How to Leave a Godly Heritage for Our Children

//Kenneth W. Hagin
I was fortunate to grow up in the home of Kenneth E. Hagin. He was my natural father and a spiritual father to many. Although my dad is now in Heaven, his example of faith still lives with me today. I can recall the victories he obtained through his faith in God. My father's faith endured many tests and trials and got us all through many rough times.
My dad was a fine example of a godly father. Abraham of the Old Testament is another example of a godly father. In Romans 4:16 (NLT ) Abraham is called "the father of all who believe." Throughout history, he has affectionately been called "Father Abraham."
The way Abraham endured to receive the promise of God has helped many believers to stand firm on God's Word as they go through difficult times. Abraham's life is also an example to all of us who are fathers.
He shows us how to leave a godly heritage for our children. The following acrostic of the word "father" reveals some of the many lessons Abraham gave us.

F stands for faith. Abraham was a man of faith.

When God told Abraham in Genesis 12 to leave his country and go to a land that God would show him, Abraham obeyed the Word of the Lord, even though he did not know where he was going.
Every time a father obeys God, he leaves an example for his children to follow. I watched my dad obediently follow the call of God on his life. As a result, I learned how to use my faith to follow God's plan for my life.

A stands for available. Abraham was available to his family.

According to Genesis 21:8 (TLB), after Isaac was weaned, ". . . Abraham gave a party to celebrate the happy occasion."
One of the most important things a father can do for his children is to spend time with them. I understand that a father has a responsibility as head of the household to provide for his family. But spending quality time with our children will mean more to them than any amount of money.

T stands for tested. Abraham taught his son how to pass the tests of life.

Genesis 22 records how God tested Abraham's faith and obedience by requiring him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham used his faith in God to get through this test. And children need to see from our example that obeying God is the most important thing they can do in life.

H stands for help. Abraham helped his son find a godly wife (Gen. 24).

As fathers, we must teach our children how to make wise decisions. To do this, we cannot make every decision for our children, but we must train them in such a way that they will learn how to make right choices on their own. If they learn how to make good decisions when they are young, then they will continue making right decisions when they are older.

E stands for encouragement. Abraham encouraged his son to believe God.

When Abraham and Isaac were climbing Mount Moriah to offer a sacrifice to God, Isaac asked his father, ". . . but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?" (Gen. 22:7 TLB). Isaac had his doubts, but Abraham quickly encouraged his son to believe God by replying, "God will see to it, my son" (v.8 TLB).
Abraham and Isaac worked together to offer a sacrifice to God. Isaac carried the wood and Abraham carried the knife and fire. Unfortunately, we fathers often tell our children what to do, but we don't do it with them. If we tell our children to go to church and serve God, then we ought to go to church and serve God with them.

R stands for responsibility. Abraham was responsible to take care of his family.

Abraham raised his children in the reverence of God. Fathers, you have the responsibility to lead your family in the things of God. Your children need to see you praying and reading your Bible.
General Douglas MacArthur felt this same way. He once said, "By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder—infinitely prouder—to be a father. . . . It is my hope that my son . . . will remember me not from the battlefield but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer." ¹
Fathers, it is our responsibility to show our children how to be responsible with their money, work, and fellow man. But above all, we need to teach them how to be responsible and true to our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
¹http://www.congressionalgoldmedal.com/?f

THE ARGUMENT BASED ON EZEKIEL 18

THE ARGUMENT BASED ON EZEKIEL 18

We will first begin from the Old Testament. Let us consider Ezekiel 18:24 and 26, which say, "But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die...When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die." These two verses can be considered as the main verses in the Old Testament concerning this matter. No other verses in the Old Testament are as important as these. These are the most common and most frequently quoted verses. Hence, we have to devote some thoughtful consideration to these two verses.
Ezekiel 18 never speaks of salvation. It does not say anything about Jesus dying for man, nor does it say anything about believing in the Lord to receive life. It does not say how one takes care of the problem of sin. It does not mention anything about the gospel or about Christ. If one tries by force to apply this passage to the gospel, he is confusing the issue. Ezekiel 18 speaks of God’s government. What precedes this passage are things related to God’s government. One must remember that things in God’s government are totally different from things in salvation. God’s government refers to how God works, manages, and arranges things according to His plan and will. If a man does not understand the difference between God’s salvation and His government, and if he mixes the two together, he is mixing up God’s law court with God’s family, the father with the judge. He is confusing the word spoken by the father to the servants with the word spoken to the sons. He is confusing the attitude a man has toward his employees with the attitude he has toward his wife and children. Government is government. Government is not the same as salvation. The difference between government and salvation is as great as the distance between the north pole and the south pole.
Ezekiel 18 does not show us salvation. Its subject is how the Israelites can live on the earth. It does not speak of eternal life. It speaks of the problem with the body. It does not deal with the question of perdition for the soul. Rather, it shows us that if a man does not keep the commandment of God, he will die early physically. It is a question of physical existence rather than spiritual salvation. No one can ever say that a son’s teeth should be set on edge just because his father has eaten sour grapes. If someone sitting next to you eats sour grapes, you might feel like you can taste that same sourness in your own mouth. But if a father rebels against God’s Word and sins, it has nothing to do with the son. If the father has to die, the son cannot be a substitute for him. If a man sins, he himself should be cut off from God’s promised land. This passage is absolutely on the death of the physical body. This is what the end of verse 2 tells us. Then, after these words, from verse 3, chapter eighteen repeats that those who sin shall die. This is not spiritual death. Rather, it is what Adam experienced, the death of the body. If a man sins, his days on earth shall be shortened by God. From verse 3, this chapter repeatedly tells us who can live on earth through the blessing of Jehovah. This is the context of the words preceding verse 24. If a righteous man who was righteous has now turned evil, he will die. All his former righteousnesses shall not be remembered. This has absolutely nothing to do with salvation. It is a matter of God’s government. It tells us why God would not let a man live on the earth. It explains why many people die early. It is a word concerning the judgment of sin for the Jews. It has nothing to do with us.
(Gospel of God, The (2 volume set), Chapter 17, by Watchman Nee)

