This Sunday, we had a Holy Communion service. Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh continued preaching in the series called: ‘The Power of the Gospel’. Her main scripture was taken from the Book of Romans.  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness… because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful… being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:16-18, 1:21; 3:24).

Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh said that the Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected is the POWER OF GOD unto salvation. The Gospel is not describing the power and it is not about the power. The Gospel itself IS the ‘Power of God unto salvation for anyone who believes’. The simplest definition of the Gospel is this: “Christ died and rose again, for me!” This sentence spoken in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, is like an injection. The sinner who hears it cannot sleep until he gives his life to Christ! That is power! In Greek, the word ‘power’ is ‘dunamis’ (from where the word ‘dynamite’ comes). This word means miraculous power. If you pray for miracles, pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you the Gospel of Christ crucified and resurrected. That is the first ‘miracle’ that you need.   

There are only two main concerns in the universe. Heaven wants that all creation should give glory to God and that men should be saved and go to heaven! Any other concerns on earth (politics, entertainment, ‘breaking news’…) cannot compare with the concerns of heaven. Standing before God, nothing else matters. No man can save you. No man can love you like Jesus. Think more of eternity. Seek God and all good things on earth shall be ‘added to you’. Run the race set (marked) before you, looking unto Jesus. Set your hearts of heavenly things (Colossians 3:1-4). If you seek the blessings, God will not be ‘added’ unto you. You must keep yourself in the center of God’s will. Master the habit to think of God and His eternity. God is your ‘Heavenly Father’!

Some Christians say that they do not need to hear the Gospel of Christ. They were told that it is only for evangelism. But that is a lie. We need the Gospel from beginning to the end. Salvation has three ‘levels’: The past salvation (your conversion, when you become born again); your present salvation (also called sanctification; when you learn to deny your flesh, take up your Cross and follow Jesus); and finally, your future salvation, your glorification (when you arrive in heaven). The first and the last ‘level’ are under the total control of the Holy Spirit. Nothing can go wrong there. But the middle one, the sanctification, can be a dangerous time because you need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. The devil may tempt you to go astray from the marked race and you may backslide. Even then, you cannot lose your salvation, you remain a child of God, though you backslide. But you lose opportunities for ministry, you injure your testimony as a Christian and you lose rewards in heaven. God will discipline you and bring you back to the Cross. No true child of God is lost forever! Give thanks to God!

 Salvation is the deliverance of sinful man from the consequences of the fall and sin, from the wrath of God! The doctrine of ‘the wrath of God’: God is angry at sin and at sinners, when they suppress the truth and they detract from His Glory (Romans 1:18, 21). God is angry especially with the sins of lying and idolatry! As the justification of sin thru Christ is a revelation, so God’s wrath is a revelation of the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:17, 18). If an evil religious spirit tells you about God ‘being angry’ you will misunderstand God. It is only the Holy Spirit that can reveal the truth to you, how God is angry at sin. His wrath is a manifestation of His love and holiness. The anger of God manifests differently towards the sinners and towards His children. To the sinners, God manifests as a terror, a consuming fire. No sinner can stand before God. But to His children, God manifests His anger as discipline, so that they repent and share in His holiness.

Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh said that salvation is justification by faith in Jesus Christ! Justification is God’s declaration that a sinner is justified because of Christ who died for him. Justification does not immediately change us inwardly. There is still sin in the body. That is why we need sanctification. It is hard for a proud man to believe the gospel! Thru Adam’s fall, man has lost his freedom and authority. He became slave to sin. Because of Adam’ fall, all men are born sinners. They cannot come to the presence of God because God hates sin. They must die and go to hell. God has introduced a way to save men. This salvation is only thru Jesus Christ. At the Cross, there was an exchange: Men gave Christ their sins and He gave men His righteousness. This is new (the best) good news. It is not what men have done (not by works). It is what God has done! This Gospel is for everybody: for the Jew (who had the law) and for the Gentiles (who did not have the law). All need salvation thru faith in Christ alone! Nothing else can save you! Never forget the Trinity! The Father has designed the plan of Salvation. The Son executed it. The Holy Spirit applies it. Salvation is more than forgiveness of sins. Even if God forgives your sins, you still cannot enter heaven. You need to be properly ‘dressed in the garment of righteousness’ (imputed righteousness) provided by Jesus, at the Cross. Without the wedding garment, you are thrown away from the party of heaven (Matthew 22). Why do we need to know about God’s wrath? First, because it is in the Bible. God wants us to know the price paid for our salvation; the price paid to remove His wrath and accept us as His children. Then the fear of God comes to us, which is the beginning of wisdom!

