From: Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Senior Pastor of the House of the Purpose Ministry, U/Sunday in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Apostle Yusuf Yakubu, has urged Christians to identify and submit to their God-ordained pastor or prophet, warning that many believers are pursuing men and prophecies at the expense of God’s Word.
Delivering his Sunday sermon titled “Understanding Your God-Ordained Pastor or Prophet,” Apostle Yakubu based his message on Jeremiah 3:15, 2 Chronicles 20:20, Hosea 12:13, 1 Corinthians 4:15, Ephesians 4:11-12, and Amos 3:7, emphasizing that the Bible clearly explains how God guides His people through called vessels.
He outlined three key goals for the service: to identify who your God-ordained pastor or prophet is, to understand what qualities define a God-ordained pastor, and to learn how to recognize him.
“God Himself said in Jeremiah 3:15, ‘I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.’ That means not every voice behind a pulpit is God-sent,” Apostle Yakubu told the congregation.
Citing 2 Chronicles 20:20, he emphasized that “believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper,” but warned that prosperity only comes when the prophet speaks God’s mind, not personal opinions.
The clergyman explained that character, a clear calling, and dedication to the Word are signs of a God-ordained pastor. “He does not draw you to himself. He points you to Christ. He feeds you, corrects you, and equips you for ministry according to Ephesians 4:11-12,” he said.
Referring to 1 Corinthians 4:15, Apostle Yakubu observed that a true spiritual father nurtures believers through the gospel, not through fear or manipulation. “You will recognize your pastor by the fruit of discipleship, not just by miracles,” he added.
He further referenced Hosea 12:13 and Amos 3:7 to explain that God reveals His plans through His prophets, but that revelation must align with Scripture. “God will do nothing without revealing it to His servant. But that revelation must build faith in God’s Word, not replace it,” he stated.
The Apostle voiced concern over a growing trend among Nigerian Christians to run from church to church seeking prophecies, miracles, and titles, while neglecting personal Bible study and sound doctrine.
“Many chase after pastors and prophecies for quick answers. But if you don’t know the Word, any voice can deceive you. The devil also prophesies,” he warned, urging believers to test every spirit and word against Scripture.
He said that this desperation has led to exploitation, with some believers paying heavily for prayers, deliverance, and “prophetic directions” that lack biblical grounding.
According to him, knowing and following your God-ordained pastor provides spiritual stability, growth, and protection. “A true shepherd will not flee when the wolf comes. He will feed you, guard you, and prepare you for destiny,” Apostle Yakubu affirmed.
He advised members of House of Purpose Ministry that submitting to a God-ordained leader is not slavery, but alignment. “When you honor the man God has placed over you, you honor the God who sent him. And God will establish you,” he declared.
The sermon also addressed national issues, as Apostle Yakubu urged the church to pray for Nigeria’s leaders and to speak truth with wisdom.
He emphasized that the church’s role during such times is not just to prophesy about politics but to raise citizens with godly values who can influence society from a position of truth and integrity.
He warned that when Christians pursue prophecies without the Word, they become unstable and easily swayed by political and economic currents. “The Word of God is the anchor. Prophecy is the light. Both must work together,” he said.
The clergyman encouraged believers to pray for discernment so they can recognize their God-ordained pastor. “Your pastor is the one God will use to feed you, correct you, and launch you. Don’t trade him for hype,” he advised.
He concluded by praying that members develop a deeper love for the Scriptures and that God would confirm His called vessels in the church.
The service ended with prayers for Nigeria, Kaduna State, and for believers to walk in obedience, discernment, and lasting spiritual growth under God-ordained leadership.