{"message":"Success","data":{"data":[{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/purpose-of-the-scriptures/purpose-of-the-scriptures.mp3","duration_raw":4262.295313,"duration_short":"01:11:02","duration_long":"1Hr 11Mins","file_size":68203044,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a3a7a46b41d5fb9cc75d67f","slug":"purpose-of-the-scriptures","title":"Purpose of the Scriptures","theme":{"_id":"6a22b7458a44e43709a388f4","name":"Bible Experience","createdAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","slug":"bible-experience","__v":0},"excerpt":"In service on Sunday, our Apostle taught on the topic: The Science of Biblical Interpretation. One of the major truths emphasized was that the Bible is a book about Jesus.","description_raw":"In service on Sunday, our Apostle taught on the topic: The Science of Biblical Interpretation.🔥\n\nOne of the major truths emphasized was that the Bible is a book about Jesus.\n\nFrom Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan has always been to reveal Christ, and every promise, prophecy, shadow, and symbol in Scripture finds its fulfilment in Him.\n\nPoints To Note ✍🏾\n\n📍 In Christ, we have the fulfilment of all God’s promises to humanity.\n\n(Revelation 3:14; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 1:1-3)\n\n📍 God spoke at different times and in different ways throughout the Old Testament, but His ultimate revelation is found in Christ.\n\n(Hebrews 1:1-2)\n\n📍 The Scriptures are not an end in themselves; they are the map that leads to the destination that is Jesus.\n\n“Search the scriptures… they are they which testify of me.”\n\n(John 5:39)\n\n📍 Jesus is the lens through which Scripture should be interpreted.\n\nAfter His resurrection, He began from Moses and all the Prophets and explained the things concerning Himself.\n\n(Luke 24:25-27)\n\n📍 The Old Testament contains shadows, types, and prophecies that reveal God’s plan through Christ.\n\n(Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:29)\n\n📍 The tabernacle built by Moses was a portrayal of Christ’s sacrifice and His eventual ascension to the Mercy Seat(the right hand of God).\n\n(Exodus 26:34)\n\n📍 The sacrifices under the Law were never the substance; they pointed to Christ.\n\n(Hebrews 10:1-4)\n\n📍 Greatness is measured by the degree of your ability to point people to Jesus.\n\nThis is what made John the Baptist a great prophet.\n\n(Matthew 11:11)\n\n📍 God’s plan of redemption was announced from the very beginning.\n\nThe promise of the coming Seed was declared immediately after the fall of man.\n\n(Genesis 3:15– The Protoevangelium)\n\n📍 The prophets consistently pointed to Christ.\n\n* Micah 4:3\n* Psalm 2:1-12\n* Psalm 16:10-11\n* Isaiah 53-54\n\n📍 The apostles later showed how these prophecies found their fulfilment in Jesus.\n\n(Acts 4:25-30)\n\nThe Bible is not a collection of isolated stories.\n\nIt is one grand narrative revealing one person—Jesus Christ.\n\nTo interpret Scripture correctly is to see Christ as the fulfilment of God’s promises, the substance behind every shadow, and the reality to which every prophecy points. ❤️","description_string":"In service on Sunday, our Apostle taught on the topic: The Science of Biblical Interpretation.🔥\n\nOne of the major truths emphasized was that the Bible is a book about Jesus.\n\nFrom Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan has always been to reveal Christ, and every promise, prophecy, shadow, and symbol in Scripture finds its fulfilment in Him.\n\nPoints To Note ✍🏾\n\n📍 In Christ, we have the fulfilment of all God’s promises to humanity.\n\n(Revelation 3:14; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 1:1-3)\n\n📍 God spoke at different times and in different ways throughout the Old Testament, but His ultimate revelation is found in Christ.\n\n(Hebrews 1:1-2)\n\n📍 The Scriptures are not an end in themselves; they are the map that leads to the destination that is Jesus.\n\n“Search the scriptures… they are they which testify of me.”\n\n(John 5:39)\n\n📍 Jesus is the lens through which Scripture should be interpreted.\n\nAfter His resurrection, He began from Moses and all the Prophets and explained the things concerning Himself.\n\n(Luke 24:25-27)\n\n📍 The Old Testament contains shadows, types, and prophecies that reveal God’s plan through Christ.\n\n(Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:29)\n\n📍 The tabernacle built by Moses was a portrayal of Christ’s sacrifice and His eventual ascension to the Mercy Seat(the right hand of God).\n\n(Exodus 26:34)\n\n📍 The sacrifices under the Law were never the substance; they pointed to Christ.\n\n(Hebrews 10:1-4)\n\n📍 Greatness is measured by the degree of your ability to point people to Jesus.\n\nThis is what made John the Baptist a great prophet.\n\n(Matthew 11:11)\n\n📍 God’s plan of redemption was announced from the very beginning.\n\nThe promise of the coming Seed was declared immediately after the fall of man.\n\n(Genesis 3:15– The Protoevangelium)\n\n📍 The prophets consistently pointed to Christ.\n\n* Micah 4:3\n* Psalm 2:1-12\n* Psalm 16:10-11\n* Isaiah 53-54\n\n📍 The apostles later showed how these prophecies found their fulfilment in Jesus.\n\n(Acts 4:25-30)\n\nThe Bible is not a collection of isolated stories.\n\nIt is one grand narrative revealing one person—Jesus Christ.\n\nTo interpret Scripture correctly is to see Christ as the fulfilment of God’s promises, the substance behind every shadow, and the reality to which every prophecy points. ❤️","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/IKDerPn5ijk?t=4418","sermon_date":"2026-06-21T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/purpose-of-the-scriptures/purpose-of-the-scriptures.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-origin-of-the-scriptures/the-origin-of-the-scriptures.mp3","duration_raw":4422.996688,"duration_short":"01:13:42","duration_long":"1Hr 13Mins","file_size":70774266,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a3482b24cdbb963faa2002f","slug":"the-origin-of-the-scriptures","title":"The Origin of the Scriptures","theme":{"_id":"6a22b7458a44e43709a388f4","name":"Bible Experience","createdAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","slug":"bible-experience","__v":0},"excerpt":"Apostle took us back to something some of us never stopped to ask... 'where did the Bible come from, and how is it written by people but still God's word?","description_raw":"Apostle took us back to something some of us never stopped to ask... 'where did the Bible come from, and how is it written by people but still God's word?\n\nHe opened with a simple but powerful truth from Philippians 2:13, teaching that God can place an idea in someone's heart and give them the drive to carry it out. \n\nWhen it's done, both God and the person can rightly take credit.\n\nHe also noted the importance of knowing God's Word. \n\nIf you don't know the Word of God, you can help the devil fight God,  even if you're a church goer.\n\nPoints To Note ✍🏾\n📍Man wrote the Bible. God authored it. Both are true at the same time.\n\n📍Joseph's story shows this clearly. His brothers sold him because of jealousy, and that part is fully their fault. \n\nBut years before, God had already given Joseph a dream that hinted at what was coming. The same story but two sides: what people did, and what God was doing behind the scenes.\n\n📍 Bible inspiration wasn't dramatic or magical. God simply positioned people through their upbringing, experiences, and exposure... so that what they wrote naturally lined up with His truth.\n\n📍 Stop treating the Bible like a magic book you can flip open randomly for a \"word.\" Context matters. \n\nMost New Testament books were letters, written to be read in full, not picked apart from the middle.\n\nIn Conclusion\n\nThe Bible is not less divine because men wrote it, and it's not less human because God authored it.\n\nUnderstanding this changes how you read, trust, and apply Scripture to your life.","description_string":"Apostle took us back to something some of us never stopped to ask... 'where did the Bible come from, and how is it written by people but still God's word?\n\nHe opened with a simple but powerful truth from Philippians 2:13, teaching that God can place an idea in someone's heart and give them the drive to carry it out. \n\nWhen it's done, both God and the person can rightly take credit.\n\nHe also noted the importance of knowing God's Word. \n\nIf you don't know the Word of God, you can help the devil fight God,  even if you're a church goer.\n\nPoints To Note ✍🏾\n📍Man wrote the Bible. God authored it. Both are true at the same time.\n\n📍Joseph's story shows this clearly. His brothers sold him because of jealousy, and that part is fully their fault. \n\nBut years before, God had already given Joseph a dream that hinted at what was coming. The same story but two sides: what people did, and what God was doing behind the scenes.\n\n📍 Bible inspiration wasn't dramatic or magical. God simply positioned people through their upbringing, experiences, and exposure... so that what they wrote naturally lined up with His truth.\n\n📍 Stop treating the Bible like a magic book you can flip open randomly for a \"word.\" Context matters. \n\nMost New Testament books were letters, written to be read in full, not picked apart from the middle.\n\nIn Conclusion\n\nThe Bible is not less divine because men wrote it, and it's not less human because God authored it.\n\nUnderstanding this changes how you read, trust, and apply Scripture to your life.","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/4Hq7OZsg2H4?t=3943","sermon_date":"2026-06-14T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-origin-of-the-scriptures/the-origin-of-the-scriptures.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/look-into-the-book-of-ephesians/look-into-the-book-of-ephesians.mp3","duration_raw":5363.018938,"duration_short":"01:29:23","duration_long":"1Hr 29Mins","file_size":85814622,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a2afbc94cdbb963fa9f0c6a","slug":"look-into-the-book-of-ephesians","title":"Look Into The Book Of Ephesians","theme":{"_id":"6a22b7458a44e43709a388f4","name":"Bible Experience","createdAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","slug":"bible-experience","__v":0},"excerpt":"The religion and commerce of Ephesus worked hand in hand. Therefore, the people resisted Paul’s teachings at first because of the impact on his teachings on their economy. ","description_raw":"At midweek service, Apostle gave us a “Look Into The Book of Ephesians” ✨\n\nHe started by giving a historical and theological background of one of the most significant churches in Bible history.\n\nThe book of Ephesians was written to a church that played a central role in the spread of the Gospel in the early Church.