CHAPTER THREE

HISTORY OF LIVING FAITH CHURCH IN NIGERIA

3.1 ADVENT OF CHRISTIANITY IN NIGERIA
Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world. It is a religious movement entrenched

on the life and teaching of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to regulate human behaviour in

this life with much emphasis on life after death. Besides, Christianity is an agent of

transformation. A critical study of Christianity shows that its influential powers are quite

irresistible. It has not penetrated any human society or institution without making a

remarkable impact (Asadu 20). Only through Christianity, the Popes of the medieval period

were very prominent in the governance of Europe at their time.

Christianity began in Nigeria through the activities of various evangelical bodies from

Europe, whose amazing feat of missionary endeavours became fruitful in the 19th century. It

has penetrated every strata of the Nigerian society, exerting a huge influence across the

board, with all the churches either increasing their number through evangelism or reducing

barbarianism through the ministration of the word of God. It is quite amazing how

Christianity is soaring effortlessly above some of the other socio-religious institutions in

Nigeria.

Christianity

According to the Oxford Advanced Learners' Dictionary 6th edition, 'Christianity is the

religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the belief that He was the son of

God'. Pfeiffer (ed. 19) expanded this by saying that: Christianity is the religion founded by

Jesus Christ. Following his ascension, the apostles in the power of the Holy Spirit preached in

his name. They taught that he was God's son, the messiah; they gathered a community of

believers and they exhorted all to a holy life. (338)

There are both continuity and discontinuity of Christianity with the religion of the Old

Testament. The life and teachings of Jesus, upon which Christianity is founded, are the
culmination and fulfilment of the Old Testament. The adherents of Christianity are called

Christians and their place of worship and indeed Christians themselves are called the

Church, which refers to the assembly of the believers in God through Christ; people are

believed to have been called out from darkness, thoroughly washed in the blood of the lamb.

According to Arinze (198) The church is a society in which religion shows itself as practically

organized. Our Savour Jesus Christ made man, established the church as the concrete way

in which we are to exercise religion. The Christian is a follower of Christ and a member of the

church. His religion has much to say to him about his orientation of his whole life, and

therefore, certainly about politics and his involvement in it.

Christianity In Nigeria

As Alubo (28) argues, the origins of Christianity in Nigeria predate the formal colonization of

the country, even though it was introduced in northern Nigeria only in the middle of the 19th

century. In southern Nigeria, however, Christian missionaries arrived as far back as the 15th

century. Most of the missionaries came from Portugal, Spain and Ireland and they built

schools and hospitals but combined these efforts with evangelisation and widespread

attempts to convert the people living in what is now southern Nigeria from their ‘traditional’

religions to Christianity. Alongside the missionaries also came the European traders who

sold gunpowder, bought spices from the locals, and later developed the West African slave

trade.

Initially, therefore, Christianity spread in Nigeria through social development projects,

mainly organised through schools, health centres, and of course training facilities for local

clergy (e.g. seminaries). Logistically, there was a clear geographical pattern to the growth of

the different (often competing) church missions. As a consequence, there were thus

Catholic, Methodist, Evangelical Church for West Africa, Baptist, Church Missionary Society,

and other enclaves of Christians. Mostly, these early churches in Nigeria could be classified

as Catholic or ‘orthodox’ Protestant. Many of these churches were particularly effective in

‘their’ enclaves because they did not directly confront ‘traditional’ religions as a foundation

for Christianity, instead of attempting to fully eradicate local religions and replacing them

with Christianity. Thus, many Christian rituals and articles of faith became ‘localised’ – that

is, they became fused with aspects of the existing African religions.

In northern Nigeria, Musa Gaiya (20) identifies two phases of the introduction of Christianity.

In the first phase, from 1857 to 1894, the main vehicle of evangelisation was the Anglican

Niger Mission of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). As Gaiya shows, this period begins

with the establishment of the first Niger Mission station in northern Nigeria and ends with

the beginning of the ‘Sudan’ Mission. The second phase coincides largely with the period of

colonial rule in Nigeria, beginning with the coming of the Faith Missions and ending with the

rise of the first indigenous churches (357).

