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THE WORD CENTER

PRESENTS

ROYAL HIGHNESS FELLOWSHIP

FELLOWCITIZENS WITH THE SAINTS, AND OF THE

HOUSEHOLD OF GOD (Ephesians2:19)

WORSHIP GOD.

Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there

were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms

of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,

and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and

ever.

Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not:

for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the

prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of

this book: worship God.

Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great

multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as

the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his

thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD

OF LORDS.

AND HATH MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS UNTO

GOD AND HIS FATHER

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that

hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those

things which are written therein: for the time is at

hand.

Rev 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in

Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him

which is, and which was, and which is to come;

and from the seven Spirits which are before his

throne;

Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful

witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the

prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that

loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own

blood,

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto

God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.

THE HOUSE OF GOD, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF

THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF

THE TRUTH.

BUT IF I TARRY LONG, THAT THOU MAYEST KNOW

HOW THOU OUGHTEST TO BEHAVE THYSELF IN

THE HOUSE OF GOD, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF

THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF

THE TRUTH.

AND WITHOUT CONTROVERSY GREAT IS THE

MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN

THE FLESH, JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT, SEEN OF

ANGELS, PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES,

BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD, RECEIVED UP INTO

GLORY. 1Ti 3:15-16

sa 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my

glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to

graven images.

Isa 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass,

and new things do I declare: before they spring

forth I tell you of them.

Isa 43:15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator

of Israel, your King.

Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not:

for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the

prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of

this book: WORSHIP GOD.

Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and

the end, the first and the last.

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify

unto you these things in the churches. I am the

root and the offspring of David, and THE BRIGHT

AND MORNING STAR.

Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things;

and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth

again until Christ be formed in you,

BIBLE WITNESS

Mat 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of

Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there

came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the

Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and

are come to worship him.

2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise,

look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein

dwelleth righteousness.

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for

such things, be diligent that ye may be found of

him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our

Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul

also according to the wisdom given unto him hath

written unto you;

2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them

of these things; in which are some things hard to

be understood, which they that are unlearned and

unstable wrest, as they do also the other

scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord

God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun,

neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of

God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light

thereof.

Rev 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved

shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the

earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Rev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all

by day: for there shall be no night there.

Rev 21:26 And they shall bring the glory and honour

of the nations into it.

Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it

any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever

worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they

which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS THE FAITHFUL WITNESS,

AND THE FIRST BEGOTTEN OF THE DEAD,

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that

hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those

things which are written therein: for the time is at

hand.

Rev 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in

Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him

which is, and which was, and which is to come;

and from the seven Spirits which are before his

throne;

Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful

witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the

prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that

loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own

blood,

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto

God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.

BORN TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE TRUTH

TO THIS END WAS I BORN, AND FOR THIS CAUSE

CAME I INTO THE WORLD, THAT I SHOULD BEAR

WITNESS UNTO THE TRUTH. EVERY ONE THAT IS

OF THE TRUTH HEARETH MY VOICE.

Joh 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall

again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art

thou the King of the Jews?

Joh 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this

thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own

nation and the chief priests have delivered thee

unto me: what hast thou done?

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of

this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then

would my servants fight, that I should not be

delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not

from hence.

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a

king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am

a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause

came I into the world, that I should bear witness

unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth

heareth my voice.

Joh 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And

when he had said this, he went out again unto the

Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at

all.

ONE GOD ONE FAITH ONE BAPTISM

Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things;

and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth

again until Christ be formed in you,

Isa 17:7 At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and

his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of

Israel.

Isa 17:8 And he shall not look to the altars, the work

of his hands, neither shall respect that which his

fingers have made, either the groves, or the

images.

Isa 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and

my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know

and believe me, and understand that I am he:

before me there was no God formed, neither shall

there be after me.

Isa 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me

there is no saviour.

Isa 43:12 I have declared, and have saved, and I

have shewed, when there was no strange god

among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith

the LORD, that I am God.

Isa 43:13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there

is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work,

and who shall let it?

THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine

elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my

spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to

the Gentiles.

Isa 42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his

voice to be heard in the street.

Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the

smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring

forth judgment unto truth.

Isa 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he

have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall

wait for his law.

Isa 42:5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created

the heavens, and stretched them out; he that

spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out

of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it,

and spirit to them that walk therein:

Isa 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in

righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will

keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the

people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Isa 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the

prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in

darkness out of the prison house.