\n\nWhen Paul returned during his third missionary journey, he spent about three years teaching disciples and believers in Ephesus. As a result, the influence of the Gospel grew significantly in the region, and the Bible records that “the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (Acts 18: 20, 19:20).\n\nTo appreciate how remarkable this was, we must understand the city of Ephesus itself.\n\nSome Things to Know About Ephesus\n➔  It was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the Roman Empire.\n➔  It served as a major commercial port linking Asia and Europe.\n➔  It was home to the Temple of Artemis (Diana), a massive pagan temple that stood about 425 feet tall and was considered one of the wonders of the ancient world.\n\nEphesus was deeply immersed in idolatry and supernatural practices. There were many occurrences that gave the impression that spiritual forces were influencing the affairs of the city. In such an environment, for the Gospel to prevail and for a thriving church to emerge was no small feat. It was a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of the Word of God.\n\nWhen we examine the history of the Ephesian church, two important lessons become clear.\n\n📍Revival Is Possible\nThe story of Ephesus reminds us that revival can happen anywhere.\n\nWhen believers are filled with the Spirit, confident in the power of God, and committed to preaching the Gospel boldly, transformation is possible. The Gospel is powerful enough to change lives, cities, and entire cultures.\n\n📍Revival Can Be Lost\nAs Paul prepared to leave for Rome, he expressed concern for the future of the church. In Acts 20, he warned that false teachers would arise and attempt to draw believers away from the truth.\n\nYears later, Jesus addressed the church in Ephesus. While He commended them for rejecting false teachings and hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, He also rebuked them for abandoning their first love and called them to repentance. (Revelation 2)\n\nThis serves as a sobering reminder that revival must be preserved. Every generation has a responsibility to guard, protect, and pass on the truth it has received.\n\nGod does not merely revive territories; He revives people.\n\nOne of the things that makes the Book of Ephesians unique is its structure and purpose.\n\nUnlike many of Paul’s other letters, which were written to address specific problems within churches, Ephesians is a systematic explanation of the Christian faith. At the time, syncreticism had begun to creep into the church, making it necessary for Paul to clearly articulate what believers believe and why they believe it.\n\nIn many ways, the Book of Ephesians can be divided into two major sections.\n\n📍The First Half\nThis half focuses on what Christ has done for us and who we are in Him.\nIt establishes the believer’s position in Christ, emphasizing themes such as grace, righteousness, justification, and spiritual identity. (Ephesians 1-3)\n\n📍The Second Half\nThe second half focuses on how believers ought to live because of who they are in Christ. It emphasizes sanctification, obedience, Christian conduct, and practical living.(Ephesians 4-6)\n\nIn simple terms, Ephesians first teaches us our identity before teaching us our responsibility. It explains what Christ has accomplished on our behalf and then shows us how to respond to that reality in our daily lives.\n\nIt was a rich and enlightening teaching that set the stage for a deeper study of one of the most profound books in the New Testament.","description_string":"At midweek service, Apostle gave us a “Look Into The Book of Ephesians” ✨\n\nHe started by giving a historical and theological background of one of the most significant churches in Bible history.\n\nThe book of Ephesians was written to a church that played a central role in the spread of the Gospel in the early Church.\n\nWhen Paul returned during his third missionary journey, he spent about three years teaching disciples and believers in Ephesus. As a result, the influence of the Gospel grew significantly in the region, and the Bible records that “the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (Acts 18: 20, 19:20).\n\nTo appreciate how remarkable this was, we must understand the city of Ephesus itself.\n\nSome Things to Know About Ephesus\n➔  It was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the Roman Empire.\n➔  It served as a major commercial port linking Asia and Europe.\n➔  It was home to the Temple of Artemis (Diana), a massive pagan temple that stood about 425 feet tall and was considered one of the wonders of the ancient world.\n\nEphesus was deeply immersed in idolatry and supernatural practices. There were many occurrences that gave the impression that spiritual forces were influencing the affairs of the city. In such an environment, for the Gospel to prevail and for a thriving church to emerge was no small feat. It was a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of the Word of God.\n\nWhen we examine the history of the Ephesian church, two important lessons become clear.\n\n📍Revival Is Possible\nThe story of Ephesus reminds us that revival can happen anywhere.\n\nWhen believers are filled with the Spirit, confident in the power of God, and committed to preaching the Gospel boldly, transformation is possible. The Gospel is powerful enough to change lives, cities, and entire cultures.\n\n📍Revival Can Be Lost\nAs Paul prepared to leave for Rome, he expressed concern for the future of the church. In Acts 20, he warned that false teachers would arise and attempt to draw believers away from the truth.\n\nYears later, Jesus addressed the church in Ephesus. While He commended them for rejecting false teachings and hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, He also rebuked them for abandoning their first love and called them to repentance. (Revelation 2)\n\nThis serves as a sobering reminder that revival must be preserved. Every generation has a responsibility to guard, protect, and pass on the truth it has received.\n\nGod does not merely revive territories; He revives people.\n\nOne of the things that makes the Book of Ephesians unique is its structure and purpose.\n\nUnlike many of Paul’s other letters, which were written to address specific problems within churches, Ephesians is a systematic explanation of the Christian faith. At the time, syncreticism had begun to creep into the church, making it necessary for Paul to clearly articulate what believers believe and why they believe it.\n\nIn many ways, the Book of Ephesians can be divided into two major sections.\n\n📍The First Half\nThis half focuses on what Christ has done for us and who we are in Him.\nIt establishes the believer’s position in Christ, emphasizing themes such as grace, righteousness, justification, and spiritual identity. (Ephesians 1-3)\n\n📍The Second Half\nThe second half focuses on how believers ought to live because of who they are in Christ. It emphasizes sanctification, obedience, Christian conduct, and practical living.(Ephesians 4-6)\n\nIn simple terms, Ephesians first teaches us our identity before teaching us our responsibility. It explains what Christ has accomplished on our behalf and then shows us how to respond to that reality in our daily lives.\n\nIt was a rich and enlightening teaching that set the stage for a deeper study of one of the most profound books in the New Testament.","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/psb6MmlmGRQ?t=2709","sermon_date":"2026-06-10T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/look-into-the-book-of-ephesians/look-into-the-book-of-ephesians.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-importance-of-bible-interpretation/the-importance-of-bible-interpretation.mp3","duration_raw":3862.548688,"duration_short":"01:04:22","duration_long":"1Hr 4Mins","file_size":61807149,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a22b7458a44e43709a388f7","slug":"the-importance-of-bible-interpretation","title":"The Importance of Bible Interpretation","theme":{"_id":"6a22b7458a44e43709a388f4","name":"Bible Experience","createdAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-05T11:47:17.671Z","slug":"bible-experience","__v":0},"excerpt":"At midweek service on Wednesday, we received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the sermon, “The Importance of Bible Interpretation.","description_raw":"At midweek service on Wednesday, we received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the sermon, “The Importance of Bible Interpretation.\n\nHe began by highlighting that many people have misinterpreted the Word of God, even on global platforms. Interpretation is a very essential aspect of the believer’s life, and God is only committed to defending what He has said. Bible misinterpretation has real implications and consequences. (Jeremiah 23:21)When it comes to understanding and interpretation, the word used is “Hermeneutics.”\n\n📍Hermeneutics - “The science of interpretation.”\nThe word is applied to the explanation of written documents and is therefore closely related to the science of language.\n\n📌Always remember: the Bible is beneficial to us, but it was not originally written to us. Therefore, we must learn how much of it applies to us and how to interpret it correctly within its intended context.\n\nHermeneutics assumes that there are diverse modes of thought, cultural differences, and ambiguities among men. It therefore seeks to bridge the gap between a writer and his readers so that the intended meaning can be accurately understood.\n\nTypes of Hermeneutics\n➔ General Hermeneutics - The study of the general principles and rules of interpretation that apply to all forms of literature and communication.\n➔ Special Hermeneutics - Devoted to the explanation of particular books and classes of writing.\n➔ Sacred/Biblical Hermeneutics - The science of interpreting the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.\n\n📍The Necessity of Hermeneutics\n➔ It is important because of the apparent diversity in the minds, backgrounds, and cultures of men. (2 Peter 3:16)\n➔ It helps us understand the qualifications and responsibilities of the interpreter. (Ephesians 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 1:13)\npes of Hermeneutics\n➔ General Hermeneutics - The study of the general principles and rules of interpretation that apply to all forms of literature and communication.\n➔ Special Hermeneutics - Devoted to the explanation of particular books and classes of writing.\n➔ Sacred/Biblical Hermeneutics - The science of interpreting the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.