Pastor Jimmy Odukoya @ Sunday service
The senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, delivered a profound message during the Sunday Service on 24th December. He emphasised the genealogical connection of the nativity story, tracing the birth of Jesus Christ from David’s lineage down to Joseph. Reading from Matthew 1:12, he pointed out that the focus on the birth of Jesus has often centred on Mary, but the promise of the Saviour’s birth was hidden in the lineage of Joseph. Pastor Odukoya emphasised that the core of the salvation plan revolved around adoption, stating that without Joseph adopting Jesus, the aim of salvation would have been futile.
Furthermore, Pastor Odukoya highlighted that every significant move of God starts with an individual. Drawing examples from Abraham, Joseph, and Enoch, he encouraged the congregation not to underestimate what God could accomplish through them. Quoting 1 Corinthians 2:9, he stated that obedience and love for God are the essential elements for being used by Him. Referencing Luke 6:46-49, he advised believers to yield completely to God’s instructions and direction, emphasising that our existence is for a purpose.
Expanding on the concept of adoption through scripture, Pastor Jimmy clarified its significance with scriptural references from Romans 8:15, 23; Romans 9:3-5; Deuteronomy 14:1-2; Ephesians 3:1-5, and Galatians 4:4-5. He urged waiting mothers not to view adoption as illegitimate or a lack of faith, emphasising that the redemption of man is concealed within the adoption process.
Examining the importance of right association through the birth story of Jesus, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya suggested that if Joseph had been betrothed to someone other than Mary, that person would have carried the Divine promise. Citing negative examples from Samson and Achan, he advised that association should be Spirit-led, as it can attract either blessings or curses.
Emphasising the “sixth month” recorded as Elizabeth’s conception period in Luke 1:26 and 36, Pastor Jimmy reiterated the significance of timing in everything under the sun. He clarified that Elizabeth’s barrenness was not due to sin or a curse but rather because she bore the anointed one, John the Baptist, who would herald the coming of Jesus.
In conclusion, Pastor Odukoya cautioned against unhealthy comparisons of achievements, drawing a distinction between a sprinter’s race and a marathon runner’s journey. He emphasised focusing on Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of our faith, and reassured the congregation that if God has promised, it will undoubtedly come to pass.
The full message is available on the Church’s YouTube Channel, Fountain TV, and Jimmy Odukoya’s YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/uD2hJNtuarI?si=alt78tF2DFKSz_zT . The audio message can be accessed on SoundCloud, Google Podcast, Spotify and Apple Podcast. The message is also available on CDs and DVDs at The Fountain of Life Church Digital Media Store.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD -8
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya @ Thursday Showers
Continuing his teachings on “The Good Shepherd” series, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, the senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, emphasised to his congregation that sin is the perilous path leading the sheep (believers) into the valley of the shadow of death. He underscored this point by referencing the scripture that declares, “The wages of sin is death.”
Focusing on Psalm 23:4, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, at the December 21 Thursday Showers service, highlighted the unwavering consistency of the Good Shepherd in guiding His sheep to places that genuinely benefit them. He articulated, “As long as you stay with the Shepherd, you find yourself in green pastures, beside still waters; your soul is continually restored, and you are led on the path of righteousness.” Conversely, he noted that when a sheep finds itself in the valley of the shadow of death, it reflects the inconsistency of the sheep (humankind).
Drawing from James 1:14-16 in the Amplified version, the pastor illustrated the enticements that divert the sheep away from the Good Shepherd into the perilous valley. Additionally, he gleaned insights from the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, illustrating the consequences when believers stray from the Good Shepherd. Pastor Jimmy Odukoya remarked, “Sin will always steal from you,” alluding to the prodigal son who squandered his time and inheritance on sinful pleasures.
Expanding on the repercussions of straying from the Good Shepherd’s guidance, he noted that many experience delays in fulfilling their purpose because they deviate from the intended path. “If I had followed the Shepherd when I was supposed to, I would have been further along in my journey. But sin stole my time, and I find myself not where I’m supposed to be,” he said, describing what some people’s personal journey may look like if they refused to remain with the Good Shepherd.
Despite the acknowledgment of wandering away, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya reassured his listeners that, regardless of how far they may have strayed, the Good Shepherd—the loving Father—never takes His eyes off His sheep. Drawing parallels with the prodigal son’s story, he emphasised that the father never abandoned his son; it was the son who chose to leave. Even when the sheep is in the valley of the shadow of death, the pastor conveyed that the unwavering love and mercy of the Good Shepherd are ever-present.
The full message is available on the Church’s YouTube Channel, Fountain TV, and Jimmy Odukoya’s YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/Ti9BkuVyVnc?si=wCa8m-hx0WZsMENC . The audio message can be accessed on SoundCloud, Google Podcast, Spotify and Apple Podcast. The message is also available on CDs and DVDs at The Fountain of Life Church Digital Media Store.
