TLDR;
In this sermon, Pastor David Ogwali discusses the concept of believers as living stones in God's spiritual house, highlighting the importance of understanding and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. He emphasises that God is building a temple and raising a priesthood, and that believers are called to be ministers. The sermon also covers the necessity of being prepared and molded by God, addressing issues of motive, attitude, and character. It concludes with a message of hope and empowerment, proclaiming open doors and divine connections for those who are willing to embrace God's process.
- Believers are living stones in God's spiritual house.
- Fulfilling God's purpose is essential.
- Preparation and molding by God are necessary.
- Open doors and divine connections are available.
Introduction: Dominion and the Kingdom of God [0:00]
Pastor David Ogwali opens by stating that the kingdom of God is within people and advances through them. He asserts that faith must be supported by assignment. He emphasises the importance of controlling the earth and its circumstances, mirroring God's control over the heavens.
Jesus: A Living Stone [0:39]
Referencing 1 Peter 2:4, Pastor Ogwali describes Jesus as a living stone, chosen by God but rejected by men. He notes that despite Jesus's lack of recognition during his time on Earth, he is precious to God. He encourages listeners not to be concerned about those who despise them, but to focus on what God is doing in their lives.
The Spiritual Rock: Christ in the Wilderness [1:53]
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10, the sermon uses the Israelites' journey through the wilderness as an analogy. The Israelites drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, which Pastor Ogwali identifies as Christ. He explains that God provided water from the rock when they thirsted, but the people repeatedly failed to learn from these experiences, falling back into doubt and unbelief. Moses was instructed to speak to the rock instead of striking it a second time, highlighting the living, moving nature of Christ.
Hiding in the Cliff of the Rock [4:47]
Pastor Ogwali recounts Moses's request to see God's glory and God's response to hide him in the cliff of the rock. He explains that the glory of God is such that mortal flesh cannot withstand it, necessitating a "heavenly suit" to enter heaven. He asserts that hiding in Christ protects believers from harm and that our lives are hidden with Christ in God.
Living Stones: Building a Spiritual House [7:45]
Referring to 1 Peter 2:5, Pastor Ogwali states that believers are living stones, part of a spiritual house being built by God. He explains that God is building a family, a temple, and a holy priesthood. He stresses that everyone is called to be a minister in Christ and that failing to fulfil this calling is akin to aborting a divine pregnancy.
A Chosen Generation: God's Purpose for the Ecclesia [11:59]
Pastor Ogwali quotes 1 Peter 2:9, emphasising that believers are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. He warns against repeating the mistakes of the Old Testament, where the Israelites failed to fulfil the purpose of their calling after being delivered from Egypt. He highlights that God's purpose is constant, even if individuals deviate from it.
Exodus 19: God's Covenant with Israel [13:38]
Referencing Exodus 19, Pastor Ogwali recounts God's covenant with the children of Israel, where they were called to be a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. He connects this to the present-day church, emphasising that God is building a priesthood, a temple, and a nation. He notes that Jesus exemplifies the combination of kinship and priesthood, functioning as both high priest and king.
Ephesians 2: The Temple of the Holy Ghost [17:45]
Quoting Ephesians 2, Pastor Ogwali explains that believers are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. He states that the building is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, and believers are being built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. He clarifies that while individuals are temples of the Holy Ghost, the mature revelation is that the church as a family is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Living Stones: Precious and Expensive [20:13]
Pastor Ogwali describes believers as living, precious stones, likening them to valuable pearls. He emphasises that God gave everything, including his life, to purchase believers, making them incredibly valuable. He warns against despising or mistreating Christians, as they are dearly bought by God.
The Levy of Men: Building Solomon's Temple [22:06]
Referencing 1 Kings 5, Pastor Ogwali discusses Solomon's construction of the temple, noting that Solomon raised a levy of 30,000 men for the work. He connects this to the present, stating that Jesus is commanding believers to gather precious stones to build his house. He emphasises the need for healing and finding one's place in the house of God.