\n\n📍The Necessity of Hermeneutics\n➔ It is important because of the apparent diversity in the minds, backgrounds, and cultures of men. (2 Peter 3:16)\n➔ It helps us understand the qualifications and responsibilities of the interpreter. (Ephesians 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 1:13)Common Barriers to Bible Interpretation\n➔ Language. There are certain words, expressions, and forms of communication used in Bible times that are now obsolete or no longer commonly used today.\n➔ Figures of Speech. Like any other literary material, the Bible contains various figures of speech such as sarcasm (2 Corinthians 11:16) and hyperbole (John 21:25), which must be properly understood to avoid misinterpretation.\n\n➔ Culture. The cultural context of the Bible differs significantly from our present-day culture, so we must not take every word or instruction literally. (Romans 16:16, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14, Luke 7:45)\n\nAs believers, learning sound interpretative skills enables us to read, understand, and accurately apply the Scriptures for ourselves.","description_string":"At midweek service on Wednesday, we received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the sermon, “The Importance of Bible Interpretation.\n\nHe began by highlighting that many people have misinterpreted the Word of God, even on global platforms. Interpretation is a very essential aspect of the believer’s life, and God is only committed to defending what He has said. Bible misinterpretation has real implications and consequences. (Jeremiah 23:21)When it comes to understanding and interpretation, the word used is “Hermeneutics.”\n\n📍Hermeneutics - “The science of interpretation.”\nThe word is applied to the explanation of written documents and is therefore closely related to the science of language.\n\n📌Always remember: the Bible is beneficial to us, but it was not originally written to us. Therefore, we must learn how much of it applies to us and how to interpret it correctly within its intended context.\n\nHermeneutics assumes that there are diverse modes of thought, cultural differences, and ambiguities among men. It therefore seeks to bridge the gap between a writer and his readers so that the intended meaning can be accurately understood.\n\nTypes of Hermeneutics\n➔ General Hermeneutics - The study of the general principles and rules of interpretation that apply to all forms of literature and communication.\n➔ Special Hermeneutics - Devoted to the explanation of particular books and classes of writing.\n➔ Sacred/Biblical Hermeneutics - The science of interpreting the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.\n\n📍The Necessity of Hermeneutics\n➔ It is important because of the apparent diversity in the minds, backgrounds, and cultures of men. (2 Peter 3:16)\n➔ It helps us understand the qualifications and responsibilities of the interpreter. (Ephesians 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 1:13)\npes of Hermeneutics\n➔ General Hermeneutics - The study of the general principles and rules of interpretation that apply to all forms of literature and communication.\n➔ Special Hermeneutics - Devoted to the explanation of particular books and classes of writing.\n➔ Sacred/Biblical Hermeneutics - The science of interpreting the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.\n\n📍The Necessity of Hermeneutics\n➔ It is important because of the apparent diversity in the minds, backgrounds, and cultures of men. (2 Peter 3:16)\n➔ It helps us understand the qualifications and responsibilities of the interpreter. (Ephesians 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 1:13)Common Barriers to Bible Interpretation\n➔ Language. There are certain words, expressions, and forms of communication used in Bible times that are now obsolete or no longer commonly used today.\n➔ Figures of Speech. Like any other literary material, the Bible contains various figures of speech such as sarcasm (2 Corinthians 11:16) and hyperbole (John 21:25), which must be properly understood to avoid misinterpretation.\n\n➔ Culture. The cultural context of the Bible differs significantly from our present-day culture, so we must not take every word or instruction literally. (Romans 16:16, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14, Luke 7:45)\n\nAs believers, learning sound interpretative skills enables us to read, understand, and accurately apply the Scriptures for ourselves.","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/Tzv6zv3OerA?t=2115","sermon_date":"2026-06-03T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-importance-of-bible-interpretation/the-importance-of-bible-interpretation.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-pursuit-of-purpose/the-pursuit-of-purpose.mp3","duration_raw":4045.038313,"duration_short":"01:07:25","duration_long":"1Hr 7Mins","file_size":64726932,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a2044588a44e43709a2ff32","slug":"the-pursuit-of-purpose","title":"The Pursuit of Purpose","theme":{"_id":"69fa3711100cfcbed45e5e5f","name":"Purpose","createdAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","slug":"purpose","__v":0},"excerpt":"We received a powerful teaching from our Apostle as we concluded our series on Purpose with the message “The Pursuit of Purpose” 🔥","description_raw":"We received a powerful teaching from our Apostle as we concluded our series on Purpose with the message “The Pursuit of Purpose” 🔥\n\nOne of the most profound truths shared was this:\n\n📌 Purpose is that one thing you were created for, and at which you must succeed. Otherwise, every other success will not count.\n\nMany people think purpose is a profession, title, or career. But you can be an exceptional doctor and miss purpose. You can be a successful entrepreneur and miss purpose. You can even be a pastor and miss purpose.\n\nThe question is not merely “What do you do?”\n\nThe question is:\n📍”Why were you created?”\n\nTo answer that, Apostle walked us through the Hierarchy of Purpose.\n\n1️⃣ SALVATION\nThe first and highest purpose of every human being is salvation. As far as heaven is concerned, a person can accumulate wealth, influence, fame, and accomplishments, yet still end as a failure if they neglect their soul.\n\nUsing the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man, we were reminded that eternity is real.\n📍Every achievement on earth is temporary.\n📍Every life will eventually reach its final transition.\n📍Nothing will matter more in eternity than whether you received the salvation found in Christ.\n\nThe call of the Gospel is simple:\nBelieve in Jesus and live in believing loyalty to Him. Because ultimately, if you have salvation, you have everything.(Mark 8:36, Luke 16:19, Philippians 1:21, Hebrews 3:15)\n\n2️⃣ LOVE WALK\nPurpose must be expressed through love. Jesus summarized the Law and the Prophets in love for God and love for people.\n\nThis means that God’s assessment of our lives is not merely based on what we achieved, but also on the motivation behind it. (Matthew 22:37-40, 25:44)\n\n📍Not every act of generosity is motivated by love.\n📍Not every sacrifice is motivated by love.\n📍Not every accomplishment is motivated by love.\n\nThe question heaven asks is: “What did you do for love?”\n\nLove must become our lens for decision-making, relationships, service, and ambition.\n\n3️⃣ WORK\nGod has entrusted every believer with assignments, opportunities, gifts, and resources.\n\nIn the Parable of the Talents, each servant was evaluated according to what they were given.\n\n📍Five became ten.\n📍Two became four.\n\nNeither was compared against the other. Each was judged according to faithfulness.\n\nThis means God is not asking you to become someone else. He is asking you to maximize what He has placed in your hands.\n\nContrary to popular belief, purpose is not automatic. It requires consistency, discipline, determination and responsibility\n\nMany believers assume that if God has destined something, it will happen regardless of their choices.\n\nBut Scripture repeatedly shows that there are dimensions of God’s plan that require our cooperation. (Proverbs 13:4)\n\nThree Important Truths About Greatness\n1️⃣ Many people do not know the true price of greatness.\n\nSuccess often looks easy from a distance, but there are sacrifices, disciplines, and scars behind every meaningful achievement.\n\n2️⃣ Many people know the price but are unwilling to pay it.\n\nThey desire the outcome but resist the process.\n\n3️⃣ Many people over-spiritualize everything.\n\nThey attribute everything to grace while neglecting diligence, growth, and responsibility. Grace is not an excuse for laziness.\n\n📍Pay the price to become the best version of yourself, invest in knowledge, improve your speech, improve your appearance, improve your capacity, respect excellence, and honor the process.\n\nBecause purpose is not merely discovered. Purpose is pursued.\n\nAnd when all is said and done, may we be found faithful in the things that matter most: our salvation, our love walk, and the work God has entrusted to us.❤️🔥","description_string":"We received a powerful teaching from our Apostle as we concluded our series on Purpose with the message “The Pursuit of Purpose” 🔥\n\nOne of the most profound truths shared was this:\n\n📌 Purpose is that one thing you were created for, and at which you must succeed. Otherwise, every other success will not count.\n\nMany people think purpose is a profession, title, or career. But you can be an exceptional doctor and miss purpose. You can be a successful entrepreneur and miss purpose. You can even be a pastor and miss purpose.\n\nThe question is not merely “What do you do?”\n\nThe question is:\n📍”Why were you created?”\n\nTo answer that, Apostle walked us through the Hierarchy of Purpose.\n\n1️⃣ SALVATION\nThe first and highest purpose of every human being is salvation. As far as heaven is concerned, a person can accumulate wealth, influence, fame, and accomplishments, yet still end as a failure if they neglect their soul.\n\nUsing the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man, we were reminded that eternity is real.\n📍Every achievement on earth is temporary.\n📍Every life will eventually reach its final transition.\n📍Nothing will matter more in eternity than whether you received the salvation found in Christ.\n\nThe call of the Gospel is simple:\nBelieve in Jesus and live in believing loyalty to Him. Because ultimately, if you have salvation, you have everything.(Mark 8:36, Luke 16:19, Philippians 1:21, Hebrews 3:15)\n\n2️⃣ LOVE WALK\nPurpose must be expressed through love. Jesus summarized the Law and the Prophets in love for God and love for people.\n\nThis means that God’s assessment of our lives is not merely based on what we achieved, but also on the motivation behind it. (Matthew 22:37-40, 25:44)\n\n📍Not every act of generosity is motivated by love.