Isa 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my

glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to

graven images.

Isa 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass,

and new things do I declare: before they spring

forth I tell you of them.

Isa 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his

praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down

to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the

inhabitants thereof.

HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a

white horse; and he that sat upon him was called

Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth

judge and make war.

Rev 19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on

his head were many crowns; and he had a name

written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped

in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven

followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine

linen, white and clean.

Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword,

that with it he should smite the nations: and he

shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth

the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of

Almighty God.

Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his

thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD

OF LORDS.

HIS NAME SHALL BE IN THEIR FOREHEADS.

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the

throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and

his servants shall serve him:

Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name

shall be in their foreheads.

Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they

need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the

Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for

ever and ever.

Rev 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are

faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy

prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants

the things which must shortly be done.

Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that

keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Rev 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard

them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down

to worship before the feet of the angel which

shewed me these things.

Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not:

for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the

prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of

this book: worship God.

Rev 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the

sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time

is at hand.

THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.

Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my

reward is with me, to give every man according as

his work shall be.

Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and

the end, the first and the last.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his

commandments, that they may have right to the

tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into

the city.

Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and

whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and

whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify

unto you these things in the churches. I am the

root and the offspring of David, and the bright and

morning star.

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.

And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him

that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him

take the water of life freely.

Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with

longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye

are called in one hope of your calling;

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all,

and through all, and in you all.

Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace

according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

AFTER THAT YE HAVE KNOWN GOD, OR RATHER

ARE KNOWN OF GOD, HOW TURN YE AGAIN TO

THE WEAK AND BEGGARLY ELEMENTS,

WHEREUNTO YE DESIRE AGAIN TO BE IN

BONDAGE?

Gal 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or

rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the

weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire

again to be in bondage?

Gal 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times,

and years.

Gal 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed

upon you labour in vain.

Gal 4:12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I

am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those

things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we

know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that

there is none other God but one.

1Co 8:5 For though there be that are called gods,

whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods

many, and lords many,)

1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of

whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord

Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by

him.

GENTILES WITHOUT HOPE AND WITHOUT GOD

IN THE WORLD BUT NOW IN CHRIST JESUS

Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time

past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called

Uncircumcision by that which is called the

Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ,

being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and

strangers from the covenants of promise, having

no hope, and without God in the world:

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes

were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both

one, and hath broken down the middle wall of

partition between us;

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by

one Spirit unto the Father.

Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers

and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints,

and of the household of God;

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the

apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being

the chief corner stone;

Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed

together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an

habitation of God through the Spirit.

Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in

the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as

other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their

mind,

Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened,

being alienated from the life of God through

the ignorance that is in them, because of the

blindness of their heart:

Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given

themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work

all uncleanness with greediness.

Eph 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and

have been taught by him, as the truth is in

Jesus:

Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former

conversation the old man, which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts;

Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your

mind;

Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man,

which after God is created in righteousness

and true holiness.

Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak

every man truth with his neighbour: for we

are members one of another.

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead

in trespasses and sins;

Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to

the course of this world, according to the prince of

the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in

the children of disobedience:

Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our

conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;

and were by nature the children of wrath, even as

others.

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great

love wherewith he loved us,

Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath

quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are

saved;)

Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us

sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the

exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness

toward us through Christ Jesus.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and

that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

ample opportunity for you to repent and forget about your past experiences in order to have eternal life. This therefore, calls for forgiveness to one another. Follow the exemplary life of our Lord Jesus Christ. He forgive His enemies even on the Cross as He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. " (Luke 23:34). Similarly, Stephen also forgave those who stoned him to death as he said, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:60). If you do not ask for and forgive the sins of your off enders, salva­tion will elude you. If our Lord Jesus Christ did not forgive His enemies, He would not have risen. It is said, "Rejbice with these who are rejoicing and mourn with those who are mourning. " When somebody is befallen with a calamity and you go about laughing at him, when the vicissitudes visit you, another person will laugh also at you. A chpter has therefore, been opened and the trend continues. Yvu are however, advised against this attitude. Pray always for the ability from the Father to be able to practise this gospel. at you. A chapter has therefore, been opened and the trend continues. You are however, advised against this attitude. Pray always for the ability from the Father to be able to practise this e:ospel.

May the good Lord bless His Holy Words, Amen.

SERMON DELIVERED BY THE SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAO LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU.