In this second phase, Christianity received a boost from Nigerian unification (1914) and its

independence (1960), when missionaries were determined to lend a hand in building the

young nation. They did so through the award of scholarships, further building of schools, and

the establishment of new churches. Although Christianity remained in practice connected to

local, pre- Christian beliefs, the conversion process also often involved profound cultural

changes. Examples of such changes are the replacement of local names by Christian ones,

or the conduct of marriages in accordance with the new teaching of monogamy. Some

Nigerians were also sent abroad where they received secular and sometimes clerical

education.

In the early post-colonial era, Christianity remained mostly limited to Catholics and

mainstream Protestants. However, from about the mid 1980s the Pentecostal movement

began to emerge as a major force. Like the early denominations, Pentecostalism

commenced the in the southern half mostly around Benin and Lagos from where it spread

rapidly to the rest of the country, especially from the late 1990s (Gwamna 20, McCain 19).

While the Assemblies of God have existed for over 50 years, the newer brands of
Pentecostalism are more recent creations, dating back to the late 1970s and even 1980s

(McCain 20, Gwamna 24).

Although other, more ‘orthodox’ Catholic and Protestant churches can also continue to boast

a huge public support in Nigeria, the Pentecostal movement has grown enormously over the

past two decades and is now arguably the dominant Christian movement in Nigeria.

Pentecostalism, in general, is the flagship of the charismatic renewal that is happening

throughout contemporary Christianity. The charismatic movement refers to the gift of grace

described in the New Testament (I Corinthians 12-14) displayed by Christians imbued with

the Holy Spirit. It refers to extraordinary behaviour displayed by people who have undergone

what is called, in Pentecostal language, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The Charismatic movement has always been part of Christian history and politics. It was first

expressed in St Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, then undergoing a charismatic wave. It

reappeared in Phrygia in A. D. 156 during the Montanist movement but was strongly

opposed by the hierarchy of the young Church, which felt that its legitimacy was being

undermined by the prophetic claims of the Montanists (Atiemo 1993:7). Already at that time,

the Montanists were calling on Christians to directly experience the power of the Holy Spirit,

thereby subverting the intermediary role of the Church establishment. The radical stance of

the charismatic movement towards Orthodox Churches remains a basic cause of friction to

this day.

A Brief History of the Birth of Pentecostalism in Nigeria

An understanding of the birth of Pentecostalism in Nigeria may be impossible outside the history of the

birth of Christianity. The history of Christianity in Nigeria up till date may be divided into two phases. The

first attempt to introduce Christianity to the geographical area known as Nigeria was in Benin /Warri

areas of Niger Delta in the 15th century. It was carried out by the Catholic Portuguese Missionaries.

However, Omotoye (105) observes that this early attempt was met with failure.
A second attempt was made by the European Christian Missionaries during the 19th century. The

Christianization of the country between the 19th -21th centuries came into two phases .The first was led

by the Methodist Mission in September, 1842 under the leadership of Thomas Birch Freeman. He

entered Abeokuta through Badagry which became an entry point to Yorubaland. The town of Abeokuta

latter became the “sunrise within the tropics”. He was followed closely by Henry Townsend, a missionary

of the Church Missionary Society (Anglican), who equally settled in Abeokuta in December, 1842 (Kalu,

255-257).

The earlier missionaries were followed by the Baptist and Roman Catholic in the evangelization of

Yorubaland. The Christian Missionaries equally visited the Eastern part of Nigeria almost at the time they

visited Yorubaland. The Christian missionary enterprise was delayed in the northern part of the country

because of religious and political factors. Ade Ajayi (1965) notes saliently that the Christian Mission

Society (C.M.S) played prominent role in the evangelization of Nigeria. Apart from the Anglican Mission,

Methodist, Baptist and catholic denominations also made their impact felt in Nigeria before the end of

the 19th century.

The second phase of Christian Missionay activities is traceable to the Aladura or African Independent

Churches. These Churches include the Cherubimn and Seraphim Church (C&S), Church of the Lord

(Aladura), Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC) and Celestial Church Of Christ (CCC). These were indigenous

Churches founded by Nigerians. Omoyajowo (96) posits that “the Aladura Churches are Churches which

began the indigenous Churches founded by indigenous persons, and run under indigenous leadership”.

