The first service commenced with an intercessory prayer led by Mr. Sunday. The people of God poured out their hearts in prayers unto God, calling on God to cause the resurrection power of Jesus to touch every one that Will be in the service.
 Mrs Afam Lois led the choir on brief “Call to worship session, with the song titled, “Grace”.   
Pastor Chikelu Ebenebe came up on stage to say the opening prayer. The Masterpiece led the congregation in glorious praise with beautiful songs like “Our God is an awesome God", "Hossana", and a high temple African praise session; which was led by ufoma Efekhoda   
Marryann Laackman's worship session saw the congregation lifting up their hands and hearts in humble adoration to  God with songs like 
"Draw me close to you”  
"What can wash away my sin” and
"Crucify”.  Mr. 
Buchi Ezedum gave the announcements which included "Early Will I Seek Thee”, followed by Week Of Divine intervention, Water baptism will be holding on Saturday the 6th
Of April by 5pm and partnership meeting  with pastor on April 13.
  
Choir special rendition was soloed by Direction and Anita at a time and then Ufuoma took the ending part of their song was titled"A God like you”. First timers were welcomed by Miss Chinwe and as well welcomed Pastor Cosfinney Udoka to the pulpit for the Word of God.

The sermon was titled: WHO IS MY HUSBAND? And the scripture reading were taken from the book of Genesis 2:7,15,22. 

Pastor Cosfinney started by describing Hơ̴̴̴͡w important a man  is  to a woman, while acknowledging that becoming a responsible Husband  is not a child's play. He urged women  to ensure the get into marriage with a man that  is  God fearing, when considering a man for marriage. 

He listed the following qualities as necessary before choosing a husband: 

1. Friendship (Proverbs 18:24): You must marry your friend". He said. Isaac loved Rebecca and Rebecca comforted him.

2. Marry a man that needs you: A man who doesn’t need you can’t desire you and a man who doesn’t desire you can’t be your husband. He must be dying for you.

3. Marry a man who has work: It’s a not a greed but it’s a divine order. He must not be working in an oil company but he should at least be doing something. God gave Adam a work before giving him a wife.

4. Marry a man who loves you (Proverbs 17:17): You can see a real definition of love from the scripture below. 1 Corinthhians 13:4-8. 
 

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