TLDR;
Apostle Michael Orokpo, founder of Encounter Jesus Ministries International, discusses the importance of building in God's kingdom. He emphasizes that God's building work includes individuals, the church, nations, and Zion, all of which serve specific purposes in manifesting God's glory and establishing His government on earth. Orokpo outlines the reasons behind God's building work, highlighting the necessity of encountering God through various means such as His word, prophecies, and trials. He concludes with a call to understand one's identity and purpose within God's plan.
- God is building individuals, the corporate church, nations, and Zion.
- Building serves the purpose of establishing a habitation for God and manifesting His glory.
Introduction to Apostle Michael Orokpo [0:08]
Apostle Michael Orokpo is an ordained minister and the founder of Encounter Jesus Ministries International, based in Abuja, Nigeria. His ministry focuses on raising believers with experiential knowledge of God and advancing God's kingdom through repentance of lost souls. Orokpo holds degrees in chemistry and is married with three children.
God's Building Plan [7:05]
Apostle Orokpo expands upon God's building plan, explaining that it involves constructing individuals who can participate in His mission. He references Nehemiah 2:17, where the prophet calls for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, asserting that God builds not only people but also the church, nations, and Zion. He emphasises that all believers are called to take part in God's construction, highlighting the different 'edifices' God is building.
Four Major Edifices of God's Building [7:59]
Orokpo explains four main components of God's building: individuals, the corporate church (ecclesia), nations, and Zion. He stresses that every believer is a crucial part of this divine architecture. The church serves as a corporate body where God's agenda is expressed, while nations act as platforms for God's kingdom to manifest. He concludes by stating that Zion represents the city's spiritual essence where God reveals His glory.
The Purpose of God's Building [12:56]
Apostle Orokpo outlines five key reasons God is particular about building: to create a habitation for Himself, to establish conduits for His glory, to institute His governance, to install His value systems, and to accomplish His eternal purposes. Each reason reveals the deep significance of God's construction efforts, aiming to ensure a vibrant relationship with humanity.
Non-negotiables in God's Building [23:08]
When discussing non-negotiable aspects of God's building, Orokpo highlights the necessity of adhering to divine patterns as specified in scripture. He emphasizes the significance of Christ as the foundation of God's project, explaining that understanding Jesus on various levels (as God, the God-man, and the firstborn) is vital for aligning with God’s construction plan.
Methods of God's Building [41:40]
Orokpo identifies several resources God uses to build His people: the word of God, encounters with Him, the divine life within believers, prophecies, priesthood, ministry gifts, and trials. He explains that these methods facilitate spiritual growth and enable individuals to embody God's presence and purpose within their environments.
The Manifestation of God's Work [1:00:03]
The final section of the sermon addresses what happens when God builds individuals. Apostle Orokpo asserts that those transformed by God exhibit rivers of power, wisdom, honour, glory, and blessings within society, leading to societal transformation. He concludes by inviting attendees to embrace their identity in Christ and to recognise the call to influence the world positively.