\n📍Not every sacrifice is motivated by love.\n📍Not every accomplishment is motivated by love.\n\nThe question heaven asks is: “What did you do for love?”\n\nLove must become our lens for decision-making, relationships, service, and ambition.\n\n3️⃣ WORK\nGod has entrusted every believer with assignments, opportunities, gifts, and resources.\n\nIn the Parable of the Talents, each servant was evaluated according to what they were given.\n\n📍Five became ten.\n📍Two became four.\n\nNeither was compared against the other. Each was judged according to faithfulness.\n\nThis means God is not asking you to become someone else. He is asking you to maximize what He has placed in your hands.\n\nContrary to popular belief, purpose is not automatic. It requires consistency, discipline, determination and responsibility\n\nMany believers assume that if God has destined something, it will happen regardless of their choices.\n\nBut Scripture repeatedly shows that there are dimensions of God’s plan that require our cooperation. (Proverbs 13:4)\n\nThree Important Truths About Greatness\n1️⃣ Many people do not know the true price of greatness.\n\nSuccess often looks easy from a distance, but there are sacrifices, disciplines, and scars behind every meaningful achievement.\n\n2️⃣ Many people know the price but are unwilling to pay it.\n\nThey desire the outcome but resist the process.\n\n3️⃣ Many people over-spiritualize everything.\n\nThey attribute everything to grace while neglecting diligence, growth, and responsibility. Grace is not an excuse for laziness.\n\n📍Pay the price to become the best version of yourself, invest in knowledge, improve your speech, improve your appearance, improve your capacity, respect excellence, and honor the process.\n\nBecause purpose is not merely discovered. Purpose is pursued.\n\nAnd when all is said and done, may we be found faithful in the things that matter most: our salvation, our love walk, and the work God has entrusted to us.❤️🔥","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/98b7dOaYC0k?t=4355","sermon_date":"2026-05-31T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-pursuit-of-purpose/the-pursuit-of-purpose.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-mentality-of-the-pilgrims/the-mentality-of-the-pilgrims.mp3","duration_raw":3718.110313,"duration_short":"01:01:58","duration_long":"1Hr 1Min","file_size":59496338,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a1584a08a44e43709a00098","slug":"the-mentality-of-the-pilgrims","title":"The Mentality of the Pilgrims","theme":{"_id":"69fa3711100cfcbed45e5e5f","name":"Purpose","createdAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","slug":"purpose","__v":0},"excerpt":"Because not everybody is available for God to use, and not everyone carries the mentality of the pilgrims who walked fully with God in their time.","description_raw":"In service yesterday, we continued our teaching series on Purpose with a powerful sermon titled “Unstoppable Move of God.” 🔥\n\nApostle opened with a statement that settled heavily in our hearts:\n\n“Sometimes, there is a shortage of men.”\n\nAnd why is that?\n\nBecause not everybody is available for God to use, and not everyone carries the mentality of the pilgrims who walked fully with God in their time.\n\nAnchoring the teaching in Hebrews 12:1, Apostle explained what it truly means to run a race with eternal consciousness in a world designed to make people forget they are even running.\n\nMany people are in a race and do not know it.\n\nAnd in the spiritual race, it is easy to become distracted and entangled by the things of this world.\n\nWe were reminded that the joy set before Jesus was what He saw beyond the Cross. He lived with eternity in view, and this is the ultimate way to live a life of purpose. ✨\n\nApostle also taught that there is an irony to purpose: the people who live most conscious of eternity are often the same people Heaven gives grace to truly possess and steward this present life.\n\nHere are Some Major Points To Note ✍🏻\n\n📍 Live with Eternal Consciousness\n* We are to live with the consciousness that Jesus is coming again. No matter the success or wealth acquired on earth, this world is not our final destination.\n\n📍 Your Earthly Life Is Temporary\n* Our lives on earth are a layover to eternity. We must not become distracted by temporary activities and pursuits.\n\n📍 Carry the Mindset of a Pilgrim\n* Jacob called his days on earth a pilgrimage, even while prospering in Egypt (Genesis 47:8).\n* For Jacob and Joseph to insist their bones not remain in Egypt revealed their consciousness of a Kingdom whose builder is God.\n\n📍 Purpose Should Influence Every Area of Life\n* The true heroes of faith are people who allowed purpose shape their decisions, actions, and priorities.\n* Eternal consciousness affects how we live, build, serve, and lead.\n\n📍 Prosperity Is Not the Final Goal\n* You may build businesses, advance in career, and care for family, but ultimately, we are looking for a city whose builder is the Lord.\n\n📍 Alignment Matters\n* All things work together for good for those aligned with God’s purpose.\n* We do not merely ask God to bless what we are doing; we align ourselves with what God is already blessing.\n\n📍 Do Not Settle for Lesser Things\n* You miss the language of purpose when you become consumed by self-importance or earthly distractions.\n* Refuse to settle for temporary things when God is calling you into something greater.\n\n📍 Purpose Must Be Bigger Than Money\n* Some people have not yet learned what it means to commit to something greater than financial gain.\n* When wealthy men still call themselves pilgrims, it reveals they understand eternity.\n\nIn Conclusion, if all our hopes and treasures are tied only to this life, then we are of all men most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19).\n\nIf purpose truly exists, then one day we will give account for how faithfully we lived it out.\n\nAnd ultimately, may our lives be worthy of hearing:\n“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” ❤️","description_string":"In service yesterday, we continued our teaching series on Purpose with a powerful sermon titled “Unstoppable Move of God.” 🔥\n\nApostle opened with a statement that settled heavily in our hearts:\n\n“Sometimes, there is a shortage of men.”\n\nAnd why is that?\n\nBecause not everybody is available for God to use, and not everyone carries the mentality of the pilgrims who walked fully with God in their time.\n\nAnchoring the teaching in Hebrews 12:1, Apostle explained what it truly means to run a race with eternal consciousness in a world designed to make people forget they are even running.\n\nMany people are in a race and do not know it.\n\nAnd in the spiritual race, it is easy to become distracted and entangled by the things of this world.\n\nWe were reminded that the joy set before Jesus was what He saw beyond the Cross. He lived with eternity in view, and this is the ultimate way to live a life of purpose. ✨\n\nApostle also taught that there is an irony to purpose: the people who live most conscious of eternity are often the same people Heaven gives grace to truly possess and steward this present life.\n\nHere are Some Major Points To Note ✍🏻\n\n📍 Live with Eternal Consciousness\n* We are to live with the consciousness that Jesus is coming again. No matter the success or wealth acquired on earth, this world is not our final destination.\n\n📍 Your Earthly Life Is Temporary\n* Our lives on earth are a layover to eternity. We must not become distracted by temporary activities and pursuits.\n\n📍 Carry the Mindset of a Pilgrim\n* Jacob called his days on earth a pilgrimage, even while prospering in Egypt (Genesis 47:8).\n* For Jacob and Joseph to insist their bones not remain in Egypt revealed their consciousness of a Kingdom whose builder is God.\n\n📍 Purpose Should Influence Every Area of Life\n* The true heroes of faith are people who allowed purpose shape their decisions, actions, and priorities.\n* Eternal consciousness affects how we live, build, serve, and lead.\n\n📍 Prosperity Is Not the Final Goal\n* You may build businesses, advance in career, and care for family, but ultimately, we are looking for a city whose builder is the Lord.\n\n📍 Alignment Matters\n* All things work together for good for those aligned with God’s purpose.\n* We do not merely ask God to bless what we are doing; we align ourselves with what God is already blessing.\n\n📍 Do Not Settle for Lesser Things\n* You miss the language of purpose when you become consumed by self-importance or earthly distractions.\n* Refuse to settle for temporary things when God is calling you into something greater.\n\n📍 Purpose Must Be Bigger Than Money\n* Some people have not yet learned what it means to commit to something greater than financial gain.\n* When wealthy men still call themselves pilgrims, it reveals they understand eternity.\n\nIn Conclusion, if all our hopes and treasures are tied only to this life, then we are of all men most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19).\n\nIf purpose truly exists, then one day we will give account for how faithfully we lived it out.\n\nAnd ultimately, may our lives be worthy of hearing:\n“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” ❤️","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/dqA8vs3-EGk?t=4644","sermon_date":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["pstirensaid"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-mentality-of-the-pilgrims/the-mentality-of-the-pilgrims.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-life-that-purpose-built/the-life-that-purpose-built.mp3","duration_raw":3977.614625,"duration_short":"01:06:17","duration_long":"1Hr 6Mins","file_size":63648153,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a0b497ef8a613c49f19065b","slug":"the-life-that-purpose-built","title":"The Life That Purpose Built","theme":{"_id":"69fa3711100cfcbed45e5e5f","name":"Purpose","createdAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","slug":"purpose","__v":0},"excerpt":"Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.","description_raw":"\"Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.\" - Genesis 2:15\n\nWe ALL have a mandate to fulfill in God's kingdom; not just the pastors, church workers or missionaries. Every one of us has a role to play in God's kingdom, and our heart posture must always be aligned with this truth.\n\nWe all have been called to fulfill God's purpose through our works, talents, creativity and commerce.","description_string":"\"Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.\" - Genesis 2:15\n\nWe ALL have a mandate to fulfill in God's kingdom; not just the pastors, church workers or missionaries. Every one of us has a role to play in God's kingdom, and our heart posture must always be aligned with this truth.