What is this Righteousness of Christ imputed (credited, reckoned) to us? It is God’s free gift to the sinner paid with the Blood of Jesus! It is described as a Standing, a Garment, or a Credit!

*The Right Standing in God’s presence where there is freedom, authority, and fullness or joy!

*It is the Garment of Jesus that covers our sins, so that we stand before God without guilt or shame!

*It is the Heavenly Unlimited Credit paid from the account of Jesus to our spiritual empty account. It is the ‘alert’ of heaven saying that “Sinner is now Saint”, that “His grace abounds much more than any of your sins”! Amazing grace! Amazing Love!

Worship the Lord!

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him…” (2Tim 2:11, 12; KJ) Let us pray: “Dear Lord Jesus I bow before You! I worship You in the beauty of Your holiness! I say that You loved me first! Before You came into my heart, love was just an imagination, a stranger I envied from afar. But You came to me… You filled my heart with Your life! Your love has freed me from sin, shame, regret, torment and guilt! Thru it all, I have discovered, that Your love never fails! Even when I was unfaithful, You remained faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself! When I was sinking in depression, Your love was my anchor. Your love lifted me and put my feet back, on the Rock of Ages, Cleft for me! Oh, that I may know You better, that I may love You more… That I may share in the fellowship of Your sufferings for me, that I may experience this joyful glory called eternal life and the power of Your resurrection! Lord Jesus, I love You now and forever! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!’

Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh continued preaching a new sermon in the series called ‘The Power of the Gospel’. Her main scriptures were taken from the Book of Romans. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them … Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:16-19; 3:24; NKJ). Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh said that the book of Romans is considered the greatest write up in human history. It is written by the great Apostle Paul. He wrote it to the Christians in Rome. He has never been to Rome before he wrote this letter. Rome was the center of civilization at that time. God used the Book of Romans more than any other Book in the Bible to cause revival in the church. The great Martin Luther became converted thru the revelation of Romans 1:17. In the Book of Romans, the first 11 chapters describe the major doctrines of salvation by faith. From chapter 12 to 16, Paul writes the application of the doctrines. The reason why Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome was ‘to impart’ spiritual gifts so that they become ‘established’ in the faith (Romans 1:11). Lesson: conversion is only the beginning of the Christian race. We need the Gospel, not only at the beginning, but to the end. We need to become established, fruitful, and mature in the faith. The greatest teaching in the Book of Romans is this: Paul introduces the Gospel of Christ. In it, Paul describes the approved way to be right with God, righteousness, or justification by faith in Jesus Christ! This is the greatest doctrine of the Protestant Reformation! According to many Bible scholars Romans 3:24 is on the same level with John 3:16!!! Please memorize and meditate on it! This is the Gospel in one sentence: We are “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Hallelujah! WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? The simplest definition of the Gospel is this: CHRIST DIED AND ROSE AGAIN FOR ME! In the Old Testament the Gospel is revealed as a shadow. For example, God cursed the serpent and the innocent lamb was killed to clothe the guilty Adam and Eve. Abel died for bringing the accepted sacrifice. Abraham offered his son Isaac on the altar, but God provided an innocent lamb to die for him (Genesis 3:15, 21; 4, and 22). All the animal sacrifices in the Book of Leviticus direct us to the Gospel. In Greek, the word ‘gospel’ (Euangelion) means ‘good news’. It appears 99 times in the Bible. These are different names: The Gospel of God, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, The Gospel of His Son, The Gospel of the Kingdom, The Gospel of the Grace of God, The Gospel of the Glory of Christ, and Paul calls it: ‘My Gospel’. The Gospel is A REVELATION FROM GOD!!! It is not a teaching from men. You need the Holy Spirit to preach and to receive the Gospel! There is ‘another gospel’ which is fake and comes from human teaching (Galatians 1:6-12). It does not change the hearts of men and it has no power to save sinners. When they receive the fake gospel, the people become religious but are not saved! There is a curse over the preaching of such a fake Gospel! The true Gospel comes with God’s power to change hearts, to save men and to give them eternal life! The Holy Spirit blesses the preaching of the Gospel! Paul preached the Gospel to unbelievers and to believers. The Gospel is for salvation and sanctification. Paul always preached the Gospel in the power, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 1:17; 2:1-5; 1Thess 1:4-6, 10). The Gospel tells people that God has done something, to save them. This is something only God could do! It is not what men have done (works) but what God has done! As you preach the Gospel, never forget the Trinity! The Father has designed the plan of Salvation. The Son has executed it. The Holy Spirit applies it to our hearts that we may receive the Gospel and understand it! Worship the Lord! PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES1-“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8, 9; NKJ)The presence of God is the antidote against the spirit of fear and intimidation! 2-“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3; NKJ)The word ‘paths’ means going up on the spiral staircase to the place of rest and prosperity! 3-“The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!” (Proverbs 26:13)The spell of laziness that leads to poverty is broken! The supernatural prosperity has come! In Jesus’ name! Glory to God!

