Pastor's Message

GUESTS SUNDAY SERVICE MESSAGE DELIVERED BY OLUFEMI BABALOLA; MINISTER FOR MISSIONS/OUTREACH, NEW ESTATE BAPTIST CHURCH, SURULERE.

DATE: 3^RD APRIL, 2011

TOPIC: “IT IS NOT YET OVER.”

TEXT: RUTH 1:1-5

INTRODUCTION: The Book of Ruth is one of the two Books of the Bible named after women. The other is the Book of Esther. The Book of Ruth has the following peculiarity:

· It is a story of tragedy transformed into joy

· It depicts God’s loving care for ordinary people experiencing life’s crises

· It also demonstrates that when God encounters faith, He intervenes in peoples’ lives to accomplish extraordinary things.

Generally speaking, the following can be seen as acts of God’s great love, kindness, mercy and compassion towards His children:

· There is no life of any child of God no matter how tragic the story may be that God cannot transform into joy

· There is no life no matter how gloomy that the Great God cannot brighten once again

· There is no situation or life no matter how hopeless that the good God cannot restore back to hope

· There is no life no matter how naked that the loving God cannot cover

· There is still no life no matter how empty it is that the compassionate God cannot make full once more

· There is no life no matter how obscure that the Kind God cannot bring to limelight

· There is no life no matter how desolate that our God cannot make to be inhabited

· There is no life no matter how frustrated that God cannot bring to fulfillment

· There is no life no matter the level of degradation, failure and backwardness that God cannot restore to success

· There is no life no matter how shattered and scattered that God cannot pick up the broken pieces and fashion into a brand new life

The almighty, the compassionate, merciful and loving Father will intervene in your life and every day affair that is bringing you shame, reproach and pain, and He will transform into joy and gladness today in Jesus’ name. He did it for Ruth and Naomi whose lives have been shattered, broken and scattered and He will do it for you likewise today in Jesus name.

AN X-RAY OF NAOMI’S TRAGEDIES

· She and family lived in the days that the Judges ruled, the period of Israel apostasy. It was the time there was no central spiritual leadership and everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25).

· There was a great famine that led many to flee from their country home in search of bread, v. 2

· Not so long they settled in the land of Moab she lost her husband to death, v. 3

· Not too long, her two sons also died without leaving any children behind, v. 5

What a great tragedy! No wonder she told her two daughters-in-law to depart from her and go back to their people. She was completely striped naked, rendered hopeless and desolate.

THE CONDITIONS THAT LEAD TO A NEW BEGINNING

The following were the bold and courage steps taken by both Ruth and Naomi that changed the story of their lives from utter failure to greater success. I am very convinced that if you too will follow suit, it is your time to experience a brand new beginning in every aspect of your life that requires divine intervention.

YOU MUST TAKE THE RIGHT STEP: RUTH 1:6. Listen to the word of God, “Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread.” What does the word “Then” mean? It means after she had lost almost everything she took away from home to the land of Moab namely, her husband and her two sons, after she had become empty, desolate, naked and hopeless (Ruth 1:11-13), after she had lost the sweetness of her life and living, after she had lost the meaning of her life. Listen to how she painted the picture of her own life, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?" (Ruth 1:20-21 NKJV). Whom do you hold responsible for your misfortune in life? There are at least two persons people hold responsible for every evil that befalls them, they either blame their predicament on the Devil or God. It was God Ruth charged guilty for her tragedy.

Nevertheless, she still remembered the RIGHT STEP to take “She arose … that she might return from the country of Moab.” Why and what necessitated her decision? “She had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread.”

At a time such as this that God had decided to visit His people and to give them bread, the Right Step you can take is to ARISE and RETURN. You must arise from the land of Moab and return to the land of Judah. The land of Moab is the land of the uncircumcised, the land of the people without God, without hope in life, the land of the people that are foreigners to the covenant of promise, people that are separated from God (Ephesians 2:12). They are unbelievers, people who are not born again, they are those who continue to live in sin. Their land is already marked for destruction except we go and proclaim the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ to them, except we go and announce the Kingdom of God to them and they accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18).