Prominent figures of these Churches include Moses Orimolade, Josiah Olunowo Oshitelu, Joseph Ayo

Babalola and Samuel Oshoffa respectively.

One significant thing about the Aladura Churches is that they combined the two fundamental elements

of Christianity and African culture in a way that advertised their Christian intentions without
undermining their African credentials. They emphasized some features which are relevant and valued by

the African people, such as prophesy, healing, prayer, vision, dream and the use of sacred objects

(Omotoye,335-340). From the time of its beginning till now the Aladura Churches have grown

phenomenally across the Yorubaland metropolis. Today, these Churches manifest in diverse forms.

The third phase of Christianity in Nigeria started in the 1960’s. It is the period of emergence and

phenomenal growth in the establishment of Pentecostal Churches. Pentecostal churches have become

uncountable in number. Obi (42) citing Larry Christiansen argues that Pentecostal churches are seen as:

“supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, whereby the believer speaks forth in a language he never

learned, and which he does not understand. Marshall (8) has also opines that one of the most

remarkable trends of the last decade among the Christian population of southern Nigeria has been the

dramatic rise of the so called “charismatic” or “Pentecostal” movement. The Churches are often started

as” Christian fellowship” centers before they metamorphose into Churches. There is innumerable

number of them. Today family houses, warehouses, open spaces, streets and uncompleted buildings are

used as Pentecostal Churches according to Iheanacho (29).

The phenomenological growth of Pentecostalism in Nigeria has called for a kind of controlling and

umbrella organization in order to harness the vital resources of this response to the Christian faith in the

country. This appears to be the reason behind the birth of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria in 1985.

It is an umbrella organization of all Pentecostal congregations and churches in the country. Amata (88)

states that the founding fathers of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria had in mind a common objective

which is, to bring under one umbrella Holy spirit filled Christian churches and organizations that behave

and are into the practice of the full gospel message of the Acts of the Apostle Chapter two, in an

independent and autonomous Christian fellowship. Care should however be taken, else, Pentecostalism

foster a kind of religious and spiritual anarchy in Nigeria.

3.2 DEVELOPMENTS OF LIVING FAITH CHURCH IN NIGERIA
Living Faith International Church is one of the major indigenous pentecostal churches in African that has

left an indelible mark in the lives of African Christians most especially in the area of self-discovery,

discovery of purpose as a requisite for meaningful human existence as well as status elevation that comes

from spiritual understanding. Living Faith International is construed as a ministry with divine commission

to liberate the African continent from all forms of Satanic oppressions. The leadership of the church, in

addition to teaching the biblical principles for kingdom expansion, are committed to human resource

development to enhance self- reliance, self economic and spiritual empowerment and financial and

spiritual freedom. Without doubt, Living Faith Church is one of the fastest growing churches in Africa. The

Winners’ Chapel has a network of churches located in over 300 cities, in all states of Nigeria, as well as in the

United States, the United Kingdom and also in Dubai. (Falaye, 1)

THE HISTORY OF LIVING FAITH CHURCH

One amongst the fast growing and developing Pentecostal churches or denomination in Nigeria

is the Living Faith church. Living faith church which is also known as winners Chapel is an

international Evangelical_ charismatic Christian denomination. The headquarter is presently

located in Ota, Ogun state Nigeria. The organization have since become a global network of

churches with over 6 million members in 147 countries. (Falaya, 2)

The history of the Living Faith International Church began with his 18-hour vision in May 1981 where

Oyedepo claimed to have received a mandate from God to liberate the world from all forms of Satanic

Oppression through the preaching of the faith. At the beginning of his ministry, Living Faith Church was

initially known by the name Liberation Faith Hour Ministries. A couple of years later, precisely on the 17th

September, 1983, Oyedepo and his wife were both commissioned and ordained as pastors of the new

church by Pastor E. A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. In 1988, precisely five years after
his ordination as a pastor, Oyedepo was ordained Bishop by the late Arch-Bishop Andrew Benson Idahosa,

(Falaya, 2)

David Oyedepo In Ilorin started living faith church with about 48 members in 1980 And within

nine months of its existence, membership rose to about 128. He eventually established the Living

faith outreach centre in may 1981. Bishop David Oyedepo then relocated to Kaduna, it was from

Kaduna he moved to Lagos in September 1989. (Opoola 96) The Living Faith Church (a.k.a. Winners

chapel) began in Kaduna. In July 1989, Oyedepo received another mandate from God to reach out to the

people of Lagos. Thus, the effort to start a new branch in Lagos, the then Federal Capital of Lagos, began.