Our Lord said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)Blessed is the man (woman) who comes to the end of himself. Blessed is the man who understands his own spiritual bankruptcy, who does not trusts the power of the flesh but he trusts in God alone! Blessed is he who by the power of the Holy Spirit has died to sin, to the world and to himself! Blessed is he who has come to Christ Crucified and Resurrected, because this is the point — the only point — where God’s help is provided! You cannot start to live, to truly live, until you die (to self)! If you lose your selfish life for the sake of Christ, you shall find Christ and yourself in Him! This is the eternal treasure no thief can steal, no moth can damage! In life and in death, be one with Jesus! Abide in His Word! May His Word abide in you! No divorce here! Then, the power of resurrection shall manifest in you! The eternal life in you will begin to become fruitful! There is no bareness in the Kingdom of God! Jesus is the Lord!!!(Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh)

Beloved children and dear brethren, it is Malia again. Since my beloved husband Richmond Sisan Leigh, who is also your father in the Lord, has suddenly gone to heaven, many things have changed for me. But I testify that the presence of God is unchanged. God is still with me! Emmanuel! Like I said to you in the past, in the natural, my life is simpler (I cook less, I worry less).  But in the spiritual, I see my spirit going deeper in the ocean of His grace. For that, I am grateful to God! I am training my spiritual eyes to gaze only on the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘who for the joy set before Him, He despised the Cross, sorning its shame’ (Hebrews 12:2). I am tapping from that ‘joy ahead’ that kept Jesus faithful, focused, and strong. I have the assurance of heaven! This is my stabilizing strength and my drawing anchor. Halleluiah!

The truth is that my past was wonderful. I became saved in 1986. I was happily married to your father in the Lord for 47 years. We have three adult children, grandchildren, and many spiritual sons and daughters. We started this great church called Father’s House in Warri/ Effurun, serving God here as senior pastors. By any standards, these are great achievements and sanctified memories, to the glory of God. But even then, I refuse to look behind. I look straight ahead and upwards. I see my Savior’s wonderful face. It is clearer and clearer. By faith, I also see my husband in the cloud of witnesses, encouraging me to be strong and faithful to God to the end. I have no excuse to be weak. I must be strong until the finishing line. In Christ, I am a champion, and even ‘more than an overcomer’! It is my honor to serve the Lord Jesus Christ by preaching His Gospel and by shepherding His flock, for whom He shed His precious Blood. I could have preferred that my husband was here with me on earth. But I refuse to complain. I give thanks to God for my life, trusting Jesus to keep me strong and healthy, until I see Him face to face! I see that it is my destiny to be the Senior Pastor of Father’s House. God will help me fulfill my destiny in Christ. I trust Him, now and forever! God is faithful! God is good! Amen!      

