By Anthony
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The Sunday worship service at ARC Church, as is customary, commenced with a vibrant session of praise and worship led by the church choir. The atmosphere was charged with heartfelt adoration as worshippers lifted their voices in thanksgiving, preparing their hearts for an encounter with God.
Thereafter, Pastor Emeka Success warmly ushered the Senior Pastor, Rev. Paul Chikwem, to the pulpit.
Rev. Chikwem began by encouraging the congregation to remain steadfast in God’s Word, emphasising that the Scriptures carry personal messages for everyone. He reminded believers that every genuine encounter with the Word has the power to transform lives.
Following this exhortation, he led the church into his characteristic deep worship session, during which the congregation experienced a tangible atmosphere of God’s presence.
Preaching on the theme “Beyond Expectation,” and drawing copiously from Ephesians 3:20–21; Acts 3:1–6; Proverbs 23:18, Rev. Chikwem declared that everyone lives with expectations and that every unpleasant season has an appointed end. He urged believers never to surrender to despair but to continuousy expect God’s intervention.
Using the story of Joseph, he reminded the congregation that the same brothers who sold Joseph into slavery eventually returned to their father with the astonishing news that Joseph was alive. The man of God challenged believers not merely to exist but to truly live, make meaningful impact, and participate in God’s purpose. “If another Bible were to be written today,” he asked, “what would be written about you?”
Drawing from the account of Hannah and Peninnah, he explained that arguments cannot silence mockery; only undeniable evidence of God’s blessings can. “Let Peninnah talk,” he declared. “Samuel will silence her.” He prayed that God would give everyone a “Samuel”, visible results that would end every insult, because when testimonies appear, ridicule disappears.
The preacher also reflected on Jacob’s reunion with Joseph. Though Jacob was already at the point of death, the news and eventual presence of Joseph revived him. He explained that some people enter our lives and change everything simply by their presence. While regular callers are good, relevant callers are better. He challenged believers to become people whose presence brings hope, joy and restoration to others.
Rev. Chikwem urged the congregation to become assets rather than liabilities wherever God places them. He prayed that God would make every worshipper someone who wipes away tears and brings life to others. “Make your name have meaning in someone’s life,” he said.
Referring to Joseph’s testimony concerning his children, Pastor Chikwem declared that God is able to give testimonies that make people forget years of pain and hardship. Linking this to God’s blessing upon the seventh day in Genesis, he prophetically declared that the month of July would become a month of blessings and abundant harvest for God’s people.
He reminded the church that Jacob confessed he never imagined seeing Joseph again, let alone Joseph’s children. This, he said, demonstrates God’s ability to do exceedingly above human expectations. Quoting Proverbs 23:18, he assured the congregation that there is surely an end and that their expectations shall not be cut off.
The pastor warned believers to guard their expectations carefully. He cited Job, whose fears eventually became reality, stressing that negative expectations should be rejected while positive dreams should be nurtured. Joseph never stopped dreaming, even in prison. Although he made the mistake of sharing his dreams with people who lacked vision, he refused to abandon them. “Your body may be in prison,” he declared, “but your dream is outside the prison walls.” He advised worshippers not to entrust their God-given visions to people without the capacity to understand them and encouraged them to leave any environment that suppresses their God-given potential.
Turning to Acts 3, Rev. Chikwem spoke about the lame man at the Beautiful Gate. Though positioned at a strategic location, he remained in bondage until he encountered Peter and John. The man expected only alms, but God exceeded his expectations by granting him complete healing. The pastor emphasised that divine positioning precedes divine blessing and that every believer needs a destiny helper. While Peter had no silver or gold, he possessed the power in the name of Jesus and extended a helping hand that lifted the man to his feet. He urged the church to become instruments of encouragement, helping others rise instead of merely praying for them.
Finally, he reflected on Solomon’s life, who asked for understanding but received a lot more. He explained that despite Solomon’s failures, his genuine love for God attracted divine grace. In the end, Solomon concluded that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.
The service concluded with prophetic prayers, declaring that every negative expectation would be overturned, every closed door would open of its own accord, every insult would give way to undeniable testimony, and that God would take His people beyond their expectations throughout this month and beyond.
