Pastor Shola begins from Hebrews 12:22–24 NKJV, teaching that the Old Testament is Jesus concealed, while the New Testament is Jesus revealed (Genesis 7:1 NKJV). He references Acts 7:37 NKJV and Matthew 16:13–19 NKJV, when Jesus was speaking about His identity, and reminds us that Christ means the Anointed One (Acts 10:38).The first time Jesus used the word translated as church was in Matthew 16:18, when He spoke to Peter. The original Greek word is ekklesia, meaning “assembly” or “the called-out ones.” Pastor Shola teaches that the church was instituted by revelation (Matthew 16:19 NKJV) but its formation did not happen until the book of Acts.The Book of Acts can be divided into three sections:- Acts 1–7: centers on Peter and reflects the apostolic vision of the early church, with the message directed primarily to the Jews.- Acts 9–28: highlights the ministry of Paul, where the gospel extends to the Gentiles.- Acts 8–12: covers matters arising as the church was growing stronger.Pastor Shola notes that three people were key in propagating the gospel:- Paul (Acts 8)- The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:27)- Cornelius (Acts 10:1–3)The Purpose of the Church- God’s system on the earth (1 Timothy 3:15)- The body of Christ, with Jesus as the head (Colossians 1:16 NKJV)- A collection/gathering of believers (1 Corinthians 12:27 NKJV, Acts 11:22 NKJV)- The house of prayer (Matthew 21:13 NKJV)- A place of diversity (Romans 12:14 NKJV)- A place to be built (Ephesians 2:19 NKJV)- A place of doctrine (Acts 2:42 NKJV, 1 Timothy 5:21 NKJV)- A place of fellowship (Hebrews 10:24 NKJV)- A place to offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:4)- A place where the Lord requires meat/supplies (Malachi 3:10 NKJV)- A place where angels are allocated (1 Timothy 5:21 NKJV)Church History in Six Periods- 30–300 AD: Pastor Shola mentioned that this was the birth of the church (Acts 15). The gospel spread through passion, discipleship, love, and miracles. Persecution later scattered believers (Acts 2, Genesis 11), which God used to fulfill His plan to reach the nations.- 300–600 AD: He highlighted the rise of the Apostolic Fathers. In 380 AD, Christianity became the state religion of Rome under Theodosius I.- 600–1000 AD: Pastor Shola noted this period was marked by the rise of Islam.- 1000–1500 AD: He explained that this era, known as the Dark Ages, saw Muslims conquer much of the Middle East, Christians begin to fight back, and the formation of the papacy in Rome.- 1500–1600 AD: Pastor Shola described this as the Reformation period, beginning with the pre-Protestant movement. (In Bible history, the previous move always fights the current move.)- 1600 AD – Present: He concluded by pointing to the Evangelical movement and later the rise of Pentecostalism.Pastor Shola concludes that God is raising cosmopolitan believers (Isaiah 2:3) and mighty men so that when Christ comes every space will be covered. The church is not man made but God’s system on the earth, instituted by revelation and formed in Acts. It is the body of Christ, called to be His witness, His dwelling, and His instrument for global transformation.ABOUT THE NEWWe are a people of love and excellence who are result-oriented, spirit-led, word-rooted, prayer-driven, and kingdom-conscious. Led by Pst. Shola Okodugha, we are on a divine assignment to equip and raise men; to release people from strongholds that have stifled them from taking their rightful places, and to give young people an avenue for their God-given gifts to find expression.OUR CREED"As sure as God helps us,We will not give upWe will not cave inWe will not quitWe will not failWe will not dieUntil our job is doneAnd victory is won"——Partner with us to spread the influence of God all over the world. Give - https://pay.squadco.com/TheNewglobal——BROADCAST DETAILSMinister: Pastor Shola OkodughaDate: Monday, August 25 2025——