I recently read this scripture: “There is also a difference in attitude between a wife and a virgin. An unmarried woman is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married has concerns about the things of this world–how she may please her husband… Now I am telling you this for your own benefit; not to place a snare in your way, but to show you what is suitable, so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction” (1 Corinthians 7:34, 35). It is interesting how for so many years I focused only on the advice given to the wife. I ignored the part of the ‘virgin’, of the single or unmarried woman. I just decided ‘that is not my portion’. I read here that the wife is ‘distracted’ from her worshipping God by the cares of this world; by taking care of her husband and children. Paul said that it is ‘good not to be married’ because marriage brings a lot of stress and troubles connected with this world (1 Corinthians 7:25-28). I ignored this advice too because for me it was ‘too late’. I was already married to my husband for life. I just could not imagine myself un-married to him. I tried my best to combine my spirituality, with my work as a wife and a mother. By any standards, I was a successful woman of God, wife, and mother. My husband said so and many people said the same. That made me so happy!

Then the unbelievable happened… suddenly, after a mild sickness, my husband quietly went to be home with the Lord. My world crashed. My hope vanished. My dream died. As you well know, the Holy Spirit took over my life and gave me the strength to stand alone and continue to serve God. I am grateful for His love, peace, wisdom, compassion, and supernatural comfort. In this my pain, I have re-discovered that God’s grace is truly enough for every situation in this life. When things are good, you cannot imagine how others feel in their times of trial because you cannot assess the grace released to them. The truth is that the Holy Spirit genuinely surprised me! First, by not preparing my mind in advance for my husband’ quick departure to heaven. Secondly, by holding me tight when I lost it; by carrying me in His everlasting arms, to make progress, even during my pain. I fear God more!

I never knew how great God is until now! My life was sheltered from the storms of life by God and by my husband. From time to time, the wind of life problems was blowing, but it was always outside. It was not inside my home, where I felt covered, at peace with God, with my husband, children, and with myself. “Fervent, deep, genuine Love covers and protects” (1 Peter 4:8). Looking back, my beloved husband loved me deeply with the sacrificial, never-failing love of Christ. With him around I felt safe. I could tell him anything, good or bad. We talked a lot. I appreciated his love, patience, and wisdom. Long ago I prayed that when I look at my husband’s face, I will see Christ. When I hear my husband’s voice, I will hear God’s. My husband’s hands brought peace and healing to my body and to my soul. This is truly my marriage testimony and my life’s treasure. My husband is now in heaven. I am happy for him because I know that he loved Jesus more than he loved me. He is where he always wanted to be. He read, preached, and dreamed about heaven until he finally arrived there. He is with Jesus now! God says: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Heaven is the end of the Christian race. Therefore, it is ‘better’ to be there. One day, when my work on earth is done, I too will go to the same heaven, to see Jesus Christ, my Lord, face to face. I will also see God’s son, Richmond (Tali), my wonderful husband on earth, dressed in his glorious garments of imputed righteousness, Christ’ gift to him. What a reunion that will be! For now, I will make him proud by serving God to the end! Amen!       

The other day I found a bible my husband bought for me and gave it me on the 24^th of February. 1987. At that time, I was a baby Christian and I was madly in love with Jesus. My crisis conversion rocked the boat of our happy marriage. My husband tried to understand my new religious passion but often, he could not. One day, I told him that from now on, ‘Jesus is my senior husband’. That he should be happy with the second position in my heart. Looking back, I know that the way I said it, it was too harsh. Like any baby Christian, I was making mistakes by putting too much pressure on him to give his life to Christ. Of course, he resented my approach. Because of that we had many arguments. One day, trying to make peace, he gave me a Bible as a gift. He knew that I would appreciate such a (prophetic) gift. I opened the first page of the Bible. I read these words: “Lia, From your Junior husband, with love, Richmond”. So many years have passed, but the words are still clear in black ink. I somehow forgot about this gift. Recently, I remembered it. I read these words again, trying not to weep, with worship in my heart. Oh, Jesus… My husband was truly a man of God! Prophetically, he released me to the Lord, even before himself got reconciled with Jesus. Glory to God! I bow before You, my heavenly Bridegroom, my Jesus, my Lord!