THE KING OF KINGS WITH HIS ROYAL IDGHNESSES

First Lesson: 2 Peter 3:13-14 "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heaven and a new earth, wherein dw:lleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seemg there ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. "

Second Lesson: Matthew 2: 1-2 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, the~e came wise_ men from the east to Jerusalem, saymg, where zs he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. "

18

Golden Text: Revelations 21: 24-27 "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings. of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or a lie, but they which are written in the lamb's book of life."

WARNING TO THE ROYAL IHGHNESSES: Brethren, the above texts summarize our opening address for

the Royal Highnesses Fellowship. There are diverse opinions as to the causes of the world problems. Some argue that women are res­ponsible. Others blame it on money. Many others contend that, it is men who have wrecked the world. Now, it has pleassed the Supernatural Teacher, to expose the real source of all world's problems.

You may recall what our Lord Jesus Christ said, "for verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one little shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. " (Matthew 5: 18 ).

Why should a chief or paramount ruler be a thief? Why should a king indulge in evil preparations and experiments? Why should a royal highness marry many wives? Why should a paramount ruler commit murder and indulges in abysmal sins? Why should a chief bear another person malice? Why should he be quarrelsome and vin­di tives? Why should a royal highness persecute God: and uses his office and the powers trusted upon him to obstruct God's work?

The unbecoming behaviours of the world rulers contribute to the predicament of their subjects the world over. That explains the first lesson which says: "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteous­ness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameness. "(2nd. Peter 3:13-14)."

Due to their disobedience unto God and the persecution of His prophets and children, the paramount rulers and the kings of this world have suffered untold hardship. Under what circumstances should a king forget, refuse to recognize, let alone co-operate with the one who installed him. Everyman, is interested in carving out a kingdom unto himself and guarding it jealously. The kings and the

rulers of this world seek after their personal anggrandisement. lt is worthy of note that a man can receive nothing except it be given him frbm above. What error has God committed for elevating your status and position. Why have you refused to obey Him? You deter­mined to obstruct the progress of His work; why?

THE ARROGANCE, THE BITIERNESS OF THE ROYAL HIGHNESSES. If you are installed a king and you do not realize the functions,

responsibility and implication of your office, how will you recognize and honour the king maker? This bitterness and lack of appreciation had existed even before the days of Herod. He ordered the massacre of the little ones. That he did to satisfy his selfish ambition and to eliminate the king of kings.

Also, a similar trend of events occured at the birth of Moses when Pharoah heard that a more greater king than himself was born. He ordered the killing of infants from the age of three moths down. The kings and rulers of this earth are always very apjm.~hensive of any rival to their thrones. Hence, they always embarked upon destructive means to eliminate any seemingly rival.

The first lesson says, "Nevertheless we, according to his. promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth rightous­ness. The kings and rulers of this earth signify .the new earth. Therefore, the kings and chiefs who will rule will be. those who possess the underlisted qualities: they must be equipped with love, mercy, peace, patience, humility, truthfulness and obedience to God's injunctions.

The traditional roleFs the world over wear arrogance as if the world is in their pockets. This event marked an epoch and satisfied the conditions spelt out in Revelations 2: 24-27; "But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to' you I say, I do not lay upon and .any other burden; only hold fast what you have, until I come. He who conquers and who keeps my works until the encl, I will give him power over the nations, and he shall rnle them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are· broken in pieces, even as I myself ftave received power from my Father;" Also in the scriptures, it was recorded that ... upon my life, all knees shall bow and every tongue shall sing His praises. The Father has made the occasion of His Royal Highnesses worship with him possible for the manifestation of God's glory.

It is observed that once a pauper is installed as a king, he will lord over others and treats his subjects with disdain. It is a common occurance these days that, Bishops, Governors and other cream of the society pay homage to the Traditional rulers and reverence them. For this reason, the traditional rulers feel too important to worship and attend church services, They are so interested in self aggrandisement that, it is almost impossible to see them. In their domains, they become demi-gods, and their words are regarded as sacred. The governments have contributed to the arrogance of these earthly chiefs by paying frivolous courtesy calls on them. When a government offical is on tour, his first port of call is the domain of the traditional ruler. Consequently, they see themselves as tin gods, passing orders and counter orders. They lord over others and preside over the affairs of their domain. In vain pomposity they inflict punishments and high levies on their subjects. The kings of this earth have arrogated the glory of God to their shrines, traditions and cultures.

