THE LIGHTED CHURCH PODCAST

BY PASTOR AMOS AKPANText ScriptureJohn 4:1–42This is the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.Jesus Broke BarriersJesus did something very surprising when He spoke to the Samaritan woman.1. He broke the gender barrierIn those days, men did not sit and talk alone with women in public. But Jesus did.2. He broke the racial barrierJews and Samaritans did not like each other. They avoided one another.But Jesus did not avoid her.3. He broke the religious barrierA Rabbi (a teacher of the law) was not supposed to talk to someone people called a sinner or outcast.But Jesus spoke to her anyway.Jesus showed us that no rule made by people can stop God’s love.He came to save everyone.What Happened to the Woman?When she met Jesus, something changed inside her.1. Her Shame Was RemovedShe used to go to the well when no one else was there.She felt ashamed.She did not want people to see her.But after meeting Jesus, she became bold.She ran into the city and told everyone about Him!An encounter with Jesus changes how we see ourselves.2. Her Identity ChangedPeople saw her as a sinner.But Jesus did not condemn her.Even though He knew everything about her past, He still accepted her.Because He accepted her, she opened her heart to Him.She asked for salvation and she received it.When we meet Jesus, we become children of God.The “living water” Jesus talked about is the Holy Spirit.He fills us and makes us new.3. She Found True SatisfactionBefore, she kept looking for happiness in the wrong places.But after meeting Jesus, she was satisfied inside.Jesus gave her spiritual fulfillment, something that lasts forever.4. Her Purpose ChangedShe left her water pot at the well.That water pot was the reason she came there.But now she had found something greater.She ran to tell others about Jesus.Her priorities changed.Her life changed.She became a messenger of good news.True WorshipShe learned that worship is not about a place.It is not about a mountain or a building.True worship comes from the heart.From Outcast to EvangelistThe woman who was once rejected became someone God used.Her story brought many people to Jesus.One transformed life can bring many more into the Kingdom of God.That is the power of an encounter with Christ.A Question for UsComing to church is good.Listening to sermons is good.But what change has happened inside you?An encounter with Jesus must bring transformation.If we truly meet Him, our lives will not remain the same.

"Speak Your Way to Greatness" by Pastor Charles Ojei is a message that emphasizes the power of words and speaking positively to achieve greatness. It focuses on how our words can shape our lives, destiny, and outcomes, and encourages us to use our words to uplift ourselves and others.

MESSAGE BY PASTOR CHARLES OJEI

MESSAGE DELIVERED BY PASTOR CHARLES OJEIText Scripture - John 8:1-11Understanding Grace, Sin, and JudgmentWhat is an Echo?An echo is when something is repeated to make it stand out. In the same way, God sometimes repeats important lessons so that we don’t forget them.What is Grace?Grace is God’s free gift of love and power. It is big enough to cover every mistake we make. But grace does not mean we should keep sinning. There’s a line God doesn’t want us to cross just because grace is available.The Two Kinds of Sin (Romans 5:12–21)1. The Sin of AdamAdam sinned, and because of him, death and condemnation came to every human being.His sin put us all in bondage (like being chained).2. The Gift of JesusJesus came and shed His blood to wipe away Adam’s sin.Now anyone who calls Him Lord is free from condemnation.Once we accept Jesus as Savior, no one, not even the devil, can condemn us.We become God’s sons and daughters forever.Salvation and the FleshSalvation kills the power of Adam’s sin, but it doesn’t kill the desire of our flesh to sin.We must fight against our flesh and choose not to sin.If we keep feeding our flesh with sin, it can harm or even destroy us.God does not punish fleshly sins immediately, but they will be judged on the last day.Why Discipline is ImportantConquering sin requires self-discipline. God will not force us.We must tell our bodies, “No, I will not do this sinful thing.”If we don’t, our sins will affect our relationship with God.Sin makes it harder to enjoy God’s blessings.1 Corinthians 9:27 reminds us that we must control our bodies so we can remain righteous.The Seriousness of GraceGrace is costly because it came through the blood of Jesus.So:We should never play with sin.We can stretch grace, but we cannot stop the judgment that comes from sin.Consequences of SinProverbs 14:34 – Sin brings shame to people.Romans 6:16 – When you choose sin, you become a slave to it, and it leads to death.2 Corinthians 5:10 – Every believer will one day stand before Christ and be judged for what they did in the body.Forgiveness and JudgmentWhen we confess our sins, God forgives us (1 John 1:9).But those sins are still recorded and will be judged.Continuing in sin insults the blood of Jesus and frustrates the grace of God.What to Do1. Hate sin – Hebrews 1:92. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you fight sin.3. Avoid situations that bring you close to sin.4. Tell yourself the truth – you know what you are doing wrong, stop it.5. Fight your weaknesses instead of feeding them.6. Live like a believer – show by your actions that you belong to Christ.7. Always go back to God for forgiveness, but never think forgiveness means He approves of your sin.8. Remember judgment day – every person will face it after this life.Final WordWhen we receive Jesus, we are called to live a new life.That means change. That means self-control. That means leaning on the Holy Spirit.Grace forgives us, but grace is not permission to sin.Choose life, choose holiness, and walk with God daily.