Conversely, the land of Judah is the good and spacious land, the land flowing with milk and honey, it is the land God gave to His people by covenant and great promises. It is the land of the righteous, people that have been redeemed and washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. They are God’s special people, chosen race, royal priesthood, they are those who have been born again and have fully yielded their lives to Jesus Christ.

Naomi heard that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. Bread symbolizes abundant life, survival, blessing, prosperity and total well being. “You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her,

Yes, the set time, has come. (Ps 102:13 NKJV).

Beloved, this is the time of God’s visitation to His children. It is the time of abundance and restoration for God’s children. Why will you continue to waste away and perish in the land of the ungodly at a time that God is showing favor to His people in the land of Judah.

YOU MUST MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE RUTH 1:11-18. If you so desire to experience and participate in God’s favor He is showing to His people at this time of Divine Visitation, there is a choice you must make. You must be DETERMINED to forsake the land and the company of the ungodly, the sinners to connect and cling to the people of God. The only category of people that God cannot forget forever but continue to show them His compassion and mercy are His people; the blood washed, redeemed Christians. They are the people He had graciously saved and delivered from the bondage of sin and oppression of the Devil. They are the people God had offered to be their God and Father “As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (2 Corinthians 6:16-17) NKJV. These people, because of the love and the compassion of God for them He cannot cast them away forever. Hear what God says concerning His children in Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. NKJV

Ruth was determined (Ruth 1:18) to choose God’s people as her own people. She was highly resolute to live and die among the people of God. Why? Because she knew they have the Covenant of life that guarantees life even after death. “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26 NKJV). This is the right choice you must make. If you do, you can never regret your choice. Moses made the same choice to go after the people of God rather than enjoying the pleasure of sin in Egypt and he never regretted his choice all through his life time (Hebrews 11:24). This world and everything in it that distracts people from following after God will pass away, only God and those who follow after Him will last forever. Why not decide to follow after Jesus Christ today?

YOU MUST ENTER INTO THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIP: RUTH 4:9-13 All along her life, Ruth has always shown herself as a woman of integrity and high reputation. She was a virtuous woman. “Then he said, "Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman. (Ruth 3:10-11 NKJV). Ruth, knowing what she is looking for did not sell herself cheap to ordinary men in the land. She located a close relative, a kinsman redeemer and she was patient to follow every necessary process for re-marriage.

Eventually, in the presence of all the elders she got married to her kinsman redeemer, Boaz. This Boaz was not just an ordinary man. He was man of great wealth and an accomplished farmer (Ruth 2:1). The Lord blessed their union with a bouncing baby boy named Obed the father of Jesse who also gave birth to David, the great King of Israel and a man after God’s heart from whose stump and branch our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came from.

Beloved, your Kinsman Redeemer today is Jesus Christ. He is a man of Great Wealth; He is rich in love, grace, mercy and compassion. He says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28 NKJV). He says, whosoever that shall call upon His name shall be saved, delivered, set free, healed from every sickness, disease, shame and reproach.

He is stupendously rich in grace and mercy, silver and gold to offset all your liabilities and you will still have more than enough to live with all through your life time, even till eternity. For your sake He was crucified, died and buried. But on the third day He rose from the dead that you may have victory, deliverance, healing, freedom from every life’s trouble and chaos. Today, if you too will take the right step, make the right choice and enter into the right relationship like Ruth and Naomi did, He will transform all your tragedies into joy. Why not call upon Jesus Christ today?