\n\nWe all have been called to fulfill God's purpose through our works, talents, creativity and commerce.","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/ngExQ3F7By0?t=3878","sermon_date":"2026-05-17T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-life-that-purpose-built/the-life-that-purpose-built.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-original/the-original.mp3","duration_raw":3842.4545,"duration_short":"01:04:02","duration_long":"1Hr 4Mins","file_size":61485591,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a039ad5f8a613c49f17f05b","slug":"the-original","title":"The Original","theme":{"_id":"69fa3711100cfcbed45e5e5f","name":"Purpose","createdAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","slug":"purpose","__v":0},"excerpt":"Every believer must understand the subject of purpose. To be a believer in Christ Jesus is to embrace the radical truth that even if somebody gains the whole world and does not have Christ, it still amounts to zero.","description_raw":"We received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the topic “The Original”🔥\n\nHe began by highlighting that every believer must understand the subject of purpose. To be a believer in Christ Jesus is to embrace the radical truth that even if somebody gains the whole world and does not have Christ, it still amounts to zero. (Genesis 1:26-27, Luke 16:19–31)\n\nLikewise, the Gospel is the multiplier that determines the significance of anything achieved in life for eternity. Compared to eternity, even a hundred years is not enough. \n\nWe are made in God’s image, and everything we do must be to His glory and to the fulfillment of purpose.\n\nWHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD? \n📍 Status\nWe are not proper discipled believers if we do not acknowledge that every human is made in the image of God. We are Imago Dei, created to reflect God. The light created in the beginning was meant to be a physical representation of who God is to us. \n\nThus we must treat ourselves and others as such. Part of our service to God is taking care of ourselves and resting when necessary. (James 3:9-10, Deuteronomy 14:23, Exodus 23:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6)\n\n📍Job Description\nWe image God by doing what we ought to do. He wants to see us participate and solve problems. Even the trees give Him pleasure simply by existing and functioning as they were created to. God has given us dominion for a reason. \n\n📍 In Christ Reality\nWe have an intrinsic value just for being humans, same way we have an intrinsic value for being the image of God. Purpose teaches us priority and understanding this value. Anything that makes us abandon divine assignment has taken the place of God in our lives. Our true sense of worth is rooted in Christ. \n\nA generation that does not understand purpose will struggle when it comes to sacrificing for God. (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4)\n\n📍 Mandate\nTo whom much is given, much is expected. We must share the priorities of Christ with the world. We will be held accountable for every talent we have been given. Our voices must be used for God wherever we find ourselves. The mandate is not just in preaching, but also in influencing policies. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20, Matthew 16:18, 28:19) \n\n📌 When we believe we have a purpose, we must believe there is someone who purposed. Our purpose demands accountability. We are not called to stay quiet as believers. Everyone around us must feel the heat of the our convictions because there is a reason God has placed is wherever we are.\n\nThis week, preach the Word, steward the resources God has given you well, and never forget that one day, He will ask what you did with the talents He entrusted to you.","description_string":"We received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the topic “The Original”🔥\n\nHe began by highlighting that every believer must understand the subject of purpose. To be a believer in Christ Jesus is to embrace the radical truth that even if somebody gains the whole world and does not have Christ, it still amounts to zero. (Genesis 1:26-27, Luke 16:19–31)\n\nLikewise, the Gospel is the multiplier that determines the significance of anything achieved in life for eternity. Compared to eternity, even a hundred years is not enough. \n\nWe are made in God’s image, and everything we do must be to His glory and to the fulfillment of purpose.\n\nWHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD? \n📍 Status\nWe are not proper discipled believers if we do not acknowledge that every human is made in the image of God. We are Imago Dei, created to reflect God. The light created in the beginning was meant to be a physical representation of who God is to us. \n\nThus we must treat ourselves and others as such. Part of our service to God is taking care of ourselves and resting when necessary. (James 3:9-10, Deuteronomy 14:23, Exodus 23:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6)\n\n📍Job Description\nWe image God by doing what we ought to do. He wants to see us participate and solve problems. Even the trees give Him pleasure simply by existing and functioning as they were created to. God has given us dominion for a reason. \n\n📍 In Christ Reality\nWe have an intrinsic value just for being humans, same way we have an intrinsic value for being the image of God. Purpose teaches us priority and understanding this value. Anything that makes us abandon divine assignment has taken the place of God in our lives. Our true sense of worth is rooted in Christ. \n\nA generation that does not understand purpose will struggle when it comes to sacrificing for God. (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4)\n\n📍 Mandate\nTo whom much is given, much is expected. We must share the priorities of Christ with the world. We will be held accountable for every talent we have been given. Our voices must be used for God wherever we find ourselves. The mandate is not just in preaching, but also in influencing policies. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20, Matthew 16:18, 28:19) \n\n📌 When we believe we have a purpose, we must believe there is someone who purposed. Our purpose demands accountability. We are not called to stay quiet as believers. Everyone around us must feel the heat of the our convictions because there is a reason God has placed is wherever we are.\n\nThis week, preach the Word, steward the resources God has given you well, and never forget that one day, He will ask what you did with the talents He entrusted to you.","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/KqCNR6rhc34?t=4725","sermon_date":"2026-05-10T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-original/the-original.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/enemies-of-purpose/enemies-of-purpose.mp3","duration_raw":3748.759813,"duration_short":"01:02:28","duration_long":"1Hr 2Mins","file_size":59986476,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69fd1ce7f8a613c49f15fb11","slug":"enemies-of-purpose","title":"Enemies Of Purpose","theme":{"_id":"69fa3711100cfcbed45e5e5f","name":"Purpose","createdAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","slug":"purpose","__v":0},"excerpt":"Apostle taught us how to stand strong in the face of challenges, knowing that what we carry is priceless. And if the enemy fights it so hard, then it should tell us just how valuable it is.","description_raw":"Apostle taught us how to stand strong in the face of challenges, knowing that what we carry is priceless. And if the enemy fights it so hard, then it should tell us just how valuable it is.\n\nTo live a life of purpose, there must be areas where you have purposed in your heart to do God’s will. 🔥\n\nAs Christians, you cannot love God without a God-esteem.✨\n\nHe shared a powerful analogy on why we shouldn’t judge God’s faithfulness by short-term situations. Even when we don’t understand what God is doing, we must learn to trust Him.\n\nThis is the right thing to do in purpose…💃🏾🔥✨","description_string":"Apostle taught us how to stand strong in the face of challenges, knowing that what we carry is priceless. And if the enemy fights it so hard, then it should tell us just how valuable it is.\n\nTo live a life of purpose, there must be areas where you have purposed in your heart to do God’s will. 🔥\n\nAs Christians, you cannot love God without a God-esteem.✨\n\nHe shared a powerful analogy on why we shouldn’t judge God’s faithfulness by short-term situations. Even when we don’t understand what God is doing, we must learn to trust Him.\n\nThis is the right thing to do in purpose…💃🏾🔥✨","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/CDvZartf2zo?t=3927","sermon_date":"2026-05-06T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["purpose","mdwk","iren"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/enemies-of-purpose/enemies-of-purpose.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-ultimate-search/the-ultimate-search.mp3","duration_raw":3919.052188,"duration_short":"01:05:19","duration_long":"1Hr 5Mins","file_size":62711154,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69fa3711100cfcbed45e5e62","slug":"the-ultimate-search","title":"The Ultimate Search","theme":{"_id":"69fa3711100cfcbed45e5e5f","name":"Purpose","createdAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-05T18:29:37.483Z","slug":"purpose","__v":0},"excerpt":"Apostle began his charge by explaining that before God calls people, He establishes purpose and identity in their lives.","description_raw":"Apostle began his charge by explaining that before God calls people, He establishes purpose and identity in their lives.\n\nHe went on to explain how identity is a spiritual capital and people who live without purpose lose direction.(Luke 1:28).Major Points To Note From The Teaching! ✍🏻 \n\n📍 The priority of heaven is to first establish identity before purpose: When the Angel appeared to Mary, he began by stating her identity before explaining her purpose (Luke 1:28).\n\n📍 Identity is more important than your assignment. God was not waiting for things to happen before Mary was called by her identity.\n\n📍 Identity happens first in the Spirit before it is seen externally. When God reveals Himself, He introduces identity before it becomes a reality and then a result (Genesis 17:5).\n\n📍 Sometimes, there is a disparity between God’s identity and the identity we carry. Some of us have taken on the identity the world has given us because we are trying to fit in.\n\nApostle went on to teach us about the narrative identity:\n\nThis is the story you have formed about ourselves. It is the internal identity that shapes how you see yourself, how you relate with others, and what you expect from yourself.