Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
Actualising God’s Commanded Blessings: A Report on a Sunday Service at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse, Abuja
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, held a spiritually uplifting Sunday service focused on the theme “Actualising God’s Commanded Blessings.”
Brethren, join me to look into the sermon’s core message, highlighting the sermon’s key takeaways and the overall atmosphere.
Service Overview:
The service commenced with vibrant choir ministration, setting a reverent yet joyful tone. The sermon, delivered by Bro. Charles Damen, centered on identifying and overcoming hindrances to receiving God’s commanded blessings. The message drew heavily from Matthew 6:14-15 and 1 Kings 17:1-16, using the latter passage to establish the context of God’s provision and purpose.
Sermon Highlights: Hindrances to Actualising God’s Commanded Blessings
Bro. Damen’s sermon focused on practical obstacles that prevent believers from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings. He identified several key hindrances:
Unforgiveness: Bro. Damen emphasized that harboring unforgiveness blocks believers from receiving God’s blessings, as articulated in Matthew 6:14-15. By holding onto grudges, individuals create barriers to divine favour and intervention. The message aligned with the general biblical teaching on forgiveness.
Disobedience: Using 1 Samuel 15:22-26 as a reference point, the sermon highlighted that disobedience, regardless of its nature, directly obstructs God’s blessings. Obedience to God’s commands is presented as crucial for experiencing His favor.
Prayerlessness: Citing Luke 18:1, the sermon underscored the importance of persistent prayer. Prayerlessness was identified as a significant impediment to receiving divine intervention and experiencing God’s blessings.
Selfishness and Pride: Drawing on
1 Peter 5:5, Bro. Damen warned against the pitfalls of selfishness and pride, highlighting how these attitudes hinder the work of God in one’s life and prevent the receiving of blessings. Humility and a selfless spirit were presented as essential qualities.
Lack of Faith and Trust: The sermon used 1 Kings 17:6-13 to illustrate the importance of unwavering faith and trust in God’s provision. Reliance on one’s own strength and understanding was presented as a major obstacle to receiving God’s blessings.
Concluding Remarks:
The sermon concluded with a powerful call to action, urging believers to actively identify and address these hindrances. The emphasis was on personal responsibility and a proactive approach to claiming God’s promised blessings.
Bro. Damen’s message struck a chord, creating a strong atmosphere of repentance and renewed commitment among the congregation.
The statement, “You are God from the beginning to the end…”, likely served as a powerful affirmation of God’s sovereignty and ultimate control over the process of receiving blessings. The overall service fostered a sense of community and shared spiritual pursuit among attendees.
Suggestions for Further Study:
Further exploration of the scriptural references cited (Matthew 6:14-15, 1 Kings 17:1-16, 1 Samuel 15:22-26, Luke 18:1, and 1 Peter 5:5) would provide a richer understanding of the theological underpinnings of the sermon. Additional research into the practical applications of overcoming these hindrances could also enhance the impact of this report.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, a Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