Take a critical look at the first lesson, you must be found with­out spot. "Nevertheless we,. according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing tlrat ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of hirn in peace, without spot, and blameless."

Brethren, you are advised to be diligent so that you may be found without spot and blameless. The kings and rulers of the new earth has to exhibit godly virtues. A periodical worship must be arrangecf in the Brotherehood fold since you require pieces of advice and blessing from God.

QUALITIES OF THE TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE NEW EARTH: We are expecting the new heavens and the new earth where only

righteousness reigns as was promised by God. This is the time for all mankind and every creation to glorify God. The deplorable condition in the world cannot improve if rulers of this earth do not repent and plead for forgiveness. The fundamental duties of the rulers are pro­tection, guidance, and provision of amenities to better the lots of their subjects. I;or this very reason .. kings and rulers of this earth sho\_\ld be held responsible for any mishap which befalls their subjects. Paramount rulers are duty bound to practise the virtues of God by teaching their subjects truth, love, oneness. kindness, obedience and humility. It is their duty also to create job opportunities for their subjects and look after their welfare. Infrastructures and social

amenties such as good schools, hospitals among others ought to the provided by Governments through traditional rulers' persuasion. But the traditional rulers insensitivity to the plight of their subjects and their obvious departure from the tenets of God, plungs mankind into untold hardship which gives birth to frustration.

If one may recall the atrocities of kings and rulers in various periods in world history, those that readily come to our mind are the hostilities of Pharoah (Egypt) and King Herod to mention but a few.

Pharoah ordered His midwives to kill all male children born to the Hebrews. When the midwives could not carry out this order because of the fear of God, Pharoah order that all male children (to be born) be cast into the sea. This was an attempt to eliminate "Moses" a rival and threat to his throne. (Exodus 1: 15-22).

King Herod commanded the Massacre of the innocents. (Mat­thew 1: 16)

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts there­of, from two years under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men."

Moreover, King Herod incarcerated John the Baptist who was later beheaded following his order. In a latter case, he caused James (John's brother) to be killed and also imprisoned Peter.

The unnecessary arrogance and recalcitrance of Nebuchadnezzar readily comes to mind. For his punishment in disobedience to God, Nebuchadnezzar was cursed by God to turn into a beast for seven years. In order to escape God's wrath, traditional rulers must be diligent in their duties; they should be God-fearing and obey God's injunctions. A king is not expected to discriminate. He should regard all people as one, be it a murderer, a thief or a rebel. The calamities that befall mankind in various times and in different places in the globe are caused largely by the rulers and kings of this earth who disobey God's injunctions and also persecute His children.

Conventionally, any son or servant who obevs his father or master must be reciprocated. So, any of the traditional rulers who put this sermon into practice, will see the efficacy of God's words. Once upon a time, there was a certain man and his wife. Both of them decided to trade with vegetables. The wife confide with her husband that, she would use the proceeds from the sale of the vege­tables to purchase a dog. The husband consented to his wife's wish

and informed the wife that he would keep the custody ot"'the dog and iooked after it. The wife objected to her husband's request and argument ensued. The man was exasperated and had to beat his wife to death. Both of them thought they were right and wise in their demands. This was a blantant display of foolishness and they fell short of God's grace. Right from this moment, you should hum­ble yourselves and refrain from fribulous argument in order to have peace of God. There is an anl{iom which has it that, "anyone who claims to be very wise, normally, tse-tse fly always sucks him on the forehead.

· The kings should show good examples in the services of God. They should provide solution for the sick, the hungered, the poor, the naked, the unsheltered ones and the afflicted. Any clan or com­munity which has a wicked and recalcitrant ruler is doomed. Any family that has an evil head is doomed. Worse still, if a family or city that has no head or king, such a place is completely without direc­tion. and is perished.

If a ruler or king fails to recognise and serve God, who then would? You are all aware that except God bestows anything upon you from above you cannot have it. How many persons and kings do realise the fact that God is the giver of everything? If kings and rulers do not know God and serve Him, how then would their sub-­jects know Him and serve Him? If a ruler is good and God-fearing, his subjects will also be good and God-fearing. They will be blessed.