Squaring the Stones: Soul Winning and Development [25:47]
Pastor Ogwali explains that while everyone is sent to bring stones, some are selected to square the stones, which he equates to soul winning and soul development. He describes "internal formation" as shaping people from the inside out through the word of God. He contrasts this with external conformity, where people follow rules without genuine transformation.
Ephesians 4: The Stone Squares [28:58]
Referring to Ephesians 4, Pastor Ogwali identifies apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as those who square the stones, preparing and shaping people for their place in the kingdom. He stresses the importance of preparation before placement, explaining that stones must be made ready before being brought to the building site, as described in 1 Kings 6:7.
The Squaring Process: Motives, Attitudes, and Character [32:11]
Pastor Ogwali outlines the squaring process, which involves squaring motives, attitudes, utterances, and character. He emphasises that God judges the heart behind the action, not just the action itself. He discusses the importance of meekness, teachability, and correctability as essential attitudes for inheriting the earth.
Breaking and Molding: The Potter's Hand [36:06]
Pastor Ogwali discusses the two sides of making a person God uses: breaking and molding. He encourages listeners to relax in the potter's hand and allow God to do his work. He challenges the modern church's notion that suffering means God is punishing you, asserting that there is a price for discipleship and greatness.
The Body of Christ: A Habitation of God [37:02]
Pastor Ogwali explains that the bread in communion represents the body of Christ, not just the body of Jesus. He clarifies that the Holy Spirit endures believers to become the habitation of God, just as he endured Jesus. He emphasises the importance of receiving Christ, the spirit of Jesus, into our hearts.
No Hammering in the Temple: Rebellion and Obedience [38:42]
Pastor Ogwali reiterates that there was no hammering or chiseling during the building of Solomon's temple, as all the parts were prepared beforehand. He contrasts this with the rebellions and problems that arise when people are not properly prepared. He uses the example of King Saul, who disobeyed God and was rejected, and King David, who was corrected by a prophet and repented.
The Purpose of Breaking: Security in Power [41:54]
Pastor Ogwali emphasises that understanding the purpose of breaking will lead to thanking God for it, as it provides security in power. He shares his own experiences of being broken and molded by God, which have helped him stay grounded. He also references Esther, who remembered where God picked her from and fulfilled her purpose.
Faithfulness and Steadfastness: The Foundation of God [44:28]
Pastor Ogwali asserts that God's purpose will not perish, even if individuals fail. He quotes 2 Timothy 2:19, stating that the Lord knows those who are his and that everyone who names the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity. He emphasises that suffering with Christ leads to reigning with him, but there is a price for the crown.
The Wilderness Experience: Proving Your Heart [45:38]
Pastor Ogwali explains that the wilderness experience is meant to prove your heart and prepare you for good in your latter end. He warns against behaving like the nations that were vomited out of the land, urging listeners to be prepared for the government house and financial empowerment that is coming.
Open Doors: A New Season Beginning [54:20]
Pastor Ogwali proclaims a new season is beginning, with open doors and divine connections. He references Revelation 4, where John saw a door opened in heaven after being broken on the island of Patmos. He announces that heavens have opened, and there will be multiple open doors, deliverance, finances, and favour.
Anointing for Empowerment: Taking Over Cities [57:58]
Pastor Ogwali declares that this is an anointing service, where people are receiving anointing for empowerment to take over cities, businesses, and political fields. He states that visions, dreams, divine directions, inspirations, and fresh anointings are falling. He commands all closed doors to open in the name of Jesus.
Possessing Your Possessions: The Promised Land [1:01:21]
Pastor Ogwali concludes by welcoming listeners to the other side, the season to possess their possessions. He declares that the wilderness is behind, and the promised land is before them. He encourages them to go ahead and possess it, stating that whatever they open their mouth to declare will be established for them.