Oyedepo was instructed by God to send for David Abioye, who was then in charge of their branch in

Maiduguri to take charge of their Kaduna branch. Hence, by 1989, a new branch of the Living Faith

International was established in Lagos (Adelegan, 20).

In 1998, Oyedepo claimed to have received another mandate from God to build a new headquarter for the

commission in order to accommodate the growing population of membership. This led to his acquisition of

a large hectars of land at Sango-Otta, Ogun State a region which the founder claimed was pre-dominated

by witches. The land acquire has been estimated to 530-acres (2.1km2) which is now popularly known as

Canaan Land. The property currently accommodates 50,000 congregations at a single service. The new

church auditorium is located on this land; which has been said to be the largest church auditorium in the

world at that time. The New headquarter was officially commissioned on the 8th of September, 1999 during

the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Most of the striking features of the church are closely

related to those common to indigenous churches in Africa except that Living Faith International Church

believes in construction of mega auditorium for worshippers which according to the Vice-President of the

church Bishop David Abioye was received as a mandate from God. The church have over three hundred

branches in Nigeria alone. (Opoola 26)

Educational Development.

A major contribution of the Living Faith Church to National Development in

Nigeria is in the area of Education. Western education was introduced to

Nigeria by the Christian missionaries in the 19 thcentury. It was a strategy

adopted by the early missionaries to get converts into Christianity. In fact,

Ade Ajayi recorded that "the school was Crowther's chief method of

evangelization. He introduced the mission into new places by getting rulers

and elders interested in the idea of having a school of their own, and usually

it was to the school that he asked the senior missionary at each station to

give his chief attention” (Opoola, 32)

The Living Faith Church went into the establishment of schools early,

unlike the Deeper Life Church that ventured into education lately in the

history of the Church. The Living Faith Church has to its credit a

conglomerate of Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Universities. The nursery

and primary schools are under the name Kingdom Heritage while the

Secondary section is named Faith Academy. These schools are found in all

the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. The first University of the Church was

named Covenant University and was established in Ota in [Link] second

University was named Landmark and was established in Omu-Aran, the

native town of Pastor David Oyedepo in 2010. (Opoola 34)

The importance of the establishment of schools has shown that that it

provides employment to a reasonable number of people, most especially the

youths who are roaming the streets of the country. The Universities as also

complemented the efforts of Federal and State Governments in providing

admission to many applicants who are seeking admission to the Universities

in Nigeria. We also believe that the missionary orientation of the schools

would minimize cultism and moral decadence in the Nigerian

Universities. (Omotoye, 55)

Social Impacts and Developments

The Church provides employment for the teeming youths, and adults alike

in Nigeria through the World Mission Agency (WMA).At least not less than

two thousand people are on the pay roll of the church alone. A major social

problem in the country is un-employment. Apart from providing jobs,

scholarships are usually provided by Pastor Oyedepo for indigent students,

most especially in the Covenant and Landmark universities. He was once

quoted saying that "All school age children, not in school, due to inability of

parents, will be fully taken care of by the church". (Opoola 37)

The church has demonstrated its love to the poor and destitute by providing

food and clothing on a regular basis to the people of Koma Hills in

Adamawa State. The Church also supported the Liberian victims with relief

materials during the civil war in the country in [Link] part of social

services, the church have many business ventures at the Covenant

University campus in Ota. For example, bakery, water bottling, petrol

station, restaurant and shopping stores. Three banks have branches on the
campus while the church operates a Community and Micro-Finance

bank. (Opoola, 38)

3.3 DOCTRINES AND TEACHINGS OF LIVING FAITH CHURCH, NIGERIA

According to Falaye, Living Faith International is construed as a ministry with divine

commission to liberate the world from all forms of Satanic oppressions. The leadership of the

church, in addition to teaching the biblical principles for kingdom expansion, are committed

to human resource development to enhance self- reliance, self economic, spiritual

empowerment, financial and spiritual freedom and teachings for personal wellbeing. (3)

There are basis teachings, doctrines, principles and beliefs that has become a core

fundamental to the Living Faith church as a denomination, these doctrines and teachings has

built their beliefs system.