Enoch Adejare Adeboye

The life of Enoch Adejare Adeboye is a fulfillment of the scriptures in Zechariah 4: 10 which declare, “despise not the days of small beginnings”. Born in 1942 into a humble family in the village of Ifewara, Osun State located in the South-western part of Nigeria Enoch Adeboye often humorously states that his family was so poor that even the poor people called them poor. As a matter of fact, he unashamedly tells his congregation that he never owned shoes until he was eighteen years of age. What he possessed though were physical intangibles such as focus, consistency, diligence, ambition, a brilliant mind and a determination to succeed in life. In 1956 Enoch Adeboye was admitted into Ilesha Grammar School, Ilesha, Osun State, Western Nigeria and as a youth he discovered a passion for books, and an aptitude for science and in particular the field of Mathematics. This led to an academic journey in the field of Mathematics against incredible odds including but not limited to finances, the Nigerian Civil War and academic politics. By the time he was done, Enoch Adeboye had obtained not only a Bachelors (BSc.) degree in Mathematics from the University of Nigeria, Nnsukka, Nigeria in 1967, but also a Masters (MSc.) Degree in Hydrodynamics and a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Applied Mathematics, both from the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria in 1969 and 1975 respectively. One of the motivations for these academic achievements was Enoch Adeboye’s passionate desire to become the youngest Vice Chancellor (University President) of any one of the frontline Universities in Nigeria. It did seem that his academic ambition would be realized as his academic career flourished. However, this was not to be as a greater career awaited him in the service of the Lord. In 1967 Enoch Adeboye got married to his beloved wife Foluke Adenike Adeboye (nee Adeyokunnu).

Tenets of Faith

We Believe in...

1. THE SCRPITURES
The Bible is the inspired word of God, The product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept that our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct doctrine. (2 Tim 3:16; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pt 1:21).
2. THE GODHEAD
Our God is one but manifested in three persons – the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit, being co-equal. (Phil 2:6) God the Father is greater than all; the sender of the word (Logos) and the begetter. (John 14:28; John 1:14)
The Son is the Word flesh covered, the One Begotten  and has existed with the Father from the beginning. (John 1:14; John 1:18; John 1:1)
The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son and is eternal. (John 15:26).
3. MAN, HIS FALL & REDEMPTION
Man is a created being made in the likness and image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world” …. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory….” “ As it is written , There is none righteous, no not one.” Jesus Christ the son of God, was manifest to undo the work of the devil and gave life and shed Hid blood to redeem and restore man back to God. (Rom 5:12; Rom 3:23; Rom 3:10; 1 John 3:8).
Salvation is the gift of God to man, spate from the works and the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God. (Eph 2:8).
 
4. ETERNAL LIFE THE NEW BIRTH
Man’s first step forward salvation is godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The New birth is necessary to all men, and when experienced produces eternal life (2 Cor 7:10; John 3:3-5; 1 John 5:12).
 