\n\n What Forms Narrative Identity?\n\n1️⃣ Family foundation: What feelings come up when you think about your earliest memories? Some of these have shaped us into cycles we need to unlearn. We must relearn and learn to affirm ourselves.\n\n2️⃣ Key life experiences: Educational achievements, career milestones, heartbreak, and setbacks. If not handled carefully, these can define you. Your setbacks can shape you either negatively or positively.\n\n3️⃣ Goals and aspirations: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What do you want to be remembered for? \n\n📌 Despite all these, your identity must be intentionally formed based on what God says about you. You carry intrinsic value as someone made in the image of God (1 Peter 2:9).\n\n📌 Have the mindset that you are chosen and not forsaken. I am bought with a price. Purpose flows from intrinsic value, it starts with who I am.\n\n📌 Your career can be a vehicle for the fulfilment of purpose. Purpose is not happiness, but happiness is found in purpose.How Do You Create or Shape Identity?\n\n1️⃣ Have clarity: Be clear about the goal and set a plan on how to fulfil it.\n\n2️⃣ Create the right environment: Surround yourself with people who encourage your goals.\n\n3️⃣ Be intentional about the identity you form: Anything you want to become, wire your mind as though you already are. The more conscious you are of this, the more you embrace the image you’ve chosen to create.\n\nSuccess is addictive and failure can be demoralising. Whatever you think of yourself consistently, you eventually become (Proverbs 23:7).","description_string":"Apostle began his charge by explaining that before God calls people, He establishes purpose and identity in their lives.\n\nHe went on to explain how identity is a spiritual capital and people who live without purpose lose direction.(Luke 1:28).Major Points To Note From The Teaching! ✍🏻 \n\n📍 The priority of heaven is to first establish identity before purpose: When the Angel appeared to Mary, he began by stating her identity before explaining her purpose (Luke 1:28).\n\n📍 Identity is more important than your assignment. God was not waiting for things to happen before Mary was called by her identity.\n\n📍 Identity happens first in the Spirit before it is seen externally. When God reveals Himself, He introduces identity before it becomes a reality and then a result (Genesis 17:5).\n\n📍 Sometimes, there is a disparity between God’s identity and the identity we carry. Some of us have taken on the identity the world has given us because we are trying to fit in.\n\nApostle went on to teach us about the narrative identity:\n\nThis is the story you have formed about ourselves. It is the internal identity that shapes how you see yourself, how you relate with others, and what you expect from yourself.\n\n What Forms Narrative Identity?\n\n1️⃣ Family foundation: What feelings come up when you think about your earliest memories? Some of these have shaped us into cycles we need to unlearn. We must relearn and learn to affirm ourselves.\n\n2️⃣ Key life experiences: Educational achievements, career milestones, heartbreak, and setbacks. If not handled carefully, these can define you. Your setbacks can shape you either negatively or positively.\n\n3️⃣ Goals and aspirations: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What do you want to be remembered for? \n\n📌 Despite all these, your identity must be intentionally formed based on what God says about you. You carry intrinsic value as someone made in the image of God (1 Peter 2:9).\n\n📌 Have the mindset that you are chosen and not forsaken. I am bought with a price. Purpose flows from intrinsic value, it starts with who I am.\n\n📌 Your career can be a vehicle for the fulfilment of purpose. Purpose is not happiness, but happiness is found in purpose.How Do You Create or Shape Identity?\n\n1️⃣ Have clarity: Be clear about the goal and set a plan on how to fulfil it.\n\n2️⃣ Create the right environment: Surround yourself with people who encourage your goals.\n\n3️⃣ Be intentional about the identity you form: Anything you want to become, wire your mind as though you already are. The more conscious you are of this, the more you embrace the image you’ve chosen to create.\n\nSuccess is addictive and failure can be demoralising. Whatever you think of yourself consistently, you eventually become (Proverbs 23:7).","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/frZ3ksY3Gdk?t=4422","sermon_date":"2026-05-03T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["purpose","the ultimate search","cci","pstirensaid","celebration church"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-ultimate-search/the-ultimate-search.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/royal-priesthood-elf-europe/royal-priesthood-elf-europe.mp3","duration_raw":4938.406916,"duration_short":"01:22:18","duration_long":"1Hr 22Mins","file_size":81160248,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a1ebeb48a44e43709a2bf3d","slug":"royal-priesthood-elf-europe","title":"Royal Priesthood - ELF Europe","theme":{"_id":"69a46e24f9bb218648756c3c","name":"ELF","createdAt":"2026-03-01T16:49:40.917Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:48.719Z","__v":0,"slug":"elf"},"excerpt":"We aren’t just “church-goers”; we are Kings and Priests. As Priests, we represent man before God, but as Kings, we reign in the marketplace, in governance, and in every secular space God has given us dominion over.","description_raw":"We aren’t just “church-goers”; we are Kings and Priests. As Priests, we represent man before God, but as Kings, we reign in the marketplace, in governance, and in every secular space God has given us dominion over.\n\nIt’s time to stop being a pawn in the world’s chess game. Master your dominion. Read the books, expand your mind, and take up space. The gospel isn’t just for the temple—it’s for the world too!","description_string":"We aren’t just “church-goers”; we are Kings and Priests. As Priests, we represent man before God, but as Kings, we reign in the marketplace, in governance, and in every secular space God has given us dominion over.\n\nIt’s time to stop being a pawn in the world’s chess game. Master your dominion. Read the books, expand your mind, and take up space. The gospel isn’t just for the temple—it’s for the world too!","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_z0ofbnC1Y&t=2372s","sermon_date":"2026-04-26T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/royal-priesthood-elf-europe/royal-priesthood-elf-europe.png"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/when-zoe-takes-over-elf-europe/when-zoe-takes-over-elf-europe.mp3","duration_raw":3410.500091,"duration_short":"00:56:50","duration_long":"56Mins 50Secs","file_size":56713816,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"6a038bdaf8a613c49f17ea10","slug":"when-zoe-takes-over-elf-europe","title":"When Zoe Takes Over - ELF Europe","theme":{"_id":"69a46e24f9bb218648756c3c","name":"ELF","createdAt":"2026-03-01T16:49:40.917Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:48.719Z","__v":0,"slug":"elf"},"excerpt":"Apostle Taught on When Zoe Takes Over at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_raw":"Apostle Taught on When Zoe Takes Over at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_string":"Apostle Taught on When Zoe Takes Over at Endless Life Festival Europe","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/w_z0ofbnC1Y?t=7650","sermon_date":"2026-04-25T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["elf"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/when-zoe-takes-over-elf-europe/when-zoe-takes-over-elf-europe.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/the-utter-helplessness-of-man-elf-europe/the-utter-helplessness-of-man-elf-europe.mp3","duration_raw":4716.550167,"duration_short":"01:18:36","duration_long":"1Hr 18Mins","file_size":113203511,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69fb55d4100cfcbed45e7845","slug":"the-utter-helplessness-of-man-elf-europe","title":"The Utter Helplessness of Man - ELF Europe","theme":{"_id":"69a46e24f9bb218648756c3c","name":"ELF","createdAt":"2026-03-01T16:49:40.917Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:48.719Z","__v":0,"slug":"elf"},"excerpt":"Apostle Taught on The Utter Helplessness of Man at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_raw":"Apostle Taught on The Utter Helplessness of Man at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_string":"Apostle Taught on The Utter Helplessness of Man at Endless Life Festival Europe","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/LYimZUnN6xk?t=13052","sermon_date":"2026-04-25T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["elf","pstirensaid"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/the-utter-helplessness-of-man-elf-europe/the-utter-helplessness-of-man-elf-europe.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/3-kinds-of-life/3-kinds-of-life.mp3","duration_raw":4198.207625,"duration_short":"01:09:58","duration_long":"1Hr 9Mins","file_size":67177641,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69fba477f8a613c49f15bdb8","slug":"3-kinds-of-life","title":"3 Kinds Of Life","theme":{"_id":"69a46e24f9bb218648756c3c","name":"ELF","createdAt":"2026-03-01T16:49:40.917Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:48.719Z","__v":0,"slug":"elf"},"excerpt":"Apostle Taught on 3 Kinds Of Life at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_raw":"Apostle Taught on 3 Kinds Of Life at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_string":"Apostle Taught on 3 Kinds Of Life at Endless Life Festival Europe","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/RbQ55NF6kv8?t=6049","sermon_date":"2026-04-25T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["elf"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/3-kinds-of-life/3-kinds-of-life.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/mortal-man-awesome-god-elf-europe/mortal-man-awesome-god-elf-europe.mp3","duration_raw":5133.747125,"duration_short":"01:25:33","duration_long":"1Hr 25Mins","file_size":82146273,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69fa8ad8100cfcbed45e64c8","slug":"mortal-man-awesome-god-elf-europe","title":"Mortal Man, Awesome God - ELF Europe","theme":{"_id":"69a46e24f9bb218648756c3c","name":"ELF","createdAt":"2026-03-01T16:49:40.917Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:48.719Z","__v":0,"slug":"elf"},"excerpt":"Apostle Taught on Mortal Man, Awesome God at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_raw":"Apostle Taught on Mortal Man, Awesome God at Endless Life Festival Europe","description_string":"Apostle Taught on Mortal Man, Awesome God at Endless Life Festival Europe","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/hEjwvRFExhE?t=5593","sermon_date":"2026-04-24T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["elf"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/mortal-man-awesome-god-elf-europe/mortal-man-awesome-god-elf-europe.