Bishop Prof. Julius O. Soyinka

“Lift Up Your Head, O Ye Gates” Study Text: Psalm 24:7–10 Introduction: - The power of the spoken Word of God is effective in breaking down barriers and granting access where the enemy has shut us out. - Every life has gates and doors, which are spiritual entry points that determine access, possession, and progress. - Many destinies are locked up behind gates of ancestral bondage, satanic embargoes, or self-imposed limitations. - But today, God’s Word declares: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates!”  This is a command for every stubborn barrier to give way to the King of Glory. - We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings: 1.  The Picture of the Gates 2.  The Pronouncement against the Gates 3.  The Personalities behind the Gates  1. The Picture of the Gates - Gates are entry and exit points responsible for controlling access. - In the spirit realm, gates represent: 1.  Foundational strongholds: These include ancestral covenants, and family altars. ...

Fulfilling the Macedonian Call Study Text: Acts16:9-10 Introduction: - Every generation has its own “Macedonia call.” Paul’s missionary journey teaches us that God’s direction is not always about our convenience, but about His kingdom assignment. -  The Macedonian call represents the cry of people longing for the gospel, divine redirection, and the urgency of obedience. - Today, God is still calling us: through souls in darkness, through unreached communities, through divine visions, and through opportunities that demand sacrifice. - We shall be discussing the topic under four subheadings: 1.  The Cry of Macedonia: A Desperate Demand 2.  The Call of Macedonia: A Divine Direction 3.  The Cost of Macedonia: A Demanding Decision 4.  The Consequences of Macedonia: A Deserving Discovery  1. The Cry of Macedonia: A Desperate Demand - It was a desperate and urgent plea for Help. Paul saw a man of Macedonia pleading: “Come over… and help us.” - Macedonia represents...

The Horse is Prepared for Battle, But Safety is the Lord's. Study Text: Proverbs 21:31 Introduction: This verse encapsulates the essence of our lives as believers.  While we must prepare ourselves and do our part, it is ultimately God who fights our battles and grants us victory. We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings: 1.  The Horse: An Emblem of Strength and Preparation  2.  The Lord: The Ultimate Source of Strength and Power  3.  The Battle: The Secret of Everlasting Victory and Safety  1.  The Horse: An Emblem of Strength and Preparation  The horse is an emblem of strength, readiness, and preparation.  In biblical times, horses were essential for battle; they represented one's ability to confront challenges head-on.  Similarly, we are called to prepare ourselves for the challenges we encounter in life. This preparation can take many forms:  1. Spiritual Preparation:  Daily prayer, studying Scripture, a...

Jesus: The Epitome of Humility, Love and Service  Study Text: John 13:1-17 Introduction: This is a profound moment in the life of Jesus, that reveals not only His character but also His expectations for us as His followers. We witness Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. This is a powerful act of humility, service, and love.  We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings: 1.  The Significance of Servanthood 2.  The Symbol of Sanctification  3.  The Standard for Service   1. The Significance of Servanthood:  In Jesus time, washing feet was a task reserved for the lowest servant. This act showcases radical humility.   Knowing He is Lord and Teacher, He chooses to demonstrate what true leadership looks like through service.  He rises from the table, removes His outer garments, and takes a towel and basin. This was not just a physical act but a profound spiritual lesson. We are called to serve others, even when it is...

Steadfastness in Doing Good Works  Study Text: Galatians 6:9 - 10 Introduction: For everyone who has devoted himself to doing good to others, there will always come a temptation to grow weary and want to give up.  Whether it is in a relationship, a serving position, or just being generally kind in dealing with people, circumstances will become difficult and temptation to quit or stop the good deeds will spring up in our hearts. So how can followers of Christ be prepared to be steadfast in doing good even when situation doesn’t seem to be working?  Paul encourages the believers in the Church of Galatia with this – “let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. There is a difference between being tired and being wearied. Tiredness is being physically fatigued due to working hard and are not wasting time.  But weariness is a feeling of despair and a desire to quit.  While there is little we can do to prevent tiredness, e...

Divine Speed for Distinctive Success  Study Text: Genesis 24:12 - 14 Introduction:  Divine speed implies  God granting believers supernatural acceleration to fulfill their destinies and overcome obstacles.  It is a gift from God, enabling individuals to achieve remarkable feats and surpass natural limitations in a short period.  When  God's hand is upon a person, it  releases power, favour, and resources for accelerated progress in certain or all areas of life. We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings: 1.  The Description of Divine Speed 2.  The Directions of Divine Speed  3.  The Definite Examples of Divine Speed 1.  The Description of Divine Speed: Divine speed is not merely about physical speed or efficiency, but rather a divine empowerment that allows believers to accomplish tasks and reach goals at an accelerated pace, often exceeding natural human capacity.  It involves overcoming barriers and limitat...