MESSAGE DELIVERED BY PASTOR CHARLES OJEI MESSAGE TITLE: FAMILY LOVE; GOD'S WAY Building Strong Marriages, Building Strong HomesA strong marriage produces a strong home. And a strong home produces strong children and strong families. The foundation of every family is the relationship between the husband and wife. If that relationship is weak, the family will struggle.God’s Design for Love and MarriageGod is the author of love and marriage. From the very beginning, He gave Adam a wife, and through them, families began to multiply on earth. Love did not start with human beings—it started with God.That is why we cannot build successful families based on culture, society, or our personal opinions. For families to stand, we must do it God’s way, following His principles.> 1 John 4:7-8 (NLT) – “God is love. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”Since God Himself is love, we must be careful how we define love. Real love—the God kind of love—must be what rules our homes.What Is the God Kind of Love?The love of God is not ordinary. It is not selfish. It does not depend on what someone has done for you. God loved us even before we loved Him. His love is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial.> John 13:34 (NLT) – “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”This is the kind of love God expects us to show in our families.Love is not taking advantage of people.Love is giving the best of yourself.Love is not convenient—it is sacrificial.Where Love Must Begin1. Love Yourself FirstYou cannot give what you don’t have. If you don’t love yourself, you won’t know how to love someone else. Loving yourself means not giving up on yourself. Work on your weaknesses without destroying yourself. The same way, when others fail, don’t throw them away—correct them in love.2. Love Your SpouseYour first responsibility after God is to your spouse. That love must come from God—not from feelings that change every day.3. Love Your ChildrenYou can’t claim to love other people’s children and neglect your own. Charity truly begins at home.4. Love OthersAfter family comes everyone else. God’s love flowing through you should touch people around you.The Power of Forgiveness and SacrificeTwo things hold love together: forgiveness and sacrifice.Forgiveness: True love keeps no record of wrongs. Forgiveness must be unconditional and unlimited. When you refuse to forgive, you give the devil room to enter your home.> Ephesians 4:26-27 – Don’t go to bed angry; don’t give the devil a foothold.James 4:7 – Resist the devil and he will flee.Forgiveness is not easy, but it is God’s way. When we forgive, we are showing grace—removing sins as if they never happened.Sacrifice: Sacrifice means denying yourself to make someone else comfortable. Love is not love if you only give when it is convenient. God did not withhold His Son from us—He gave His very best.> Romans 12:10 – “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”If you cannot sacrifice and forgive your spouse, no amount of material things can prove you love them.