When Pharcah dreamt about seven fat and lean cows, he became troubled and sought for its interpetation. This was necessary in case he had to take certain actions to prevent famine. When Pharoah was told that there was a certain prisoner who could interpret the dream he sent for him. Joseph came in and interpreted the dream for the king. He told the king that, the seven fat cows signified seven years of plenty, while the seven lean ones meant seven years of famine. Pharoah took steps to ameliorate the erupted famine. Joseph was appointed to oversee agriculture and arranged for storage of excess grains. Pharoah did these to prove his love and concern for the welfare of his subjects. Today the situation is exactly the opposite.

When the king of Assyria wrote to king Hezekiah intimating him of his intention to wage war with Israel and destroy them com­pletely, He did not resort to any means of protection. He relied completely on God. He prayed in humility and penitance and God gave him Victory. If you were the one, you would have contacted police, and other persons for help.

Behold, prophet Isaiah arrived and told king Hezekiah God's promise that, because of Himself and His son David, that the king of Assyria would not set his feet on Israel when he would be imprisoned. God sent only one angel to destroy the whole of Assyria. The king of Assyria escaped and went on exile in Nineveh. At Nineveh, as he was sacrificing unto his idols, his two sons beheaded him. That marked the e:id of the king of Assyria and his soldiers. The Israelites were saved because of their good and God-fearing king. This is what every king should emulate. .

The world may laugh you to scorn and say all sorts of evil things against you because of your reverence for God, but do not mind, hold unto that which is good. It is not out of your own power and volition that you have come here. Wherever the children of God are,-including kings and rulers of this world, they have to know their Father ard glorify Him. They have to serve God with their whole body, hearts and souls; and for doing that you shall be blessed ..

Our Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples that, the kings and rulers of th earth rule with power but it shall not be so in the world to come. He also contended that whosoever wants to be a leader has to be a servant, and whosoever wants to be great, shall be a mes~ senger. He said again that the son of man did not come to be served but to minister unto others ·and to offer His life as a ransom for all. For these reasons, He emerges as the King of kings and Lord of lords today. He came to set a good example for the rulers of this earth to emulate.

As the only king and Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ came and moveo from house to house and from city to city administering unto people their needs, hum bled Himself and even surrendered His life for man's salvation. He did not quarrel, fight or kill. He loved every­body and was kind to all. Now we want a kingdom which righteous­ness reigns supreme. The kings and inhabitants of the world should refrain from sins, so that we can have peace on earth. Our demand in the kingdom is righteousness. As kings and. rulers, the administration and affairs of the people are entnl~ted into your hands. It is your duty as rulers to _solve all the problems of your subjects and lead them to the path of righteousness. Our Lord Jesus Christ had set the pace.

All the kings of this earth should look unto. our Lord Jesus Christ because He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. In His era, He went out preaching, healing the sick, feeding the.'tru,ngry, clothing the naked, and raising the dead. He was kind, meek, merciful, humble and loving. Ire did not carve out an empfrtfor Himself as

what is obtainable now. He did not cheat, oppress, discriminate and build a wall around Himself to show that He was the king and lord. When our Lord Jesus Christ was on earth the kings of the earth did not assist Him in any way; rather, they killed Him and persecuted His disciples. Therefore, any king who does not want to co-operate and work with God is not worthy to be recognised. If a ruler should take up his bible and preach to his subjects, love them, and endea­vour to solve their problems, how great and wonderful would this be? You are tempted to imagine the abundant blessing that will follow. Why did Eli and his two sons perished? They all perished because Eli's children were ungodly and Eli himself did nothing to correct them. He did not chastise them in whatever bad thing they did. He always felt contented that his two sons would succeed him. Eli did not consider Samuel as a threat to his sons. Alas! Eli did not know God's plan. Samuel was chosen as a prophet, Eli died along with his children. It is for this reason that God has instructed us to live without blemish, as we expect the new heavens and the new earth. That we may reign in holiness and in His mercy.

Little Samuel was diligent and steadfast in this duties to God. Samuel's humility and dedication to God won him God's favour. God gave the call he answered but misdirected the reply to Eli. From past experience, Eli advised him on what reply to give. Samuel gave adequate reply as follows. '~Lord, speak for thy servant heareth." God, since then chose Samuel as Eli's successor in office. He gave series of revelations about the future of Eli his family am. Israel. When the Israelites went to war, they were defeated, the Ark of Covenant was taken away from them, and the two sons of Eli killed. When Eli 'vas told the outcome of the war, especially the death of his two sons, he fell headlong and died. Everything that was revealed to Samuel then came to fulfilment.

