2016 REFRESHER 1ST Q

Times of Refreshing Always Comes From the Presence Of The Lord - Acts 3:19b JANUARY, 2016
By Pastor Dr. Chuks
By Pastor Dr. Cynthia
By Pastor Charles
By Pastor Dr. Kenayo
COPYRIGHT 2016
By Pastor Sadik
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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About the Oasis Refresher
The Refresher is a quarterly magazine which aims to
foster the spiritual and natural growth of children of God
through the propagation of the wholesome joy, peace,
and blessings in the Word. In this vast desert of
misinformation, this publication will be the Oasis to
quench thirsty souls.
-Anthony Amponsah
(Co-Chief Content Editor)
3101 N. PARKSIDE AVE.,
CHICAGO, IL 60634
Sunday School: 10am
Sunday Service: 11am
Wednesday Teaching Service:
7pm
Friday Night Prayer: 8pm
Call us: (773) 237-5310
179 COMMONWEALTH DR.,
BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440
Sunday Service: 10:30am
Tuesday Teaching Service: 7pm
PLUS YOU CAN FIND US ONLINE AT
WWW.CHRISTOASIS.ORG or on
820 CALIFORNIA AVE.,
DOLTON, IL 60419
Sunday Service: 9:30am
Tuesday "WordFeast" Service:
7pm
Friday Night Prayer
"Times of Refreshing": 7pm
3205 9TH ST.,
WINTHROP HARBOR, IL 60096
Sunday Service: 9:30am
Wednesday Teaching Service:
7pm
Friday Night Prayer: 8pm
3500 MIDWEST ROAD
OAK BROOK, IL 60523
(Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort)
Sunday Service: 10:00am
Call us: (708) 201-9950

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Pastor Dr. Isaac Paintsil
On
e of the
most
beautiful scenes to
behold on a
beach front is
the formation and
travel of waves on seas and oceans. These waves are
mainly a product of the wind, as the latter transfers
some of its energy to the water, through friction
between the air molecules and the water molecules.
Other than just the observation of the beauty of such
waves, there is a surface water sport known as
“surfing” in which wave riders ride on the forward or
deep face of moving waves towards the shore. Avid
and skilled surfers usually know how to time the most
desirable waves to experience the utmost pleasure in
this recreational and sometimes professional sport.
Ever since the history of the earth opened with the
description of the Spirit of God – revealed as a blowing
wind in John 3:8 and as a rushing mighty wind on the
Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:2 – moving over the surface
of the waters, divine visitations upon the hearts of
people and geographical areas have always come in the
form of spiritual waves. A cursory look at the history of
the church since its formation in Jerusalem more than
2000 years ago reveals multiple waves of God’s glory
on the earth; sometimes referred to as reformations,
awakenings and revivals. These waves normally bring
repentance and restoration of the hearts of men and
women to God; but an oft overlooked divine visitation
is the restoration of wealth and prosperity to the
children of God.
The word of God is replete with instances of what I
refer to as “prosperity waves” preceding every great
move of God on the earth. The greatest “prosperity
wave” occurred at creation, before Adam and Eve were
given the divine assignment of utilizing the vast
resources of the earth, including fine gold and priceless
crystals on the land of Havilah (Gen. 2:11-12), to subdue
and have dominion over the earth. Since then, Abraham
had a well-orchestrated transfer of wealth from King
Abilemech; Jacob from Laban; Moses and the Israelites
from Egypt; Ezra and Nehemiah from Persia; David
and Solomon from the lands they subdued; and the list
is endless. When the King of kings, Jesus Christ, was
born, wealthy wise men from the east were divinely
sent to accomplish the much needed “prosperity wave”
of bringing in the gold needed for that visitation of God
on the earth. One of the oft-forgotten manifestations of
the Holy Spirit after the Day of Pentecost was the
“prosperity wave” as recorded by Saint Luke in Acts
4:34-35, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for
all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and
brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid
them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as
Continued on page 8