ANNOUNCEMENT 14 08 2011

1. VICTORY NIGHT SERVICE: This month’s Victory Night is 7 hours with the Lord. A night of very special Divine Encounter that releases power to transform circumstances and lives. Please plan to attend. Date is Friday 26/8/11 from 10pm.
2. FROM THE PASTORATE: The Pastor (Rev. A. A. Kunat) begins his 2011 vacation on Thursday 18th August. He will resume on Sunday 18th of September. Please pray for a restful and refreshing period for him. Rev. Olufemi Babalola will deputise for him during the period, assisted by other members of the Diaconate.
3. JUBILEE SERVICE: Join others to pray yourself into your healing and deliverance from all physical/spiritual affliction as we engage in spiritual warfare at another session of the Jubilee Service coming up on Wednesday 17/8/11 at 9.30am. It is only 1½ hours. Don’t continue to suffer in your jubilee year.
4. COUPLES FELLOWSHIP NUGGET: Regularly create time to go on a date with your spouse. It is a key ingredient in the tonic your marriage needs to stay healthy. When was your last date? Together We can. Eccl 4:12
5. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COMMITTEE: It is the duty of the strong to help the weak (Rom 5:1). You can meet the working capital need of a brother or sister by investing in the NEBC Economic Empowerment Trust Fund, even under the guaranteed Investment Scheme. Seize every opportunity to bless others. Our God will bless you the more.
6. CHILDREN MINISTRY: We testify to the immeasurable goodness of God and to Him alone be all the glory for just concluded Vacation Bible School. We appreciate also, the entire leadership of the church, ministries, individuals, organizations who supported this evangelistic progamme in every way. May God enrich your lives in Jesus’ name. Amen.
7. APPRECIATION: The family of Sis Modupe Ajiboye wish to express their gratitude to the leadership and membership of the church for their supports and presence during the burial of their late father. God bless you all.
8. MUSIC CLASSES: Vacation Music classes has commenced. Please join them on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. Time:11am-1pm. Venue: NEBC Music Room.
9. MMU MEN ABLAZE: Delegates from our church will be attending the MMU National Congress holding at Ebenezer Baptist church, Sapele in Delta State from 17th - 19th September, 2011. Let us support and uphold them in prayers.10. ACCOMMODATION: A two bedroom apartment is urgently needed for rent. Any good location is desirable. Please contact Yemisi on 0703 537 9136.
11. VACANCY: Vacancy exist for the post of an experienced driver in New Estate Baptist School. Interested candidates should apply to the school.
12. TRANSFER EXAM: NEBS transfer examination into all classes comes up on Thursday 18/8/11 at 10am. There will be special discount for NEBC members.
13. NEBC BOOKSHOP: This is to inform all members that our Bookshop is now open for more spiritual and educative materials for our growth and development. Special discounts are available. Kindly visit there today.
14 VISITATION: If you know any member of the church who is sick or distressed in any way and needs Pastoral Visitation, please supply this information, and give the slip to any member of the Diaconate.

ANNOUNCEMENT 7/08/2011

1. WORD FOR THE MONTH: In August, God is set to make FRESH PROVISION for all your divinely assigned tasks in Jesus name.

2. MEMBERSHIP INTERVIEW: All those currently going through membership classes should attend interview with the Diaconate on Saturday 13/8/11 at 4pm at the Conference room.

3. BAPTISM: We will begin our service next Sunday with Water Baptism at 8am. Please make a slight adjustment in order to attend. God bless you.

4. JUBILEE SERVICE: Join others to pray yourself into your healing and deliverance from all physical/spiritual affliction as we engage in spiritual warfare at another session of the Jubilee Service coming up on Wednesday 10/8/11 at 9.30am. It is only 1½ hours. Don’t continue to suffer in your jubilee year.

5. SOUP KITCHEN: As a way of demonstrating the love of Christ to members of our immediate community, the church has decided to minister to people in the community by setting a table of already prepared food for those in need. This will be done to mark the 2011 independence day on October 1. We therefore appeal for your support both in cash and in kind to make this move a success.

6. COUPLES FELLOWSHIP NUGGET: God says that “Love does not keep record of wrongs”. Develop a loving and forgiving relationship with your spouse. Together We can. Eccl 4:12

7. CHILDREN MINISTRY: VROOM VROOM VROOM! FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS! “REV IT UP! FULL THROTTLE FOR GOD!”. Vacation Bible School (VBS), kicks off tomorrow, 8th - 12th August 2011, 8am - 1.30pm daily. Ensure your children collect their T-shirts as they register. Fee is N1,200 per child. Ages 3 - 14. God bless you.

8. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP: The Youth Fellowship is inviting all youths and youths at heart to an evening with Pastor Kunat on the topic “YOUTH IN SERVICE”. Date: 9/8/11, Venue: Multipurpose Hall, Time: 6pm

9. WEDDING BELLS: The family of Mr. & Mrs. Akin Alakija cordially invites you to the wedding ceremony of their son, Mr. Ikeoluwa Alakija to Miss. Oluwaseun Olatunji at Covenant Christian Centre, 400 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba. Date 20/8/11. Time: 12noon.