I am grateful to my husband for being such a wonderful prophetic teacher and communicator. We used to talk a lot, about everything. His words are written in my mind and sealed by the Holy Spirit. They are part of me. I cannot forget them. They fuel my ministry. For example, he said: “Lia, there is no retirement with worshipping God. Even in our old age, we must serve Him to the end. His holy calling to us as pastors does not have a retirement program. God will give us more grace and more wisdom, as we get older and our bodies get weaker. Lia, fear not old age or the future. We are in God’s hands forever!” It is because we discussed these things, it was easier for me to decide to continue the work of ministry. Now, I cannot be my husband’s wife on this earth, but my work to serve God continues, until that day. This is how my husband talked and advised me. This is how he went to glory. His words and a practical testimony to me. He has made it easier for me to follow Jesus. I am grateful, my God!

Another gift my husband left behind for me is this: Ministry Encouragement!  He always encouraged me to have ‘a life, a ministry, and an anointing of my own’. As close as we were, even as co-laborers in the ministry, we encourage each other to stay faithful to the Lord first, before sharing revelations and experiences with each other. In the church, my husband gave me the privilege to be the pastor of the women and to lead the ‘Saturday class’ prophetic prayer meeting. He allowed me to be free to prepare my sermons and to preach as the Holy Spirit empowered me. He not only ‘allowed’ me this freedom, but he encouraged me to be strong and pursue the Lord by myself. He did not allow me to lean too much on himself. When I tried that ‘feminine style’, he will rebuke me. He told me to seek God for myself, not to ‘borrow’ anointing. He never flattered me. He always spoke the truth in love. Once, he told me: “Lia, I hope you know the reason why I do not attend Saturday Class prayer meeting. This is for two reasons: first, I need to prepare my own sermon for Sunday, and I cannot be distracted. Secondly, it is for your good, that you learn to minister alone, without me. I hope you know that it is for your benefit that I am not there all the time with you. My presence will limit your freedom. I do not want that! Be bold for Jesus! I pray for you to become a strong woman of God. Learn to stand alone with Jesus by your side. He is more than enough for you!” These words, painful and somewhat mysterious at the time, have brought much prophetic comfort to me recently. He may not have known, but the Holy Spirit was using him to prepare me for this time when I am ‘alone with Jesus’. To be strong even when his physical presence with me is missing. He was right! The presence of Jesus and His grace is more than enough for me! For anyone!  

Finally, my life is now totally dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ, without any interruptions or worldly distractions. If I were a Roman Catholic, I could have become a nun, in a monastery. I now understand their commitment to Jesus. My dear children, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! May God perfect the good thing He started in you. May you fulfill destiny! In Jesus’ name! And now, what can I say? To God be all the glory!

Love in Christ alone,

Malia!

Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled ‘The power of the Gospel’. Her main scripture was taken from the Book of Romans. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Apostle Paul said that he was not ashamed of the Gospel. Why? Because the Gospel is the power of God to save your soul. The Gospel is not talking ‘about’ the power of God, but IT IS THE POWER OF GOD!! It is God’s work!!! From beginning to the end, God works in us thru the Gospel. The Gospel is not just for evangelism. It is also for sanctification. We need the Gospel always, not only at the beginning, but to the end of the race.

Before ascending to heaven, the resurrected Christ said to His disciples: “You shall receive POWER when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  In these two scriptures, (John 1:16; Acts 1:8) the word ‘power’ is the same. In Greek, it is the word ‘dunamis’. It means miraculous power or the miracle of God. This power comes from heaven, thru the Word of the Gospel of Christ, crucified and resurrected, and thru the Holy Spirit. This power is a miracle and it produces results. This power is always effectual, radical, and eternal! it is the only power able to change the hearts of men. Do you pray for a miracle? Then pray for a clearer revelation of the Gospel and be filled with the Holy Spirit! This is the secret of power from above! This is the ‘heavenly prescription’ of power written with the Blood of Jesus on the tablet of your soul. Believe it!     