The Philistines who seized the Ark of Covenant jubilated over it; but the Ark turned out to be a bad omen and brought pestilence and sufferings to them. For that reason, the Philistines decided to secretly return the Ark of Covenant at night. This explains the fact that God is a two edged sword - He can do and undo.

That Ark of Covenant was picked up by an Israelite and hidden in his house. The person began to prosper until information reached king David that one of his subjects was in the custody of the Ark of covenant which was seized by the Philistines. David, as a king, went to the man and recovered the Ark and returned joyously back to his domain.

It was decreed that when the Ark of covenant was being moved along, whosoever crossed ahead of it would die. Amidst the jubila­tion, a person unconsciously crossed the area of the Ar~ of ~ov_enan t and died. While David was dancing excitedly expressmg his JOY, a certain woman stood a far and made a derogatory remark over king

David's way of dancing and immediately she became a leper. That shows how God operates. The Ark of Covenant was finally taken to its proper place. That explains the fact that, the rulers of this earth are not only custodian of the people's traditions and cultures, but also the custodian of God's instructions and ways of life. They have to work with God and seek His advice always. See the first lesson below:

THE RULES AND THE NEW KINGDOM

First Lesson: 2nd. Peter 3:13-14 "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."'

This kingdom does not condone discrimination, disunity, impatience, hatred, disobedience, and untruthfulness. This kingdom cherishes love, oneness, obedience, mercy, humility, meekness, and all other virtues of God. If you were prominent, from the day you were called unto Christ, you have become a servant and slave unto Him. If you were a servant, from the day that you accepted Christ, you became a king. If you were poor, from the day Christ's call extended to you, you became rich. If you were rich right from the day the call of God reached you, you became poor. In this kingdom, there is no king, slave, free rich and poor. Our Lord Jesus Christ is everything and in all things. Also, whether you are a king, chief, millionaire, professor, free born, slave, an illiterate, poor, sick, healthy, strong or weak person,. we are one, irrespective of your position and social status. Our goal is to serve God and submit unto Him. A local axiom has it that two cocks cannot crow over one roof.

Go ye therefore and inform the rest of the kings and rulers of this earth that they have perished except they commit themselves to God and serve Him. For the scripture says, "But those mine ene-

mies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither and slay them before me/ (Luke 19: 27). You should learn a lesson from that extract. The rulers of the earth are priests, choristers, prophetes, Elders, Pastors, Rev. Fathers and mothers and should go into God's vineyard and preach the gospel to the people. If the King of kings and Lord of lords could come down and submit Himself, serve others without discrimination and offer His life for atonement; Do you know that He has kept precedence for you all?

The four wisemen were waiting for this kingdom and that was why they sold all their belongings and sought for the new born king. The wisemen were men of power, authority and wealth. In spite of their wealth and position, the wisemen sold all that they had to pur­chase the three gifts of frankensence, myrrh and gold and presented same to the new born king. They recognised, in the first place, the supremacy of the new born king. This is therefore the era and reign of God. It is expected of every person, notwithstanding race, lan­guage, position and status, to submit to and serve Him. Many clans, cities and nations have refused to accept the Lord and the Holy Spirit.

There is quick succession to the worldly thrones either through death or disgrace ful removal from office. This is as a result of such office holders' recalcitrance to the words of God. This is a recipe for starvation, sickness and death among others. Except rulers and their subjects give themselves to God, the entire world will not be in peace

You will remember king Melchisedek, the king of Salem and king of peace, spent his time praying to people, loving them and was merciful and humble. It was he who blessed Abraham and the rest of the patriarchs. You wlll also realise that king Solomon was the first king who built a temple to God. When his father, king David intended to erect a temple, God discouraged him (David) from doing so be cause David's hands were stained and filthy. Rather, God told king David that his son Solomon would build a nouse unto Him. How many rulers of this earth dare attend church services, let alone building houses for God? What the kings of these days do is indul­ging in idol worship, religiously guarded ungodly traditions and un­civilised cultures.

Such practices have brought about hunger, pestilence and des­truction to mankind. That is the reason the rulers of the earth lack peace. From now on, only God-fearing and righteous persons would be installed kings. What the whole world look for are sincere and

upright people to govern and rule them. That is the reason the chil­ren of Brotherhood are now being sought for to lead and rule the peopoe. The people of the world bribe themselves into various posi­tions because of their unworthiness. Whoever is upright and God­f earing does not campaign or lobby for any position.