10. CHILD DEDICATION: The family of Udechukwu Ikenna Patrick dedicates their daughter, Myra Obianuju Udechukwu today. The church rejoices with them.

11. SUMMER SCHOOL: Register your child/ward for Summer/Vacation Bible school in New Estate Baptist School at subsidized rate. N4,500 for Nursery & Primary. N5,500 for Secondary. Date: 4th Aug - 2nd Sept 2011. With free T shirt and free lunch for one week.

12. WMU: Women in His presence meet on Saturday August 13, 2011. Time: 8am - 10am.

13. MMU: General meeting of the MMU holds on Monday August 8, 2011 at the Chapel by

6pm.

14. HOME CALL: The family of Tsaku announce the passing unto glory of their mother(mother of Bro Andy Tsaku). Funeral arrangements will be announce later.

15. HOME FELLOWSHIP: Families who are living in Itire/Ilasa/Mushin Areas should please meet with Bro. Abba-Goziem at the front Gate for 5mins immediately after the service.

ANNOUNCEMENT 31 7 2011

1. WORD FOR THE MONTH: In August, God is set to make FRESH PROVISION for all your divinely assigned tasks in Jesus name.
2. 3DAYS WITH THE LORD: We will commence our 3 days prayer and fasting for August, on the 1st and round off on the 3rd. Remember we will meet here in Church for corporate prayers from 6pm to 7pm each of the days. Please join in what God is doing.
3. C-IN-C: The Church in Conference will hold on Thursday 4/8/11 at 6pm. You are encouraged to attend.
4. NBC YOUTH CONFERENCE: The Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference will hold from Monday 1/8/11 to Saturday 6/8/11 in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. Pray for our youths traveling to attend.
5. JUBILEE SERVICE: Join others to pray yourself into your healing and deliverance from all physical/spiritual affliction as we engage in spiritual warfare at another session of the Jubilee Service coming up on Wednesday 3/8/11 at 9.30am. It is only 1½ hours. Don’t continue to suffer in your jubilee year.
6. COUPLES FELLOWSHIP NUGGET: On a daily basis, make a commitment to commend your spouse’s better qualities. That way, you help him/her to gain the courage to be their very best. Together We can. Eccl 4:12
7 TEENS MINISTRY : Annual camp for teenagers will be coming from up from Sunday 14th - Friday 19th August, 2011 @ Regean Memorial Bap. Girls Sec. School, Yaba. We welcome donations in cash and kind but would most of all appreciate your prayer, time & presence. Interested volunteer worker should call 0803 538 0004 or 0802 368 0562. Camp fee: N3,000 per head.
8. CHILDREN MINISTRY: Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2011. Theme: “REV IT UP! FULL THROTTLE FOR GOD”.WHEN: 8th - 12th August 2011. TIME: 8am - 1.30pm daily. WHOM: Ages 3 - 14. WHAT: Bible lessons, Craft, Music, Choreography, Games, Snacks/Lunch. FEE: N1,200 per child.
9. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COMMITTEE: Lets give those in business/trading the tools to grow. Invest in the NEBC Investment Trust Fund.
10. APPRECIATION : The children of Pa Nuke Ogbemi wish to express their sincere gratitude to the leadership and membership of the church for the show of love and outstanding support accorded them on the occasion of the home call of their father and through the funeral ceremonies. Our prayer is that God of heaven will bless you and send help to you in time of your need.

11. NEBC LAWYERS FELLOWSHIP: All members of the NEBC Lawyers fellowship should please return their membership completed form to Sis Ijeoma Uju on or before 7th August 2011.
12. NEBC BOOKSHOP : This is to inform all members that our Bookshop is now open for more spiritual and educative materials for our growth and development. Special discounts are available. Kindly visit there today.
13. VISITATION: If you know any member of the church who is sick or distressed in any way and needs Pastoral Visitation, please supply this information, and give the slip to any member of the Diaconate.