5. WATER BAPTISM
Baptism in water, by Immersion, is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believes only. The Ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. (Matt 28:19; Rom 6:4; Col 2:21; Acts 8:36-39).
  The Following recommendation regarding the water baptismal formula is adopted; to wit: “On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God and by the authority I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the son and the Holy Ghost Amen.”
6. BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
The baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire is gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the New Birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance. (Matt 3:11; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38,39; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 2:4).
7. SANCIFICATION
The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the Doctrine of Sanctification as a definite yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation at Christ’s return. (Heb 12:14; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Pt 3:18; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 3:12-14; 1 Cor 1:30).
8. SIGNS AND WONDERS
Through application of the New Testament Mysteries such as: The Laying on of hands to impart gifts (2 Tim 1:6; Deut 34:9); Holy communion a celebration of Jesus’ victory over the devil (1 Cor 11:23-26); Anointing with oil for healings and supernatural interventions (Mk 6:13; Exo 30:25-31, James 5:14); Feet washing to confirm dominion and covenant heritage of the saints (John 13:3-10); Anointed Clothing Materials for special miracles (Acts 19:11-12); The Blood Covenant for the release of the captives (1 Cor 5:7); Exo 12:1-25); a prophetic Utterances for Supernatural encounters (Isa 44:26; Mk 11:23).
  
9. DIVINE HEALING
Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer  of faith, and by the laying on of hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ, and is the privileged of every member of the church today. (James 5:14,15; Mk 16:18; Isa 53:4,5; Matt 8:17; 1 Pt 2:24).
 
10.  RESURRECTION OF THE JUST & THE RETURN OF THE LORD
The angels said to Jesus’ disciples, “…this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” His coming is immenet. When He comes, “…the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain  shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…” (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess 4:16,17)Â
Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth as King of Kings, and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests. He shall reign a Thousand years. (Rev 20:6).
 
11.  HELL & ETERNAL RETRIBUTION
The one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or repenting. The Lake of Fire is Literal. The terms “eternal” and “everlasting” used in describing the  duration of the punishment of the damned in the Lake of Fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstacy of saints in the Presence of God. (Heb 9:27; Rev 19:20).

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ALIVE CONVENTION

The 12 Pillars of our Commission

Pillars of Destiny

The 12 Pillars of our Commission

 

 God commissioned me with a Word of Faith ministry to my generation. Remember Paul said,

“…if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Cor 14:8)

By the help of the Holy Ghost I have classified the Word of Faith He has committed into my hands into the specific areas of emphasis, in direct response to Isaiah 40:6,

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry?”

I have named these 12 areas of emphasis as the 12 Pillars of our Commission. We have stood firm upon these twelve stones and they have resulted in breakthroughs – both for the ministry and all that are partakers of the same grace with us. We have crossed Jordan into power, bearing the ark of liberation and have experienced amazing testimonies ever since this commission was handed down in May, 1981.

Here are the 12 stones, after the order of Joshua 4:1-8, 20-24.

1. FAITH (1 John 5:4; Eph. 6:16) “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” – 1 John 5:4
2. THE WORD (John 1:1-12; Heb. 1:3) “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” – Heb. 1:3
3. THE SUPERNATURAL (Ps. 82:5-7; John 3:8) “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:8
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 1:1-8; Isaiah 10:27) “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” – Isaiah 10:27
5. PROSPERITY (3 John 2; Ps. 35:27;      Zech. 1:17) “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” - 3 John 2
6. PRAYER (1 John 5:14) “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.” – 1 John 5:14
7. HEALING (Isaiah 53:3-4; Jer. 8:22; Matt. 8:17) “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” – Matt. 8:17
8. WISDOM (Prov. 24:3-4, Isaiah 33:6) “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6
9. SUCCESS (Joshua 1:8-10) “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1: 8
10. VISION (Prov. 29:18, Jer. 29:11) “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” - Prov. 29:18
11. CONSECRATION (Hebrews12:14; 2Tim. 2:19) “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his.  And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. ” - 2 Tim. 2:19
12. PRAISE (2 Chro. 20:20-22;  Ps. 67:1-7; 149:1-9)“And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah: and they were smitten.” - 2 Chro. 20:22

Faith Tabernacle

Faith Tabernacle is the headquarters church of Winners' Chapel.

 It is at Canaanland, Ota, a suburb of Ogun state, Nigeria. Faith Tabernacle has a capacity of 50,400 worshippers and it is reputed to be the world's largest church in terms of capacity. The church building was constructed under a year in 1998 and hosts the annual Shiloh religious festival which comes up every December in the same Canaanland. The pastor in charge of Winners' Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo

, said that building the 50,000 capacity, biggest church in the world is from a revelation God gave to him many years before it was constructed.

About Bishop Abioye

Bishop David O. Abioye is a Pastor of long standing experience under the ministry of his life-time mentor, Bishop David Oyedepo who is the President of the Living Faith Church, worldwide (aka Winners Family), and also Pastor Faith Tabernacle – the largest church auditorium in the world.
Bishop David Abioye is presently the Senior Pastor of Living Faith Church, Goshen City, Km 26 Abuja-Keffi Road - Nigeria, West Africa.
Apart from focusing on the core messages of the church, which include Faith, Prosperity and Signs and Wonders, he is also gifted in motivating the saints of God towards spiritual stewardship, victorious Christian living and developing intimate relationship with God. All of these, you will find in the simple, practical and life applicable teachings presented on this site, which will undoubtedly produce notable proofs in your life.
He is joyfully married to Mary A. Abioye, who is also an ordained minister. They are blessed with three children; David Jnr., Ruth and Daniel.