MESSAGE DELIVERED BY PASTOR CHARLES OJEI Psalm 63:8 The essence of our being should be to follow God doggedly. This should be our daily desire and our actions must follow suit. The situations around us should not determine how we love God or how we follow Him. Our love for God should not be determined by whatever happens around us. God's openness towards us and His desire to reveal hidden things to us is determined by how much we are determined to give up just for the love we have for Him. Love God unconditionally.MESSAGE TITLE: WALK WITH THE WISE Text Scripture: Proverbs 13:20Proverbs 13:20 ( AMP)He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise,But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.Who Are You Walking With?It’s often said: "Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future." That’s not just a saying but a powerful truth.If you're not so wise right now but you start keeping close company with wise people, their wisdom will start rubbing off on you. Over time, you’ll begin to think, speak, and act more wisely without even realizing it.On the other hand, even if you are wise and you surround yourself with foolish people, it won’t be long before you begin to act foolishly too. And that can cost you your peace, your purpose, and even your destiny.Check Your CircleThe truth is, we need to intentionally evaluate the people around us. Ask yourself:Who are my closest friends?Who do I listen to the most?Who speaks into my life?The wrong company can derail your life completely. Many people had bright futures, big dreams, and great potential but they lost it all because they walked with the wrong crowd. Scripture says, “Bad company corrupts good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).To go the right way in life, you need the right people around you.What God Gives Is Power, Not Ready-Made WealthLet’s look at Deuteronomy 8:18. The Bible says, “It is God who gives you power to make wealth.”Notice it says power, not the wealth itself.This means God will bless the work of your hands. You must find something valuable to do. Once you do, God empowers it to prosper. Waiting for wealth to fall from the sky is not faith but fantasy.What You Don’t Know Can Keep You in DarknessRead Psalm 82:5 – It talks about people walking in darkness because they lack knowledge. Not because God didn’t shine the light, but because they don’t know how to walk in it.There are things you can’t become until you learn what to do. It’s not enough to wish for a better life. You must know how to create one. That’s wisdom.Search for Success CluesLook into scripture. According to Proverbs 25:2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”Study the people in the Bible who succeeded—Abraham, Joseph, Esther, Ruth and find out what they did. Then do the same.Also look around you. Who is doing well in life? In marriage? In business? In ministry? Don’t envy them but study them. Ask questions. Learn from their journey. Apply what works.The people you surround yourself with will either push you forward or pull you back.Walk with the WiseGod encourages us to walk with the wise, so we too can become wise. Think about Abraham and Sarah. They were not just blessed, they were obedient, faithful, and God-fearing. And that attracted divine favor.

MESSAGE DELIVERED BY PASTOR CHARLES OJEI Text Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12Fathers Deserve to Be HonoredFathers are not just figures in the family but pillars. They carry weight, they make sacrifices, they lead with strength, and they love in quiet, powerful ways. Their presence in the family cannot be overemphasized.Fathers deserve honor, respect, love, and appreciation, not just on Father's Day, but every day. Why? Because of the pivotal roles they play in the lives of their children and in holding the family together. When we take time to appreciate fathers, we encourage them to keep going, to give more, and to show up stronger.Who Is a Father?A true father is more than a title. His life speaks. His actions teach. His sacrifices pave the way. He is:A Provider – He works, sacrifices, and ensures that the needs of his family are met.A Protector – He shields his home, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.A Mentor – He teaches, he corrects, he guides with wisdom.A Covering – A father provides spiritual and emotional covering over his children. His presence brings peace and security.How Can We Honor Fathers?Honoring fathers is not just a nice gesture but a godly principle. It’s a seed that brings a harvest of blessings. Here are simple yet powerful ways we can show honor to the fathers in our lives:Give thoughtful, befitting giftsThis shows that you value who they are, not just what they do. The thought behind the gift matters more than the size.Speak kind, affirming wordsFathers also need encouragement. Tell them how much they mean to you. Say “thank you.” Speak life over them.Spend time and create good memoriesTime is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Be present. Laugh together. Share stories. Build connection.Respect their opinions, even when you think you know betterHonor isn’t agreement—it’s about valuing their wisdom and giving them the dignity of being heard.Celebrate their special daysDon’t let birthdays or Father’s Day go unnoticed. Make it a big deal. Celebrate them intentionally.A Spiritual Perspective: Honor Unlocks Blessing> “Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.”— 1 Samuel 2:30The Power of a Father's BlessingRead Genesis 49:1–27, and you’ll see Jacob, a father, releasing blessings over his children before he passed. Each blessing was unique. Each was based on the child’s character and relationship with him.A father's blessing carries:Power – It can shape the future of a child.Authority – It comes from a position ordained by God.Grace – It releases divine enablement.Anointing – It transfers spiritual covering and favor.When a father speaks blessing over his children, he is not just talking, he is declaring. And when a declaration flows from a father’s soul, God backs it up. Heaven honors the voice of a father.Final WordsIf you are privileged to have a father today, draw out the blessings locked inside of him by how you relate with him today.And if you're a father reading this, may you be encouraged. You matter. You are seen. You are valuable. Keep standing. Keep leading. Keep loving. Your reward is sure.Let this season be one where we don’t just celebrate fathers but honor them deeply. Because in honoring them, we open the doors to generational blessings.