Second Lesson: Matthew 2:1-2 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying where is he that is born king of the Jew? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him."

KINGS MUST WORSIHP GOD: The lesson is self explanatory. That is why the scriptures says

that "He was in the world, and the world was made by him and the world knew Him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1: 10-11 ). The question is, what did the world and His ·people gain in rejecting Him? You have read that, our Lord Jesus Christ was taken away to Egypt during Herod's reign dnd was brought back when he died. Herod had to die because of his evil practices and to give way for the return of the Lord. That is how the kings continue to die even up till now.

This therefore the new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. What is wanted of every king and ruler of this earth is to be God-fearing and righteous. Christianity came to Calabar then through the permission of king Eyam ba. That is the kind of work every king is expected to do. Any king that does not accept and wor­ship God stands condemned. That goes to confirm what our Lord Jesus Christ said that "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." (Luke 19:27) Realizing His supremacy, the wisemen surren­dered everything and went to worship the new born king. The ques­tion now is, what did the wisemen lose for recognizing and going ahead to worship the new-born king? They knew that everything belonged to Him and with Him eternal life was sure. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the first place, did not come for the poor and beggars and the sick. He came for the kings and the rulers of the earth, but in­<tidentally they rejected Him and He inturn neglected them. The Lord then went ahead and called the poor, the sick, the maimed,

and the afflicted and gave them life (Luke 14: 16-24). As we are now awaiting new heavens and new earth, every person has to be upright and righteous, so that there will be prosperity and eternal life.

No matter what man owns, no matter his position and social standing, except the Lord builds a house, he labours in vain who builds. Except Jehovah God watches over your city and community, he who watches does so in vain. It is God Himself who installed you to preside over the affairs of your domain. It is important that rulers and the rich men of this earth should recognize God and sur­render themselves unto P.im. The world will mock, scorn at any educated, wealthy, prominent, handsome and beautiful person who decides to serve God. This idea is very funny. If this caliber of persons neglect God, who will worship Him? If a king or ruler does not worship God, who then should? It took the three wise men two years to locate the new born king.

DENOUNCE THE UNGODLY WORSHIP What the kings and the rulers of this earth take delight in doing,

is to pour libation, make sacrifices and worship idols. The Holy Spirit has to rule and reign. The Holy Spirit is pure and so mankind has to be pure. It is expected that you reject and denounce all the ungodly things because they are unprofitable. Remember the case of Elijah and the god of Baal. Shortly a similar thing will bafall the idoi worshippers. All the worshippers of God shall rejoice with Him. They shall also prosper and reign with Him. There is only one kingdom and which is opened to all persons rich or poor, big or small, black or white, educated or illeterate, man or woman, young or old, bond or free, king or subject. All are expected to bring their glory into his kingdom. The visit of the kings and traditional rulers to Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, marks the fulfilment of the prophecy emphasied in the Golden Text - "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all hy day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that deflleth, neither ivhatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the lamb's book of li(e. "

This kingdom does not admit anything that worketh abomina­tion and which defileth. Any man who does not know Christ and obey Him cannot control his house. Therefore, the man should be

closer to God at all times. Any woman too, who does not accept God and worship Him cannot control her children. Also, any child that refuses to worship our Lord Jesus Christ and obey Him cannot have life. Moreover, any king or ruler who does not identify himself with our Lord Jesus Christ has no life in him. Any sinner who does not refrain from his sinfulness and follow Christ is doomed. For instance, whoever uses candle light or lantern does so only in the absence of electric light.

The moment electric is restored, every other lights will be turned off. That illustration indicates the supremacy of electric light over every other source of illumination. That is exactly what is happening here on earth, the greatest of the kingdoms has come. All those who reject our Lord Jesus Christ and His rulership are like light objects that are at the mercy of the wind. There is dis,pbedience everywhere, in the family, in the offices, and in the cities and even in the church because man has rejected God and have refused to wor­ship Him diligently. If you do not worship God and submit to Him, nobody will equally submit to you. Abraham became the greatest and was blessed by Melchizedec because he paid tithe to him. By surrendering yourself to God, and worshipping Him, all your problems will be solved.

Why did Solomon build a temple unto God? He did that for the sake of the Israelites. After building the temple, Solomon prayed to God requesting Him to forgive the Israelites any time they offended Him and ran into the temple and confessed their sins (1 Kings 8: 44-50). On this note therefore. it is important to treat God's business with concern and seriousness, so that He in turn will handle ours.