How does God save? Thru the Cross of Calvary! God’s primary reason why He sent Jesus to die on the Cross it is because there was need to redeem His reputation. In the Garden of Eden, the devil made God a liar. Jesus died to prove that God is true! God is holy (He hates sin). God could not forgive men their sins. A sinner cannot enter heaven because he will pollute it! Somebody must die for sin: the sinner or a holy substitute! “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23).  Christ died to prove that God’s Word is true! He also died for us, to save us! Salvation is God’s plan and God’s work! That is why salvation is eternal and sure. Once you become saved, you cannot ‘lose’ your salvation! You may lose rewards and testimony but not your salvation! The basic principle of the Gospel is faith. You must believe in the Person of Jesus Christ and in His death for you! This is the doctrine of salvation in Christ: Because of His death, our salvation is eternal, final, and full! Everybody that is saved on earth, shall be glorified in heaven! This is called the doctrine of ‘the absolute security of our salvation’! It is God’s plan and action. The Gospel is not about what man has done, but what God has done! That is why salvation cannot be frustrated. God is in charge! Praise the Lord!

Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh said that the Resurrected Christ told His disciples (and to us, the believers): “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with POWER from on high” (Luke 24:49). The word ‘power’ is the same ‘Dunamis’. The command of the Lord was that the disciples should ‘tarry’ in the city (for us, it is Warri, Effurun, Nigeria). The word ‘tarry’ means to sit down, to settle in one spot. As we wait for the Holy Spirit to come afresh on us, we too need to ‘sit down’, have faith and wait. We should not be restless because of the cares of this world. The Holy Spirit and power cannot ‘land’ on restless people! The disciples were seated when the Holy Spirit came from heaven (Acts 2:1, 2). This position of sitting and waiting in faith is the same that Jesus commanded when He fed the multitude (Matthew 14:19, 20). Lesson: If you are restless, the miracle of supernatural provision cannot ‘locate’ you! Sit down!!!! The resurrected Christ tells us (the believers) that we now sit with Him on His throne, in heavenly places (Revelation 3:21; Ephesians 2:6). These places are royal thrones of authority and power in the presence of the Lamb of God! Lesson: child of God, the world calls you to go in many directions, to be anxious and restless. The call of sin is to distract you. In the name of Jesus, you need to quiet your soul and sit at His feet. That is the place of power, peace, and provision! The word ‘endued’ (with power from on high) means to be clothed. As you sit at the feet of Jesus and wait for the power of the Gospel to be revealed afresh to you, the Holy Spirit will place on you His mantle of grace, the garment of the imputed righteousness of Jesus. It is the royal wedding gown given by the Heavenly Bridegroom to His Beloved Bride, the Church. Our Lord died and shed His Blood to ‘clothe you with power from on high’. Jesus died for His Beloved Church. Oh, the Blood of Jesus… Glory to God! May revival come! Worship the Lord!         

During the Sunday service, Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled ‘The Worship Continues’. Her main text was taken from the Book of Isaiah 6:1-8. King Uzziah was a good king in the Southern Kingdom. He became king at the age of 16. He ruled on his throne for 52 years. He became wealthy, having lands and livestock. He built many structures, towers, wells. He fought against the Philistines and conquered new territories for Judah.  He had a big well-trained army. He designed new weapons of war. His fame spread far and wide.  “He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper” (2Chr 26:5, NKJ). Lesson: Seek God and God will prosper you! The word ‘seek’ means to search patiently, tirelessly, until you find the promised treasure. This seeking God is an act of worship. The word ‘prosper’ means to have the power to push forth until the breakthrough manifests! You will have the expected victory, and the promised success. Isaiah’s ministry was done during King Uzziah’s time. They were friends. King and prophet cooperated to bring glory of God. But after the king died, Isaiah became depressed and discouraged. It was during that time that God opened Isaiah’s eyes to see Jesus, the King of kings. He saw the Lord Jesus 700 years before He came to earth to die for sinners.

