by Dr. William F. Kumuyi 

Memory Verse: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" - Mt 16:18

 When the Apostle John sent  the inspired letters to the churches in Asia, his writing reflected the words of a concerned Father about his blood bought children (Rev 1:5; Acts 20:28).

To some churches Christ offered commendation and encouragement (Rev 3:7; 2:8) and to others he offered correction and exhortation (Rev 3: 1; 3:14). To the erring churches, every word of knowledge and revelation was designed to uncover the malaise that had broken out among them while offering a panacea for full recovery and restoration of the church.

The church is referred to in superlative terms throughout scripture. In one instance it is called the pillar and ground of truth (I Tim 3:15). But even more importantly our memory verse reveals that God’s will for the church is that it be powerful and strong.

Christ is building a powerful church that is founded on the rock of truth-not swaying but solid. This is a church that is immobile as the rock of

Gibraltar (Heb 12:28; Daniel 2:44). This powerful church being erected is God’s building and yet we (members and ministers) are laborers together with him (I Corinthians 3:9). It requires divine wisdom to build the church alongside Christ. If we are to build in a manner that is pleasing to Him, we need wisdom, willingness and extreme care.

As we examine the temple of our lives, families and local church, let us rid it of any spot or wrinkle or any such thing that will ultimately lead to weakness and divine displeasure (Ephesians 5:27).

Let us hold  firm our spiritual convictions and hold loosely the things of this world (I John 2:15).If ministers and members join hearts and hands together with all our

divinely bestowed skill and ability, the devil will find it impossible to overcome,overthrow or overturn the church. The Convention has come and gone but the clear challenges and deep lessons linger on.

Such an unforgettable experience, with its indelible and unforgettable marks that affected our personal lives, families and the church must be followed through with solemn self examination, deep repentance and uncommon consecration. If this is not going to be a fleeting experience, we must rehearse the prophetic corrections and divine injunctions declared for our good and the glory of God.

We must resolve to shed the garments and habits of weakness and put on strength so that the church is restored to its high and exalted calling. Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old (Isaiah 51:9a)