It is unprofitable and vanity to worry about the things of this world. Instead, it is beneficial and goes with a promise to serve God and surrender onself unto Him. The days of idol worship and profa­nity has passed. This is the time to serve and worship Him, for His kingdom has come. There is only one Shepherd and one flock.

Golden Text: Revelations 21:24-27 "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for tl>ere shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any­thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie, but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

THE IDEOLOGY OF THE KINGDOM; There is no discrimination in this kingdom. In order to inherit

it, you have to be spotless and without any blemish. It is said that nothing shall inherit the kingdom that worketh abomination. Many kings and rulers of this world think that one cannot be a successful and respected king or ruler or businessman except the person tells lies, steals, drinks, smokes, sacrifices to idols and actually plunges into polygamy. All these inconveniences are not admitted into this kingdom. In this kingdom, there are all forms of persons and per­sonalities. This kingdom is open to any person who has repented and surrendered himself to God. There is no class distinction in this kingdom. The basic ideology in this kingdom is that of live and let's live. Your kingship, wealth and children will not save you except God. What is expected of you is to accept our Lord Jesus Christ and obey His injunctions.

The rulers of this earth, going by the conventional arrangement, have limited powers and areas of jurisdiction. With the inauguration of a worldwide fellowship for paramount rulers, it will be possible for a king in one land to be accepted and obeyed outside his area of jurisdiction. The essence of the arrangement is for easy administra­tion and eradication of cheating and oppression.

THE CLARION CALL: God is now calling on the rich, the kings, the educated, the

powerful and the rulers of this earth to submit to Him and take their places in the kingdom. If the kings, the rich and the educated should go into the world on evangelism, their colleagues would defini Cely not fail to learn a lesson and take a queue. That is why all classes of persons and profession have come together as a body to foster better understanding. That is a sure manifestation of the statement which says that, nations shall bring their glory into it. The kingdom which John the Divine saw in a vision about 1999 years ago is what has manifested in this age. This is the time for all nations to bring their glory into it. It is now very clear that the whole world has derailed from the path of salvation and have fallen short of God's grace by indulging in stealing, idol worshipping, murder, drinking, hatred and the various forms of vices. What do you lose as a king or millionaire or professor or funner, if you refrain from idol worshipping, accept Christ to preach his gospel and pray when necessary?

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GOOD KING, GOOD NATION: I am going to give you an illustration to further explain and con­

firm the fact that the kings and the rulers of this earth are respon­sible for whatever calamity that befalls their subjects. Once upon a time, there was a nation notorious in cirme. The authority of the nation tried to stop the crimes but could not. Armed robbery, rape, fighting, drunkeness and all forms of lawlessness stired in that nation. The same thing that is happening in Nigeria happet;ied in that city, where the soldiers took over governance for the purpose of fostering sanity and bringing about good government. The army did their utmost, yet the nation did not fair any better. The situation in that nation deteriorated so much that various classes and groups of people were invited to take their turns to govern the people so as to find out which people faired well enough during their tenure. The experiment did not work out well, instead the situation continued to deteriorate. Day after day, the tide shifted to the worse. When all hope was lost, one of the kings went to the paramount king and warned him that, if he did not desist from his devilish acts, he would have him exposed When the king refused to repent, the sub-king covened a meeting and invited other sub-kings and councillors. The meeting started and after a while they rose for a break to reconvene later. As the sub-king who convened the meeting stayed put on his chair and refused to go out for a break, the paramount king, who he intended to expose, came in with a gun and threatened him why he wanted to expose him. The sub-king reaffirmed his stand and promised to do just that. The para­mount king shot him dead. Others did not know that it was the paramount king who aided and abetted the armed robbery and other crimes. When other sub-kings and councellors returned, they found the other sub-king dead in a pool of his blood and also, discovered that the main king had fled. While in exile, he wrote to the people admitting that he killed the sub-king because of his effort for all the attrocities that were committed in the nation and finally advised them to refrain from crimes and evil practises. The son of the sub­king who was killed was crowned the paramoun.t king of the nation. From that time the situation in that nation improved. So also shall you find in the world today the kings and the rulers of the earth aiding and abetting crimes. When they tum a new leaf, the prevailing decadent society will change for good.

May God bless His Holy words. Amen.

Thank you Father

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