TENETS OF THE FAITH

‘Tents of the Faith’ as its called, can be considered as the church’s doctrines or dogma;

principles or beliefs that are proclaimed as true. The Living Faith Church has built these as

their doctrine and belief system. And these teachings are established in the scriptures as the

living word of God. (Falaye, 3)

THE SCRIPTURES

The Living Faith church believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God, the

product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote, as the Holy Spirit moved them.

In these, we find the complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of
mankind, and the divine and final authority for the Christian faith and life. (11

Tom. 2:5; Lk.1:27-35; 1 Tim.3:16; Rom.8:34). The New Covenant as recorded in

the New Testament is our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and

doctrine (2 Tim. 3:16, I Thess. 2:13;2 Pet. 1:21)

THE GODHEAD

This denomination also believes in the trinity, God is one but manifests in three

persons, namely the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit being co-equal. (1 John

5:7). God is the sender of the Word (Logos) and the Begetter (John 14:28, John

16:28, John 1:14). The Son is the Word flesh-covered, the only begotten that has

existed with the Father from the beginning (1 Tim. 2:5; John 1:14; John 1:18,

John 1:1). He is the true God and true man. He was conceived of the Holy Ghost

and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins.

Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now is

seated at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest and Advocate (Heb.

7:24-25, Rom.8:34; 1 John 2:1). The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the

Father and the Son and is Eternal (John 15:26).

MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION

The church believes that Man is a created being made in the image and likeness

of God but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world. Jesus

Christ, the son of God was manifested to undo the works of the devil and He

gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man to God (Rom. 3:23;

Rom. 3:10;1 John 3:8). Salvation is the gift of God to man and is made operative
by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing good works acceptable to God

(Eph. 2:8)

ETERNAL LIFE AND THE NEW BIRTH

Living Faith church believes that Man’s first step towards salvation is godly

sorrow that works repentance. The new birth is necessary for all men and when

experienced, produces eternal; life (John 3:3-5; 1 John 5:12; 2 Cor. 7:10

THE CHURCH

The church also believes in the doctrine of the universal church, the true Church

is composed of all those who are born-again. Through this new birth, we are

united together in the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the

Church. Every Church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own

affairs. (Eph.4:15-16).

WATER BAPTISM

One of the basic doctrine of the Living Faith church is the doctrine of Baptism,

Baptism by immersion is a direct commandment of our Lord, and it is for

believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the believer’s identification with

Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. It is to be observed by the Church in

this present age. However, it is not to be regarded as a means of salvation.

(Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4; Col 2:12; Act 8:36-39).

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST

Another major teaching of the church as a Pentecostal church is the teaching of

Holy Ghost Baptism, The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire is a gift from God as

promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is

received subsequent to the new birth. This experience is accompanied by the

initial speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit himself gives utterances.

(Matt. 3:11; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 2:38-39; 19:1-7; 2:4). The ministry of the

Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. In this dispensation, He indwells

guides, instructs and empowers the believer for godly living and service.

SANCTIFICATION

The church teaches on sanctification and holiness, The Bible teaches that

without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of

sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the

time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation at

Christ return. (Heb.12:14; 1Thess. 5:23; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil 3:12-14:1

Cor. 1:30)

SIGNS AND WONDERS

Another emphasis of this denomination is signs and wonder. The Living Faith

Church believes that through the laying of hands spiritual gifts can be

impacted. Holy Communion is regarded as a feast of victory over the

devil. Anointing with oil can bring about healings and supernatural

interventions. Feet washing are believed to confirm dominion and

covenant heritage on the Saints. Again, the church believes that any
anointed material can be used for special miracles (Acts 19:11-12).