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/jesus-the-son-of-man/jesus-the-son-of-man.mp3","duration_raw":4087.702625,"duration_short":"01:08:0.7026249999998981","duration_long":"1Hr 8Mins","file_size":65412166,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69ece8ee7c60212a53ba90a5","slug":"jesus-the-son-of-man","title":"Jesus - The Son Of Man","theme":{"_id":"66d89d96d5ae592fa5cdce1e","name":"Yeshua","createdAt":"2022-04-03T11:37:49.000Z","slug":"yeshua","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:02.026Z"},"excerpt":"As we continued our teaching series for the month, YESHUA, we explored the powerful topic: “Jesus: The Son of Man”","description_raw":"As we continued our teaching series for the month, YESHUA, we explored the powerful topic: “Jesus: The Son of Man” 🔥\n\nOur Apostle began by reminding us that you cannot claim to be interested in Jesus and not be truly committed to knowing Him (Matthew 22:34–37). \n\nThe totality of Christianity is not centred on us, but it is centred on Christ. ✨\n\nHere are a few things to note from the sermon;\n\n☑️ An acronym to defend the deity of Christ — HANDS\n\nH – Honoured as God (Hebrews 1:6)\n\nA – Attributes ascribed to Him (John 1:1, Revelation 1:8)\n\nN – Names that affirm His divinity (Isaiah 9:6, John 8:58, John 20:28)\n\nD – Deeds only God can do (John 1:3, Mark 2:5, Hebrews 1:3, John 5:22)\n\nS – Seated on God’s throne (Revelation 19:16, Revelation 11:15, Daniel 7)\n\n☑️ TRUTHS ABOUT JESUS’ SONSHIP WE MUST HOLD DEAR\n\n📍 Jesus, as the Son of Man, was eternal in His sonship (Isaiah 9:6)\n\n📍 He possesses the hypostatic union, fully God and fully man in one person\n\n📍 Understanding the humanity of Jesus deepens our appreciation for redemption (1 John 4:3, 2 John 1:7)\n\n📍 We must be imitators of Christ.\n\n☑️ UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF GOD AND CHRIST\n\nWhen it comes to God, there is one What and three Whos, that is, one divine nature expressed in three persons.\n\nOn the other hand, Jesus is one who with two Whats. He possesses both the divine nature and the human nature.\n\nIn His humanity, Jesus prayed to God, showing us that men ought to pray (Matthew 27:46). This also reflects the fulfilment of Psalm 22:1, 6–8, 16, and 18, revealing Jesus as a prophet.\n\n☑️ REASONS WHY JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD:\n\n- To declare the nature and character of God.\n- ⁠To show us what it means to live a life that pleases God.\n- ⁠He came as the second and last Adam (Adam means mankind) \n(Genesis 5:2; Hebrews 2:10; Romans 5:12, 17)\n\nBecause of what Christ has done, we reign in life and this is something we must rejoice about and share with the world!🔥","description_string":"As we continued our teaching series for the month, YESHUA, we explored the powerful topic: “Jesus: The Son of Man” 🔥\n\nOur Apostle began by reminding us that you cannot claim to be interested in Jesus and not be truly committed to knowing Him (Matthew 22:34–37). \n\nThe totality of Christianity is not centred on us, but it is centred on Christ. ✨\n\nHere are a few things to note from the sermon;\n\n☑️ An acronym to defend the deity of Christ — HANDS\n\nH – Honoured as God (Hebrews 1:6)\n\nA – Attributes ascribed to Him (John 1:1, Revelation 1:8)\n\nN – Names that affirm His divinity (Isaiah 9:6, John 8:58, John 20:28)\n\nD – Deeds only God can do (John 1:3, Mark 2:5, Hebrews 1:3, John 5:22)\n\nS – Seated on God’s throne (Revelation 19:16, Revelation 11:15, Daniel 7)\n\n☑️ TRUTHS ABOUT JESUS’ SONSHIP WE MUST HOLD DEAR\n\n📍 Jesus, as the Son of Man, was eternal in His sonship (Isaiah 9:6)\n\n📍 He possesses the hypostatic union, fully God and fully man in one person\n\n📍 Understanding the humanity of Jesus deepens our appreciation for redemption (1 John 4:3, 2 John 1:7)\n\n📍 We must be imitators of Christ.\n\n☑️ UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF GOD AND CHRIST\n\nWhen it comes to God, there is one What and three Whos, that is, one divine nature expressed in three persons.\n\nOn the other hand, Jesus is one who with two Whats. He possesses both the divine nature and the human nature.\n\nIn His humanity, Jesus prayed to God, showing us that men ought to pray (Matthew 27:46). This also reflects the fulfilment of Psalm 22:1, 6–8, 16, and 18, revealing Jesus as a prophet.\n\n☑️ REASONS WHY JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD:\n\n- To declare the nature and character of God.\n- ⁠To show us what it means to live a life that pleases God.\n- ⁠He came as the second and last Adam (Adam means mankind) \n(Genesis 5:2; Hebrews 2:10; Romans 5:12, 17)\n\nBecause of what Christ has done, we reign in life and this is something we must rejoice about and share with the world!🔥","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/jyOzkG6RhA8?t=3721","sermon_date":"2026-04-19T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/jesus-the-son-of-man/jesus-the-son-of-man.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/jesus-the-son-of-god/jesus-the-son-of-god.mp3","duration_raw":3737.162,"duration_short":"01:02:0.1619999999998072","duration_long":"1Hr 2Mins","file_size":59800956,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69deb9d6becab1d1b89fa737","slug":"jesus-the-son-of-god","title":"Jesus - The Son Of God","theme":{"_id":"66d89d96d5ae592fa5cdce1e","name":"Yeshua","createdAt":"2022-04-03T11:37:49.000Z","slug":"yeshua","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:02.026Z"},"excerpt":"This teaching brought clarity to one of the most important foundations of our faith; the identity of Jesus.","description_raw":"This teaching brought clarity to one of the most important foundations of our faith; the identity of Jesus.\n\nStarting from Luke 24:25–26, we saw how Jesus rebuked the disciples for being “slow of heart to believe”, all that the Scriptures had already revealed about Him.\n\nWhat they thought was a tragedy was actually God’s plan all along.\n\n📌 This introduces a powerful truth:\nThat if you read the Scriptures and don’t see Christ, you are reading it wrongly.\n\nJesus showed us the correct way to read Scripture:\n📍Firstly, we see the revelation of Christ as a part of the Trinity from the books written by Moses and through all the prophets.\n\nThis means the Old Testament must be read through a Christocentric lens.\n\n📌 We then traced Christ from the very beginning:\n\n📍Genesis 1:1 & John 1:1:  “In the beginning…”\nJohn wasn’t starting a new story; he was referencing Genesis. \nHence establishing that the doctrine of the Trinity of God was not first mentioned in the New Testament. \n\n📍Genesis 1:3 & John 1:4: The Light spoken of at creation was Christ Himself.\n\n📍All things were made by Him, through Him, and for Him.\n\n📍2 Corinthians 4:6:\nJust as God brought light into physical darkness, spiritually, He has now shone light into our hearts through Christ.\n\n📍Colossians 1:13:\nThe Gospel is about being translated from darkness into light.\n\nWe also learned from John 1:18 that No one has seen God, but the Son has revealed Him.\n\nThis helped us understand the difference between:\n* Seeing God “face to face” (mediated encounters)\n* And seeing God’s face (full revelation)\n\n📍In the Old Testament, God appeared through:\n* The burning bush\n* The pillar of fire\n* The Angel of the Lord (Christophany)\n\n📍Examples:\n* Abraham hosting God (Genesis 18)\n* Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32)\n* Joshua encountering the Commander (Joshua 5)\n* Gideon’s encounter (Judges 6)\n\nEven more striking:\n\nApostle also showed us through the scriptures that Jesus was present for the Jews, even in the Old Testament as seen in Proverbs 30:4; Daniel 7:13-14; Genesis 15:1; 1 Samuel 3:21.\n\n📍Genesis 15:1, 5: “The Word of the Lord came…” and brought Abraham outside\n📍1 Samuel 3:1–10: “The Word… came and stood”\n\n➡️ The Word was not just spoken: the Word was a Person.\n\nThis is why Jesus said in John 8:56 that Abraham saw His day.\n\n📍And that same Word became flesh.\n\n📌 Then we addressed a critical question:\n\nIf Jesus is God…\nwhy is He called the Son of God?\n\n📍Understanding Scripture requires:\n* Context\n* Audience\n* Language\n\n📌 “Son of God” does NOT mean God gave birth to Him in the most human explainable way.\n\n📍In Scripture, “sonship” can refer to:\n* Identity\n* Origin\n* Authority\n* Position\n\n📍Examples:\n* Solomon called God’s son (1 Chronicles 28:6)\n* Israel called God’s firstborn\n\nSo how is the sonship Jesus established in the scriptures?\n\n1️⃣ His Virgin Birth\n📍No human father;  being of divine origin (Luke 1:28-30; Luke 3:38)\n\n2️⃣ His Kingship (Davidic Throne)\n📍Luke 1:30–33: He is the promised King\n\n3️⃣ His Resurrection & Exaltation\n📍Declared Son of God with power (Hebrews 1:1-6)\n\n4️⃣ His Eternal Nature\n📍He has always been the Son; eternally existing and generated from the Father\n\n📌 Further proof of Christ’s Deity even in the Old Testament:\n\n📍In Mark 14, Jesus boldly identifies Himself with this prophecy, declaring His divinity.\n\n\nAs believers, these are things we must hold sacrosanct to our faith:\n\n📍We must know what we believe.\n📍We must understand the Word for ourselves.\n📍We must be able to teach it to others.\n\nKnowing that false doctrine thrives where there is shallow understanding, this teaching calls us back to depth, clarity, and conviction.\n\nBecause at the center of our faith is this truth:\n📌 Jesus is not just the Son of God; He is God revealed.","description_string":"This teaching brought clarity to one of the most important foundations of our faith; the identity of Jesus.\n\nStarting from Luke 24:25–26, we saw how Jesus rebuked the disciples for being “slow of heart to believe”, all that the Scriptures had already revealed about Him.\n\nWhat they thought was a tragedy was actually God’s plan all along.\n\n📌 This introduces a powerful truth:\nThat if you read the Scriptures and don’t see Christ, you are reading it wrongly.\n\nJesus showed us the correct way to read Scripture:\n📍Firstly, we see the revelation of Christ as a part of the Trinity from the books written by Moses and through all the prophets.\n\nThis means the Old Testament must be read through a Christocentric lens.\n\n📌 We then traced Christ from the very beginning:\n\n📍Genesis 1:1 & John 1:1:  “In the beginning…”\nJohn wasn’t starting a new story; he was referencing Genesis. \nHence establishing that the doctrine of the Trinity of God was not first mentioned in the New Testament. \n\n📍Genesis 1:3 & John 1:4: The Light spoken of at creation was Christ Himself.