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT 8/5/2011

1. BAPTISM: There will be water baptism on Saturday 14/5/11 at 4.30pm here in the church. All candidates should please take note and be punctual.
2. MOTHERS’ DAY 2011: This will hold on Sunday May 15, 2011. Pray for the WMU as they help to organize this and as they prepare. Women should remember to put on their purple and white uniform.
3. MIDWEEK SPECIAL: The Mid-week service on Wednesday 11/5/11 is a special forum for Parents and Teenagers organized and to be anchored by the Teens Ministry. All worshippers are encouraged to attend. It begins at 6pm. Don't miss it.
4. NBC IN SESSION: Please pray for the manifestation of God’s presence at the ongoing 98th Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention holding in Ogbomosho as very important decision bothering on the life of the convention are to be taken at this session. Also pray for journey mercies for all delegates.
5. JUBILEE SERVICE: Join others to pray yourself into your healing and deliverance from all physical/spiritual affliction as we engage in spiritual warfare at another session of the Jubilee Service coming up on Wednesday 11/5/11 at 9.30am. It is only 1½ hours. Don’t continue to suffer in your jubilee year.
6. COUPLES FELLOWSHIP NUGGET: Your spouse is a gift of God to you. Be thankful to God and cherish His gift to you daily. Together We can. Eccl 4:12
7. REMINDER: Women should remember to pay their monthly due of N500 to their Age Group Coordinator.
8. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COMMITTEE: Lets give those in business / trading the tools to grow. Invest in the NEBC Investment Trust Fund.
9. CARE MINISTRY: Members should please wait behind after the service for a brief meeting.
10. ENTRANCE EXAMINATION: Entrance Examination into New Estate Baptist School UBE 7 (JSS I) comes up on Friday, May 13, 2011 by 10am. Kindly obtain the form from the School Office.
11. HOSANNA VOICES & DAVID’S BAND: Henceforth meets every Tuesdays by 6pm. New members are highly welcome.

Announcements

1. PROJECT FINANCE COMMITTEE: All members who have misplaced their pledge forms should please collect new ones from the Ushers.

2. COMMUNION SERVICE: Though we have Communion Service next Sunday on our Calendar, we will NOT observe it then. It will now hold during the Good Friday Service on the 22/4/11. Please take note of this and prepare to participate.

3. HE’S ALIVE SERVICE: Our Resurrection Sunday Service is going to feature a special Music Concert by the Sanctuary Choir to celebrate the Resurrection and Life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please watch out for it, it promises to be really refreshing.

4. MISSION TRIP: Our trip to Burkina Faso on mission will come up from the 29th of April to the 6th of May. All those who wish to sacrifice that period for the Lord by joining the Team should please see Rev. Babalola to indicate their interest.

5. 7 HOURS WITH THE LORD: Friday 29/4/11 is another special time in the presence of God. We will be with Him for 7 hours in a strategic prayer time. Please begin to prepare for it.

6. JUBILEE SERVICE: Join others to pray yourself into your healing and deliverance from all physical/spiritual affliction as we engage in spiritual warfare at another session of the Jubilee Service coming up on Wednesday 13/4/11 at 9.30am. It is only 1½ hours. Don’t continue to suffer in your jubilee year.

7. COUPLES FELLOWSHIP NUGGET: Your spouse is a gift of God to you. Be thankful to God and cherish His gift to you daily. Together We can. Eccl 4:12

8. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COMMITTEE: Do you have need to finance a specific, self-liquidating transaction? Do you require a short-term fund to finance the development or growth of the idea God has laid on your heart? If so, please apply to the Committee stating your contact details.

9. All Investors to collect their Investment Certificates after service from Members of the Committee.

10. COUPLES FELLOWSHIP: Beginning from the month of April, couples will meet at the zones across the city. Please check the notices around the church for the zone nearest to you, the Coordinators, Venue, Time and Place for the first meeting. Plan to come and bring a neighbour.

11. 10. PRAYER MINISTRY: The fasting of the 4th month for all members of Prayer Ministry starts on 16thof April and ends on 22nd of April 2011. All members (old & new) are to prepare to participate.

12. BURIAL: Burial of Dn. A. B. Oladipo, father of Bro Jide, Sis Kemi & Bro Yemi Oladipo comes up on May 6, 2011 at First Baptist Church Ilupeju Via Igbaja, Kwara State. There will be a Commendation Service at Emmanuel Baptist Church Ilorin by 7.30am on the same day before proceeding to Ilupeju for the burial. Bus leaves Church premises at 6am.