MESSAGE DELIVERED BY PASTOR CHARLES OJEI MESSAGE TITLE: THERE IS AN END Text Scripture Proverbs 23:18God Is Committed to Fulfilling Your ExpectationsNo matter how high or impossible your expectations might seem, God has assured us that our expectations shall not be cut off. He has designed a divine plan where everything we hope for in Him is destined to come to pass. Even more, He promises that every force working against the fulfillment of our expectations has a definite end.Challenges Cannot Stop God's PromiseWe all face obstacles. There are situations, challenges, and even demonic interferences that try to block what we are believing God for. But God’s word is clear that whatever is standing in the way of your expectation has an expiry date.Surely, there is an end.There is no situation that you are going through that will last forever. No matter how long it's been, how dark it seems, or even if you think it's your fault, God says there is an end.The Power of the Holy Spirit Will Bring You ThroughIt is by the power of the Holy Spirit that every lingering issue will be resolved. You are never too far gone. No desire is beyond redemption. In Christ, there is no such thing as hopelessness. Every challenge is subject to divine turnaround.Delay Is Not DenialYes, delays happen. But delay is not denial. As long as you are still breathing, your challenges are not permanent. They will not go beyond what God has allowed. Never give up on God because there is nothing He cannot do.God Turns Hopeless Cases AroundScripture is filled with examples of situations that looked humanly impossible but were transformed by God:Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2) – Gave birth in old age.Elizabeth (Luke 1:13-17, 36) – Conceived after years of barrenness.Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) – Received his sight by faith.Joseph (Genesis 41:41-44) – Went from prison to palace.What seemed like a dead end became a doorway to divine manifestation.God's Plan Is At Work Behind the ScenesMany times, the trials we face are part of God’s bigger plan to fulfill our desires. Even when it looks like nothing can be done, God shows up suddenly. He fulfills His word because He promised that there is an end.Psalm 126:1-2Jesus Came to End the Devil’s WorksRead 1 John 3:8Jesus didn’t just come to comfort us; He came to completely overturn and destroy everything the enemy has done. Every work of the devil in your life is coming to an end. There is a shift in the realm of the spirit and even if you can’t see it yet, it will manifest. Your expectations will come to pass.

