Welcome to Higher Ground Conference 2024 (HGC 2024) themed Restoration. This years’ sessions began with a rousing introduction that set the tone for a day filled with inspiration and impactful words for the Nigerian Church.
The first sermon was delivered by Doctor David Ogbueli, the Senior Pastor of Dominion City International. In this Holy Spirit inspired thought-provoking teaching titled “Letter to the Nigerian Church,” he unveiled critical insights into the current state of the Church in Nigeria and the areas requiring more focus in our desire for revival, spiritual and national growth.
Doctor Ogbueli drew from Biblical examples, highlighting how the spirits of strife, greed, pride, and lust have crept into the Church, and called for a return to holiness. He continued further into his teaching and uncovered how these revelations can guide the Nigerian church towards a season of true restoration and revival. He share three insights to guide us.
The Future is Hidden in the Past
The future is often hidden in the past, as the Bible reveals profound truths that serve as a guide for what is to come. Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us that, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
This ancient wisdom suggests that history holds keys that can unlock the future. Similarly, in Revelation 1:1, we see that the book of Revelation is a prophetic message, unveiling what is to come by understanding the past.
Turning Adversity into Advantage
Many times, the solutions we seek for the next level of our lives are disguised as problems. Adversities are often opportunities in disguise, designed to strengthen us for future challenges. Rather than run from these trials, we should pray for the power to convert adversities into advantages and headaches into headways. By leaning into these challenges, God can turn our trials into triumphs.
The Letter to the Nigerian Church
If Jesus were to write a letter to the Nigerian Church today, He would surely praise us for the strides we are making in spreading the Gospel and growing the faith. However, He would also call for repentance in four key areas: the spirit of strife and envy (as seen in Cain), the spirit of greed (like Balaam), the spirit of pride and rebellion (as Korah demonstrated), and the spirit of lust (as embodied by Jezebel). Jude 1:11-16 warns us against these dangers, urging the Church to walk in humility, purity, and unity.
In this season, let us seek wisdom from the past, pray for the grace to overcome challenges, and align our hearts with God’s will for the future.
Watch the full sermon here