While the Blood Covenant is for the release of the captives and

prophetic utterances are for supernatural encounter. Through insights

into testimony mysteries (Mk.4:11; 1 Cor.2: 10) such as laying of hands to

impact the gifts of God (2 Tim.1:6; Deut. 34:9) Holy Communion (1 Cor.11:23-

26)/Anointing people and things with oil (Mk. 6:13; Exo.30:25-31) Feet-Washing

(John 13:3-10)

Anointing clothing material (Acts. 19:11-25)

Blood of sprinkling (1 Cor. 5:7; Exo. 12:1-25

Prophetic utterance (Isa.43:26; Mk. 11:23

DIVINE HEALING

The church believes in the divine healing of physical ailment through

the prayer of faith and laying on the hands. The divine healing is

regarded as part of the package in the atonement of Christ.

Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of

God through the prayer of faith and by the laying on of hands. It is provided for

in the atonement of Christ and is a privilege of every member of the church

today (James 5:14, 15: Mk16:18; Isa. 53:4, 5; Matt. 8:17; 1 Pet.2:24)

RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE RETURN OF OUR LORD

The church teaches that Christ will return to the earth together with His

Saints who shall reign with Him for a thousand years. The church

believes in the spiritual concept of Rapture.

The angels said to Jesus disciples, “…this same Jesus, which is taken up from

you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into

heaven. “He coming is [Link] he comes; the dead in Christ shall rise

first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them

in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…” (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17

Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth as Kings of Kings, and the Lord

of Lords, and together with His saints, who shall reign as Kings and priests He

shall reign a thousand years (Rev.20:6)

HELL AND ETERNAL RETRIBUTION

The one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopeless and

eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and, therefore, has no further opportunity of

hearing the Gospel or repenting. The lake of fire is literal. The terms “eternal”

and “everlasting”, used in describing the duration of the punishment of the

damned in the Lake of Fire, carry the same thought and meaning of joy and

ecstasy of saints in the Presence of God (Heb. 9:27; Rev.19:20)

12 PILLARS OF THE CHURCH

Another very important aspect and teachings of this church denomination is

what is called “ the 12 Pillars of the commission” It is believed by the members

and adherents of the church that God commissioned the presiding Bishop of this

assembly with a Word of Faith ministry to our generation. Quoting Paul, sayings, "...if

the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (1 Cor

14:8) Stating also that “The Holy Ghost further inspired the servant of God, Dr. David

Oyedepo, to classify the Word of Faith He has committed into his hands into the specific

areas of emphasis, in direct response to Isaiah 40:6, "The voice said, Cry. And he said,

What shall I cry?..." He has named these 12 areas of emphasis as the 12 Pillars of our

Commission. We have crossed Jordan into power, bearing the ark of liberation. Here

are the 12 stones, after the order of Joshua 4:1-8, 20-24. Having stood firm upon these

twelve stones! And they have resulted in breakthroughs - both for the ministry and all

that are partakers with us, of the same grace”. Falaye, 4

And these are the twelve pillars as mentioned:

1. FAITH

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that

overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4; Ephesians 6:16)

2. THE WORD

"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and

upholding all things by the word of his power..." (John 1:1-12; Hebrews 1:3)

3. THE SUPERNATURAL

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell

whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." (Psalm

82:5-7; John 3:8)

4. PRAISE

"And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the

children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah: and they

were smitten." (2 Chro. 20:20-22; Psalm 67:1-7; 149:1-9)

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy

shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of

the anointing." (Acts 1:1-8; Isaiah 10:27)

6. PROSPERITY

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy

soul prospereth." 3 John 2. "Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; My cities

through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad..." (3 John 2; Psalm 35:27; Zech. 1:17)

7. VISION

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

(Proverbs 29:18, Jer. 29:11),

8. PRAYER

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his

will, he heareth us." (1 John 5:14)

9. HEALING

"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took

our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." (Isaiah 53:3-4; Jer. 8:22; Matt. 8:17)
10. WISDOM

"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation:

the fear of the Lord is his treasure." (Prov. 24:3-4, Isaiah 33:6)

11. CONSECRATION

"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth

them that are his. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from

iniquity." (Hebrews 12:14; 2 Tim. 2:19)

12. SUCCESS

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein

day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for

then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

(Joshua 1:8-10)