The Presence of the Lord: The Source of Courage and Strength  Study Text: Deuteronomy 20:1-4 Introduction: This scriptural portion is a powerful passage that speaks to facing fears and trusting in God's presence during times of conflict.  The central message is that even when facing a larger and stronger enemy, God's people should not be afraid because He is with them, fighting for them and giving them victory.  This passage emphasizes the importance of courage, faith, and recognizing God's power in the midst of battle.  It encourages the Israelites not to be afraid, reminding them that God is with them and has brought them out of Egypt. There are three specific words of encouragement given to them that we will be discussing in the study: 1.  Overcoming Fear and Distress  2.  Overcoming Weakness and Discouragement  3.  Overcoming Worries and Distability  1.  Overcoming Fear and Distress   God is not just a distant deity, b...

Supernatural Upliftment Study Text: Psalm 27:6   Introduction: Supernatural upliftment is the act of God elevating an individual beyond human understanding or effort.  It defies natural laws and limitations, showcasing God's power, favour, and grace.  While human upliftment depends on connections, skills, or effort, supernatural upliftment comes solely from God. Supernatural upliftment is when  God's power elevates individuals above their current circumstances and challenges, leading to promotion, honour, and overcoming obstacles.  It is a supernatural intervention that can bring about positive change and transformation in various aspects of life.  Supernatural upliftment include the  restoration of what has been lost or forfeited, as well as to promote individuals to higher levels of influence and authority.  It is a message of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that God has the power to elevate them above their current situations and le...

Be of Good Cheer: I have Overcome  Study Text: John 16:33 Introduction: This Scriptural verse emphasizes the importance of a believer in Christ to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook, even in the face of adversity. This is because Christ has overcome the world and He is always present to offer strength and peace.  It encourages believers to find joy and courage in their faith, remembering that God's promises are true and that He is working all things for their good. Romans 8:28 The phrase "Be of good cheer is highlighting God's presence and power to dispel fear. It reminds us that God is stronger than any challenge we face.   God is with His Children in every situation, offering comfort, guidance, and strength, we are never left alone in our struggles.  Therefore, through faith in Christ, believers have already overcome the world and its challenges. This perspective shifts the focus from being a victim to being a victor. We shall be discussing the topic unde...

The Name of Jesus: A Strong Tower of Protection  Study Text: Judges: 9:50 - 54 Introduction:  Abimelech in a bid to succeed his father as king, plotted and killed 70 of his half-brothers; only Jotham escaped.  In the battle to take a city called Thebaz, Abimelech came upon a heavily fortified tower. The civilians ran to the top of a tower and Abimelech almost fought through most of the way towards the tower, but a woman dropped a stone on his head from above. He was mortally wounded and eventually died.  The Word of God tells us: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10  That is your place of protection and power. When the enemy begins to roar and pursue you, that is not the time to give up or run to the Devil for help. Rather, run to the Lord.  People have been delivered from great difficulties and pressures because they called the name of Jesus. The Bible says that He has been given a name that is...

The Sinner's Repentance and the Saviour's Rejoicing  Study Text: Luke 15: 3 - 10 Introduction: This passage, highlights God's boundless joy and relentless pursuit of the lost, using the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.  Jesus emphasizes that a sinner's repentance brings more joy in heaven than the righteousness of 99 others.  We will be doing a systemic and expository study of these two parables, and then consider the lessons that will be of great blessings to us. Thus, we shall be discussing under three subheadings: A.  The Parable of the Lost Sheep  B.  The Parable of the Lost Coin  C.  The Profitable Lessons from the Parables  A.  The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7): There are two things to consider in this parable. 1.  The Love and Passion of the Shepherd  A shepherd with 100 sheep loses one, but rather than staying with the remaining 99, he goes after the one lost sheep until he finds it.  The she...

Choose you this Day Whom you shall Serve  Study Text: Joshua 24:14 - 15 Introduction: This scriptural portion highlights the importance of making a deliberate choice to serve God and emphasizes the need for individual commitment.  It challenges believers to choose wholeheartedly to serve the Lord, and setting an example for their households to follow.  The passage emphasizes that serving God is a conscious choice, not a passive acceptance.  Joshua urges the people to serve God with sincerity and faithfulness, putting away the gods of their ancestors and embracing true devotion.  He serves as a powerful example of personal commitment to God, and how a father's choice can impact the household's spiritual direction.  Deliberate choice to serve the Lord, with personal commitment can produce family influence, and plays significant roles in shaping one's spiritual journey. We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:     1.  The Call t...

The Stone Has Been Rolled Away Study Text: Mark 16:1 -  4 Introduction: The women went out early in the morning to go and beautify the tomb of Jesus, but suddenly remembered the great stone at the entrance which they are not capable of rolling away.  Therefore, they asked:  Who shall roll away the stone for us?  This is the same question that many of us would have asked if we were in a similar situation.  Who would help them roll away the stone? But then we read from scripture: Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. To their amazement, the stone had already been rolled away. With God, no obstacle, no hindrance, no limitation and no impossibility. Only we need to reach out with our faith in His Word and His Power. We shall be looking at   four stones Jesus rolled away with His resurrection from the dead: 1.  The Stone of Dominion of Sin 2.  The Stone of Distress of Sickness  3....