SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND 2025 YOUR OFFERING MAKES A DIFFERENCE And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar (1 Kings 3:4). PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME  In 1 Kings 3, when Solomon became king of Israel, he was deeply troubled. He knew he was not the firstborn son, and his mother, Bathsheba, was not the first wife of his father, David. Solomon understood that his position as king would bring challenges because he had older brothers who despised both him and his mother.  For example, when you study the accounts in 1 Kings 2, Solomon's older brother Adonijah attempted to usurp the throne, and Solomon later ordered the execution of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei to secure his reign. These show the violent and unstable environment in which Solomon ascended the throne. So, despite being king, he faced several threats to his life and position. He knew he had to do something beyond the ordinary to se...

SATURDAY, 1ST FEBRUARY 2025 PASTOR CHRIS THE INFLUENCE OF HIS KINGDOM Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence (John 18:36). One of the charges for which Jesus was condemned was that He declared Himself to be a king. When Pilate asked Him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "…My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36). Pilate, intrigued by Jesus’ response, sought further clarification regarding His kingship. He asked again, “Are you a king then?” Jesus elaborated, saying, “…To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37). The Lord Jesus stati...