by Pastor Charles Ojei

The Lighted Church message by Pastor Charles Ojei We are assured that God will continue to bring new blessings into our lives. The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes freedom, as the people of God are no longer slaves but free. We celebrated with heartfelt praise, and we expect even greater blessings in the coming year. Today's Scripture Philippians 3:3-8 (KJV) Verse 3 is our focus: “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Our confidence is not in human achievements but in the Spirit and Word of God, which guide and sustain us. Success is found not in earthly accomplishments but in a life anchored in Jesus. Philippians 3:3 (Amplified) “For we [who are born again, spiritually transformed, renewed, set apart for His purpose] are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and take pride in Christ Jesus, placing no confidence in the flesh.” While human achievements may offer temporary pride, true sufficiency is found in God alone. Material wealth is not a guarantee of tomorrow; only faith in God and adherence to His direction will sustain us. 2 Corinthians 3:5 reminds us, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves… but our sufficiency is of God.” True Faith and Trust Jeremiah 17:5-8 declares: "5 Cursed be the man that trusteth in man… 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." True happiness and wealth come from God, and He adds no sorrow to His blessings. We must guard our faith, standing firm against influences that might lead us astray. Often, God’s blessings come from unexpected sources, reminding us to remain humble and open. Isaiah 41:13 reassures us, “For I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” God's guidance is essential as we navigate life's challenges, and His promises empower us to reach new heights. Even if circumstances don't align with our expectations now, God’s plans will surely be revealed. Our Positive Confession Confess daily that you are destined for success. Stand for God, and He will act on your behalf, leading you to opportunities that exceed expectations. 1 Samuel 2:8 reminds us: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.” God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and as we align ourselves with His will, miracles will manifest in our lives. This year, we will witness His favor as we strive toward our dreams with confidence, regardless of external challenges.

MESSAGE OF HOPE BY PASTOR CHARLES OJEI Read Romans 8:24-25 Hope in itself is life. When hope dies, nothing lives. When you see what you are hoping for, there is no longer need to hope for that thing. You basically place your hope on what you do not see. And hope requires patience so that what you are hoping for can be actualized. Don't let go of your hope. The hope you have for your life can't be let go of because of what you are seeing. Instead increase your hope so that you can drown out the voice of the challenges around you. Hope is one of the strongest virtues a Christian can have for kingdom exploits and victory. It is infact one of the strongest virtues of every human being on earth. But we Christians have our hope in God and not in the world. The greatest mistake any Christian can make is to lose hope in Christ. It is possible to live in a state of hopelessness in one particular area of life while having hope in another area of life. But as a child of God there is no situation that should make you lose your hope in the abilities of God to change your situation. The realities of life right now might have seriously dented your hope. Every opportunity you are clinging on to make headway in life might have seriously been tampered with. How will you be able to hold onto your hope? Don't allow your hope to dwindle because our hope is built not on the things we see but on Jesus Christ. Miracles still happen for those who put their hope in Christ, so you are not permitted to be hopeless. As long as you have life, and you are a child of God, there is still hope. Read Job 14:14 You can wait out any situation. Keep your hope alive and know that your situation must change. Be so sure that your change must come. It is your right as a Child of God for negative situations in your life to change into great things. To get to the next level of your life, you must wait out this present level. Losing your hope starts from the mind. Your mind tells you that there is no longer hope, then you lose hope. Work on your mind so that you will never get to that level. Hope is spiritual rather than physical. We all started our spiritual race through hope in God. We didn't physically see God but believed in what we heard about God. We must sustain our lives in the kingdom through hope. When we lose hope, we lose the essence of living and begin to die on the inside. Read 1 Peter 1:3 The resurrection of Jesus is the bedrock of our living hope. If Christ could conquer the devil and all the challenges he brought to Jesus, defeated death and came alive again, then nothing can hold us down permanently. By His resurrection He defeated every challenge of our lives. We cannot wish away the economic hardship, nor can we pray it away. We must work with the covenant we have in Christ that nothing can put us under permanently. Read Colossians 2:13-15 God is able to do all He says He will do. Learn to keep your hope alive. Let your hope be the light that shines on your path. What is hope? True hope comes from trusting God even when circumstances are difficult. It is a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen through God. A positive desire that something good is going to happen to you because of God's greatness. Hope helps us see beyond troubles to abundance. Hope gives life a new meaning. Read Romans.4:18 Rejuvenate your mind. You can do/achieve whatever you set your mind to do as long as you keep your hope alive. Keep your hope alive, continual, and perpetual. If you find that what you hoped for didn't happen today, keep your face on tomorrow. Surely your change will come. Your change is coming TOMORROW! Your victory is coming TOMORROW!!! Your transformation is coming TOMORROW!!!!!

The Lighted Church Men on a Mission Convention 2024