News

SUNDAY SERMON: The Sacrifices God Will Not Accept

Published

6 years ago

April 26, 2020

Editor

By Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

As we remain indoors in compliance with government’s directives to combat the covid-19 pandemic, the need for sacrifice remains a compelling issue but not all sacrifices are pleasing to God.

In 1 Samuel 15:22, “And Samuel said hath the Lord a great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifice as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

Obedience to God’s word and instruction is better than sacrifice in defiance of God’s word. As you attempt to please God in well doing and other sacrifices, you must be conscious of His word and the need to abide by them.

We are told in Proverbs 15:8, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord but the prayer of the upright is his delight”.

Intercession and supplication is certainly a sacrifice that pleases God but He looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance. If you don’t forgive, keep malice and harbour evil thoughts against your neighbour, your sacrifice cannot be acceptable.

What you offer can bring acceptance or rejection. God is not a beggar and your sacrifice must show respect and reverence.

In Malachi 1:8, the word of God says, “And if you offer the blind for sacrifice is it not evil? And if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy Governor, will he be pleased with thee or accept thy person saith the Lord of hosts”. Let us therefore be careful about what we give as sacrifice to God or even those in need.

Who you are to God will determine the acceptance or rejection of your sacrifice. What is your relationship with God? Does He know you and consider you as His own?

In 1 Corinthians 10:20, God spoke “But I say, that the things which the gentiles sacrificed, they sacrificed to devils and not to God and I would not that we should have fellowship with devils”.

Who are the gentiles today? Those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. As you make sacrifices therefore, consider and evaluate your relationship with God.

We cannot continue in sin and expect God to accept our sacrifices. Hebrews 10:26 says “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins”.

We pray therefore that our sacrifices will not be rejected by God but rather this month, mercy, restoration and favour shall be our portion in Jesus mighty name Amen.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the APICP (CSR) RCCG SOUL WINNERS ASSEMBLY EDO PROVINCE 2, Benin City.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.