\n\n📍All things were made by Him, through Him, and for Him.\n\n📍2 Corinthians 4:6:\nJust as God brought light into physical darkness, spiritually, He has now shone light into our hearts through Christ.\n\n📍Colossians 1:13:\nThe Gospel is about being translated from darkness into light.\n\nWe also learned from John 1:18 that No one has seen God, but the Son has revealed Him.\n\nThis helped us understand the difference between:\n* Seeing God “face to face” (mediated encounters)\n* And seeing God’s face (full revelation)\n\n📍In the Old Testament, God appeared through:\n* The burning bush\n* The pillar of fire\n* The Angel of the Lord (Christophany)\n\n📍Examples:\n* Abraham hosting God (Genesis 18)\n* Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32)\n* Joshua encountering the Commander (Joshua 5)\n* Gideon’s encounter (Judges 6)\n\nEven more striking:\n\nApostle also showed us through the scriptures that Jesus was present for the Jews, even in the Old Testament as seen in Proverbs 30:4; Daniel 7:13-14; Genesis 15:1; 1 Samuel 3:21.\n\n📍Genesis 15:1, 5: “The Word of the Lord came…” and brought Abraham outside\n📍1 Samuel 3:1–10: “The Word… came and stood”\n\n➡️ The Word was not just spoken: the Word was a Person.\n\nThis is why Jesus said in John 8:56 that Abraham saw His day.\n\n📍And that same Word became flesh.\n\n📌 Then we addressed a critical question:\n\nIf Jesus is God…\nwhy is He called the Son of God?\n\n📍Understanding Scripture requires:\n* Context\n* Audience\n* Language\n\n📌 “Son of God” does NOT mean God gave birth to Him in the most human explainable way.\n\n📍In Scripture, “sonship” can refer to:\n* Identity\n* Origin\n* Authority\n* Position\n\n📍Examples:\n* Solomon called God’s son (1 Chronicles 28:6)\n* Israel called God’s firstborn\n\nSo how is the sonship Jesus established in the scriptures?\n\n1️⃣ His Virgin Birth\n📍No human father;  being of divine origin (Luke 1:28-30; Luke 3:38)\n\n2️⃣ His Kingship (Davidic Throne)\n📍Luke 1:30–33: He is the promised King\n\n3️⃣ His Resurrection & Exaltation\n📍Declared Son of God with power (Hebrews 1:1-6)\n\n4️⃣ His Eternal Nature\n📍He has always been the Son; eternally existing and generated from the Father\n\n📌 Further proof of Christ’s Deity even in the Old Testament:\n\n📍In Mark 14, Jesus boldly identifies Himself with this prophecy, declaring His divinity.\n\n\nAs believers, these are things we must hold sacrosanct to our faith:\n\n📍We must know what we believe.\n📍We must understand the Word for ourselves.\n📍We must be able to teach it to others.\n\nKnowing that false doctrine thrives where there is shallow understanding, this teaching calls us back to depth, clarity, and conviction.\n\nBecause at the center of our faith is this truth:\n📌 Jesus is not just the Son of God; He is God revealed.","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/yZs75Yvikc0?t=3435","sermon_date":"2026-04-12T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/jesus-the-son-of-god/jesus-the-son-of-god.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-2/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-2.mp3","duration_raw":3783.55325,"duration_short":"01:03:03","duration_long":"1Hr 3Mins","file_size":60543171,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69fe1b94f8a613c49f161732","slug":"faith-conference-portharcourt-day-2","title":"Faith Conference Portharcourt - Day 2","theme":{"_id":"69d397f30e13caaf2ecd5608","name":"Faith Conference","createdAt":"2026-04-06T11:24:35.947Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:48.788Z","__v":0,"slug":"faith-conference"},"excerpt":"Apostle preaching at Faith Conference Portharcourt","description_raw":"Apostle preaching at Faith Conference Portharcourt","description_string":"Apostle preaching at Faith Conference Portharcourt","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/0EQVluRaYE8?t=7178","sermon_date":"2026-04-11T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["fath conference","iren"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-2/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-2.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-1/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-1.mp3","duration_raw":4796.107438,"duration_short":"01:19:56","duration_long":"1Hr 19Mins","file_size":76744026,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69fe1a2bf8a613c49f1616fa","slug":"faith-conference-portharcourt-day-1","title":"Faith Conference Portharcourt - Day 1","theme":{"_id":"69d397f30e13caaf2ecd5608","name":"Faith Conference","createdAt":"2026-04-06T11:24:35.947Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:48.788Z","__v":0,"slug":"faith-conference"},"excerpt":"Apostle preaching at Faith Conference Portharcourt","description_raw":"Apostle preaching at Faith Conference Portharcourt","description_string":"Apostle preaching at Faith Conference Portharcourt","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/viDRhOuxH50?t=5918","sermon_date":"2026-04-10T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["fath conference","iren"],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-1/faith-conference-portharcourt-day-1.jpg"},{"audio_info":{"audio_url":"/sermon-assets/jesus---the-lion-and-the-lamb/jesus---the-lion-and-the-lamb.mp3","duration_raw":3495.656,"duration_short":"00:58:0.6559999999999491","duration_long":"58Mins 15Secs","file_size":55936815,"file_format":"mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg"},"_id":"69d7d24262b4469cf1a7db8b","slug":"jesus---the-lion-and-the-lamb","title":"Jesus - The Lion and The Lamb","theme":{"_id":"66d89d96d5ae592fa5cdce1e","name":"Yeshua","createdAt":"2022-04-03T11:37:49.000Z","slug":"yeshua","updatedAt":"2026-05-01T21:06:02.026Z"},"excerpt":"In Easter service yesterday, we received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the topic “The Resurrection and The Life”","description_raw":"In Easter service yesterday, we received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the topic “The Resurrection and The Life” 🔥\n\nHe started by highlighting that the best thing that can happen to any man is to receive Christ. We see the consistency of God in man’s life through salvation.\n\nLESSONS FROM EASTER \n1️⃣ Whatever the enemy means for evil will always turn around for good. In all the enemy’s scheming, everything still works according to the purpose of Christ. \n\nIt was the hand of the enemy that persecuted Jesus, but they did not know they were acting according to purpose. God is not threatened by our enemies. (Romans 8:28) \n\n2️⃣ Lesson on forgiveness. Just as Christ forgave us, we must forgive those who offend us. Forgiveness is a large part of the terms and conditions to bring a believer. God demands forgiveness. \n\nIt is not an advice, it is a requirement. (Matthew 6:12, 18:28-33, Ephesians 4:32) \n\n3️⃣ Death has lost it’s sting. As believers, we must not be afraid of life after death. Death has no power over us because it has been conquered! \n\nTo die is gain. This is why when we mourn, we do not mourn like those without hope. It is never a final goodbye, but an assurance to meet in Christ in future. We are not prisoners to the fear of death. (Hebrew 2:14-15)\n\n4️⃣ The conviction that Easter bestows on us. Jesus paid our debt, went into the abyss and came out unscathed. This is the assurance that death has been conquered. (John 3:16, Romans 10:6-7) \n\n5️⃣ By what Christ has done, we have evidence of life after death. No other region has a Savior who died and rose - what then is the proof of life after death? (Acts 17:31) \n\n📌 How Can We Know That Jesus Was Raised From The Dead? \n📍Legal evidence \n- Through eye evidence \n- Through circumstantial evidence\nWhat motive would the disciples have to lie? Every witness stood on the story of an empty tomb. HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! (John 20:6-8) \n\n6️⃣ It has proven for all times that Jesus loves us.\n\nIf there is good news, there is also bad news. There is wrath to come, there is judgement to come. The Easter message is not complete without this. We must be saved and accept that Jesus bled, died and rose for us. Glory! 🔥","description_string":"In Easter service yesterday, we received the ministry of Apostle as he taught on the topic “The Resurrection and The Life” 🔥\n\nHe started by highlighting that the best thing that can happen to any man is to receive Christ. We see the consistency of God in man’s life through salvation.\n\nLESSONS FROM EASTER \n1️⃣ Whatever the enemy means for evil will always turn around for good. In all the enemy’s scheming, everything still works according to the purpose of Christ. \n\nIt was the hand of the enemy that persecuted Jesus, but they did not know they were acting according to purpose. God is not threatened by our enemies. (Romans 8:28) \n\n2️⃣ Lesson on forgiveness. Just as Christ forgave us, we must forgive those who offend us. Forgiveness is a large part of the terms and conditions to bring a believer. God demands forgiveness. \n\nIt is not an advice, it is a requirement. (Matthew 6:12, 18:28-33, Ephesians 4:32) \n\n3️⃣ Death has lost it’s sting. As believers, we must not be afraid of life after death. Death has no power over us because it has been conquered! \n\nTo die is gain. This is why when we mourn, we do not mourn like those without hope. It is never a final goodbye, but an assurance to meet in Christ in future. We are not prisoners to the fear of death. (Hebrew 2:14-15)\n\n4️⃣ The conviction that Easter bestows on us. Jesus paid our debt, went into the abyss and came out unscathed. This is the assurance that death has been conquered. (John 3:16, Romans 10:6-7) \n\n5️⃣ By what Christ has done, we have evidence of life after death. No other region has a Savior who died and rose - what then is the proof of life after death? (Acts 17:31) \n\n📌 How Can We Know That Jesus Was Raised From The Dead? \n📍Legal evidence \n- Through eye evidence \n- Through circumstantial evidence\nWhat motive would the disciples have to lie? Every witness stood on the story of an empty tomb. HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! (John 20:6-8) \n\n6️⃣ It has proven for all times that Jesus loves us.\n\nIf there is good news, there is also bad news. There is wrath to come, there is judgement to come. The Easter message is not complete without this. We must be saved and accept that Jesus bled, died and rose for us. Glory! 🔥","preacher":"Apostle Emmanuel Iren","youtube_link":"https://youtu.be/NL8bykEK_Qk","sermon_date":"2026-04-05T00:00:00.000Z","tags":[],"thumbnail":"/sermon-assets/jesus---the-lion-and-the-lamb/jesus---the-lion-and-the-lamb.jpg"}],"page":1,"perPage":20,"count":20,"total":494}}