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1). The word ‘high’ means to actively rise eternally, higher, and higher. The word ‘lifted up’ means to be exalted and to carry many others in His arms. Our Lord said: “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” (John 12:32; NKJ). Lesson: as you worship the Lord Jesus, He will carry you, and your family, higher, closer to Him, so that you worship Him even more. The vision changed Isaiah completely. It ordained him for ministry. It resurrected his spirit! He became the greatest OT prophet. It helped him to focus only on the King of kings. This gave Isaiah the anointing, power, and wisdom to be a man of God! Lesson: when your spiritual life is stagnant, with no fruits, no miracles, all you need is to see Jesus, “high and lifted up”! A man with experience is not at the mercy of a man with an opinion. You need to experience the power from on high! You need to be baptized with the fire of God! Then revival will come!

What did Isaiah saw and experienced?

1-Isaiah saw that God is in charge of everything!

This reminds us of the doctrine of the sovereignty of God: God created the universe. He rules overall. His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. God can never lose! God can never fail! He not only knows your future, but He designs your future. This is the doctrine of election: before the foundation of the world, God has chosen some people to be saved thru Christ’ sacrifice. The natural man is too proud, and he hates this doctrine. But the Bible says that God has foreknown and predestined us to be saved and to go to heaven (Romans 8:28-30). That is why we are sure ‘to make heaven’. Isaiah saw Jesus on His throne. The fear of God came on him. All who see Christ in heaven fall before Him in worship. To many Christians, Jesus is too friendly. They think that they can control or manipulate Him. But Jesus is God! He reigns forever! The train of His robe filled the temple. The robe went down on every corner, on every chair. That robe is the power of God!!! When Jesus seats on His throne, no man (even the priests) could enter to perform their ministry. The train of His robe (like the hem of His garment) brings healing to those who worship and believe. Just have faith! This is the testimony of the woman with the issue of blood, “She said (and kept saying) to herself: “If I only touch His garment, I will be made well… She came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped” (Matthew 9:21; Luke 8:44). You too, stop complaining! Start to speak words of faith to yourself; encourage yourself! Stretch your hand of faith and touch His robe. You too shall be healed!  

Above the throne stood angels called seraphim flying in the air. Each one had six wings. With two they covered their faces (even after an eternity of staying in God’s presence, they never become overfamiliar with God!!). Lesson: no matter how much you know the Bible, and how much God has blessed you, please, never take God for granted! Fear God! Worship God! They cry one to another Holy! Holy! Holy! They worship the Trinity. They did not say Love! Love! Love! Or Power! Power! Power! For the holiness of God is His greatest attribute. The doors shook and smoke filled the temple! The smoke of incense rises to heaven as we worship Jesus on earth! Moses wanted to see God’s glory. God answered and displayed His goodness. The goodness of God carries His glory! (Ex 33:18, 19). Lesson: you must believe that God is good all the time! That is how you give Him all the glory!  The names of God in this vision are Adonai (The Master and the Controller of the Universe) and Jehovah Sabaoth (The Captain of the armies of heaven, the One who can never lose a battle). The angels were concerned about the glory of God in heaven and even on earth, with all the sin found here. They see this earth prophetically. The glory must cover the earth (even Warri/Effurun and Nigeria) like the waters cover the sea. Amen!

2-Isaiah saw that without God he is nothing!

Isaiah is a born-again Christian, a major prophet of God, not a thief or fornicator. But in the light of God he saw himself as a sinner. Only in the light of God you can see the truth about yourself and be able to repent. He shouted: ‘Woe!’ This is the shout of an unworthy, dying man. In the presence of God all pride dies! It is the purity and holiness of Christ that reveals our impurity and sins. Each man who saw the King of kings seated on His throne, fell on his face as dead. It was an unconditional worship (Job 42:5, 6; Joshua 5:13-15; Revelation 1:17, 18). Glory!