KEY TO DISTINCTION

Discipline is key to distinction.
Discipline means following the straight and narrow path.
Distinction accommodate only few who have subjected themselves to paying the price for it.
Distinction is not cheap to come by.
Discipline means refusing to take it easy.
Those who take it easy will be eased out of the race.
Taking it easy is path to destruction. Matt.7:13,14; Mic.2:10

THE WORD & PRAYER

Naturally, the two elements that makes fire are “wood” and “fuel”.
Scripturally, the word is wood while prayer is fuel.
When the two are combined fire results on the altar.
By assignment, it is the duty of priest to generate the two.
The priest is custodian of the word (Lev.6:12,13 & 27) and is an ordained intercessor.
By the word he feeds the people (Mic.6:9; 7.14) similarly by prayer he keeps them warm, and also keeps satan away since he cannot survive a hot environment.
Jesus, our High Priest came to establish the order – He will pray at night and fed the people at day time.
The apostles continued with the same principles – Acts.1:14-26; 6:4
By feeding God’s people with the word, we get them stabilized and immovable by the enemy and by prayer we keep them warm and unreachable by the devil.

NO 1 STEP TO ADVANCEMENT

Appreciation is application for acceleration. 

It is appreciation of God that leads to appreciation of man.
You may not have arrived at where you desire to but you are not where you use stop be.
Appreciate God for where you are in anticipation for where you ought to be.
Thanksgivers can never be tied to the same spot.
You’ll never come back to meet a thanksgiver where you left him.
Thanksgiving is a lift,
Thanksgiving is appreciation in anticipation of acceleration.
Thanksgivers are never murmurers and so they can never be destroyed.
Thanksgiving inspire hope and instigates faith and establishes trust.
If you don’t must to suffer depreciate engage in appropriation.
Thanksgiving is the glide on which you move forward.

The Secrets Of Family Increase

Dear Reader,

I will be concluding this series, by showing you something that has robbed many of entering into the fullness of the blessings of God.  As we start, we will see how it can be avoided and cured.  This habit is a universal disease that has no regard for a particular race or colour.
It plagues the big and the small. It doesn’t matter whether you travel from one country of the world to another; it needs no visa to travel with you. It is Anxiety!
Anxiety is defined as a troubled feeling in the mind, caused by fear and uncertainty. It is a killer disease which needs a cure. If left unchecked, it degenerates into bigger diseases. However, as advanced as medical science is, it has not been able to provide a cure for anxiety. So, how do we overcome anxiety? The only cure to anxiety is the Word of God. The Word is the all-producing and never-failing solution to every issue of life (Hebrews 1:3).
Before we can successfully tackle this disease, it will be good to know its causes and effects. It differs from one person to another, ranging from fear of insecurity, finance problems, failure, ill-health of a family member, etc. Maybe you live in an area where robbers pay regular visits, maybe the general economy of your country is not encouraging or you are to execute a project, and the means to do it is not visible. These and lots more are diverse causes of anxiety plaguing homes, families and people generally, in the world today.
The effects of anxiety are so many as mentioned above and they are devastating. Spiritually, anxiety cuts off your relationship with God, and takes away your joy. Without joy, you cannot worship God, neither can you serve Him acceptably, nor pray effectively. If all these are not in place, the devil has a free hand, and anything could happen. God forbid! The family today, is prone to this killer disease called anxiety. Never let it catch up with your family. Fight it and free yourself. Give the devil no chance in your affairs.
So, what is the cure for anxiety? The Bible says: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).
The above Scripture is a commandment from God. To obey is better than sacrifice. When you give room to anxiety, you are walking in disobedience. You may say, “Well, I know it is a commandment, but what do I do now? How do I pay children’s school fees, landlord’s rent, and car expenses?” Remember, the book of Proverbs chapter 29 and verse 1 says that anyone who refuses instruction shall perish suddenly without remedy. God knows about all these, before He said you should be anxious for NOTHING. It means He has given you what it takes not to give room to anxiety. You have the power to refuse anxiety.
When you consciously refuse to be anxious, you are obeying God’s commandment and He in turn makes things begin to work out for you. You can overcome anxiety. Cast all your care on God, for He cares for you. When you give in to anxiety, you are judging God unfaithful, and calling Him a liar. You are not too sure of His abilities and therefore, you can no more depend on Him.
Free yourself from the entanglement of anxiety today, and give God a chance in your affairs. This comes by surrendering your life to Christ. You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.  If you are ready to be born again, please say this prayer:  “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today.  I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”
            If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).