3-Thru fire, God commissions Isaiah for ministry and for a greater level of worship!

Finally, Isaiah experienced mercy and grace from the altar and is commissioned for ministry. When Isaiah was at his lowest, humbled, and broken hearted for his loss and for his sins, the angel brings fire from the altar in heaven. Jesus is our ‘Altar’ (Heb 13:10).  The fire cleanses Isaiah’s lips. The Blood of Jesus was shed to cleanse your heart, your conscience, and your lips. His ears were cleansed too for he heard the voice of Trinity speaking: ‘Who will go for Us?’ In His presence, shut up your mouth and listen! God speaks! Isaiah is willing to serve God in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). God gives you anointing fire and power from above for your ministry. Men cannot give this treasure to you and money cannot buy it. Thru the touch of Spirit’s fire, guilt and shame are taken away. With blistered lips, Isaiah unconditionally surrender; no more arguments; no more questions; no more excuses. He acknowledges that Jesus has all authority, and all power, in heaven and on earth! The Lamb upon the throne alone is worthy! He reigns forever more! Holy! Holy! Holy! Jesus is Lord! The worship continues…  

I received this letter from a dear daughter in Christ. She is a humble and faithful worshipper, wife, and mother. I share her testimony of healing to the glory of God, to the shame of the devil and for the encouragement of the brethren! To God be all the glory!

“Dear Malia

I thank God the Holy Spirit for always being with you! It gives my husband and I joy when we see you on Sunday’s full of life. Truly this is God. Malia, I want to share my testimony of healing with you. When you preached healing on Sunday before last, I could identify with everything you said, and I can say that everything you said is true.  In 2018, I had a swelling on the left side of my lap, I really didn’t know what it was, but it was very painful. So I went to the hospital and they said it was a boil. But during the clerking, my BP was very high, so the doctor said that maybe it was because of the pain, she gave me some painkillers and asked me to come back a few days after. When I went back, my BP was still high, they carried out some other tests and saw that nothing was wrong. The doctor concluded that since there is history of hypertension in my family, it means I’m also hypertensive and will have to be on drugs. I didn’t want to accept it. I remember years ago during women’s fellowship, you would always said to us that in times of peace that is when to prepare for war. I had been reading and listening to teachings on divine healing. So I knew this was time to apply the word of God. I knew that Jesus had healed me ‘by His stripes’. I was afraid and very anxious. At a point I thought I was foolish to refuse taking any drug. In my heart I asked a question “is it wrong to go to the doctors or take drugs? I received an answer that I’m sure was from the Holy Spirt I heard in my heart: “There is nothing wrong with going to doctors or taking drugs, God Himself gave wisdom to doctors and pharmacists, but if you know and have access to the Oga why go to His apprentice?” (The Oga is Doctor Jesus!) This was exactly how the response came into my heart. I know I’m not that smart to respond to myself like that, so I know it was the Holy Spirit. I prayed! Suddenly, I stopped being afraid and anxious. That was my first victory! But the BP did not come down. It was still very high. But my faith was strong that the Lord had healed me! I confessed it with my mouth! I kept checking from time to time and it was still high, however I was not worried because I was convinced that I had been healed. To cut the long story short, I realized after a while that the BP had come down and normalized… From as high as 171/112 to 117/77 without any drug at all….  It took a while, but I chose to believe 100% the word of God. Praise the Lord!

It didn’t end there, I realized that every time I shared my testimony, my BP will rise, so I said to myself maybe I should stop testifying about my healing, immediately I recognized that was not from God, it was from the devil. I was angry, I commanded him to go and told him I will continue to testify because my healing was sure and sealed, immediately I took this position, the devil ran away. Now I testify without my BP rising. To God be the glory, I’m now moving ahead and not looking back. To God be all the glory!

Thank you, Malia, because you and Tali said yes to God, we are also able to walk in His path.

You are blessed Ma!”

This is the Word of God: “But He (Jesus Christ, our Lord) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Is 53:5)