Pastor Dr. Kenayo K.
Odeluga
‘live by it (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Je
sus tells us in John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and
they follow Me”. As our Shepherd, He leads us by the voice of the Holy
Spirit. It has been our tradition in Christ Oasis to seek out a theme for each year from
the Lord Jesus Christ our Chief Shepherd. The Lord has been faithful in speaking to us
through His servant - our Senior Pastor at the beginning of every year during the
crossover or watchnight service. We have all experienced the blessings of each year’s
theme in varying degrees. Each theme is backed by scriptures and has become a “sure
word of prophecy” which the Bible encourages us to not only hold on to but also to
I counsel all to seize on each year’s theme as a word from the mouth of God which serves as a lamb to our feet
and a light unto our path (Ps. 119:105). As you embrace the theme, it will illuminate your path this coming
year. Meditate on it day and night, observe all He commands you to do and so make your way prosperous in
2016 (Joshua 1:8).
There is a blessing for those who believe in the Lord our God and His chosen vessels (II Chronicles 20:20).
Peace from God.
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Pastor Charles Amaning
Gr
owing up as a child, there was a song we used
to sing. The lyrics were as follows; “I have
another world in view, my Savior is gone to prepare me
a place”. Having an eternal perspective is about seeing
life from God’s point of view. This is opposed to
viewing life from a humanistic, earthly, temporary or
selfish perspective. In the Gospels, Jesus Christ poses a
rhetorical question to the effect that, “what shall it profit
a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul”?
The parable of the rich man, in Luke 12 illustrates this
point quite perfectly. In this narrative Jesus tells us
that; “ …The ground of a certain rich man brought forth
plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying,
What shall I do, because I have no room where to
bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull
down my barns, and build greater; and there will I
bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my
soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many
years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God
said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be
required of thee: then whose shall those things be,
which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up
treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God”. Luke
12:16-21 (KJV). This parable is a classic example of living
without an eternal perspective or living without God in
view. This rich man in question, was so much fixated on
the temporary to the extent that it determined his
decision making and eventually affected his destiny in
eternity.
The Apostle Peter in his first epistle refers to the saints
scattered over the then Roman empire as strangers and
sojourners. His purpose was to inculcate the truth that
our life here on earth is just temporary in the sense that
we are just passing through. Again, Paul in the book of
Hebrews 13:14, conceptualizes it this way; “For here we
have no continuing city, but
we seek one to come”.
Having this kind of mindset propels us to live with
purpose. It also inspires us to number our days and
apply our hearts to wisdom.
One of the foremost discourses on this subject is found
written in “The Purpose Driven Life” authored by the
esteemed Pastor, Rick Warren. In that book Pastor
Warren enlightens his readers to the fact that, nine
months in your mother’s womb prepared you for life on
earth and your life here on earth is preparing you for
eternity. In his view point, life is the dress rehearsal or
the preview before the main show in eternity.
Finally Jesus once told his disciples that his mission is to
do the will of He who sent him, and to finish his work.
In other words he was here on earth to fulfill an
assignment given to him by his Father. This assignment
or purpose for example, was critical in his decision
making at the Garden of Gethsemane. Consequently, it’s
what helped him endure the cross irrespective of the
astronomical embarrassment associated with it.
As you journey through the New Year, remember that
life inevitably will confront you with forks in your path.
In our generation we have a charge to keep, but having
an eternal perspective does not license us to be so
‘heavenly minded’ that we are of no earthly good.
Rather, the long view helps us to live out our values in
the valley of decisions. Let us all be encouraged as we
unearth God’s unique purposes for our individual lives
and fulfill it before our eventual exit. May the good Lord
give us the grace to do so! Blessings forever more!!
Pastor Charles is the resident pastor of
the Oasis Bolingbrook campus
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IN 2016 PREPARE FOR A
GATHERING OF PRAYER
LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER
EXPERIENCED IT BEFORE.
AFTER EACH PRAYER
SESSION THERE WILL BE
BRAINSTORMING AND
STRATEGIZING SESSIONS.
BE THERE.
There will be time for the
dishes, chores and children
later.
On this night, it’s just the
two of you, celebrating the
love that started it all.
Whether you are a young
couple or you have been
married for many years,
this event is for you.
3500 Midwest road in
Oakbrook, Illinois. There
will be elegance, gourmet
food, dancing, and romance.
Please register. Cost is
$125 per couple

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Sunday service on February 28, 2016 will be a special Black history month
event in all our campuses. Join us as we celebrate the fight for freedom.
INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM AS THEY DELVE DEEPER INTO
BIBLICAL MANHOOD AND WOMANHOOD

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As
a little girl, I had always dreamed and
fantasized about my wedding day. I was
hoping to marry a very handsome, God fearing, smart
and rich gentleman. My entire family was part of this
fantasy. There were times when my dad will hold my
hands and we would pretend walking down the aisle
to the altar to be handed over to the groom. My mom
and younger brothers will follow us, pretending to be
part of the bridal train. Guess what, true to our so
called fantasy, that day actually came when my dad
walked me down the aisle. Not only that, but my mom
and brothers were part of the bridal train. Most
importantly, I married one of God’s finest men in the
whole world, beyond what I had in mind. Having an
end in mind, my family and I prayed, planned, waited,
endured and even persevered; but eventually, we saw
the manifestation of our vision.
It is always great to have an end in mind when
pursuing any endeavor. The word of God in Hebrews
12:2 says that “Looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before
Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The end
in sight for Jesus was the joy that was set before Him.
Having the end in mind, Jesus endured the cross. As
children of God, we know from the scriptures that God
knew us before we were made in our mothers’ womb;
and also, before we were fashioned or came into
existence, all the days of our lives were written in
God’s books. However, things just do not happen by
chance and we shouldn’t assume that because God has
a plan for us, they will automatically come to pass.
Pastor Dr. Cynthia Paintsil
This is where I believe many children of God miss out
on God’s plan for their lives. For anything to happen or
to be accomplished, there should be a clear purpose or
what some call a vision. Simply put, a vision is the
faculty or state of being able to see. It is also an
experience of seeing someone or something in a dream
or as a supernatural apparition. In the word of God in
Habakkuk 2:2, it says “Write the vision and make it
plain on tablets, that he may run that reads it.” The
first step in achieving anything meaningful is having
the end in mind. This calls for us to have a clear vision
and purpose.
The question now is how do we get and write down
the vision or have the desired end in mind? As
children of God, we have to pray and have our will
aligned with that of the will of God. In 1Corinthians 2:9
-16, we are told that eyes have not seen or entered into
the heart of man, the things which God has prepared
for those who love Him. We are told that those things
are revealed to us through His Spirit, that is from the
Spirit of God to the spirit of man. Again, we are told
that no one has known the mind of the Lord to instruct
Him, but we have the mind of Christ. Thus, as we
pray, worship, study the word of God and wait upon
Him, His will, plans and purposes will be revealed to
us. These will in turn become our own plans and
purposes or visions. Having them in mind, we are then
in a position to partner with the Holy Spirit to bring

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them into manifestation. It may not be easy, it may take
a long time, we may have to endure some hardships etc,
but having the end in mind and by the grace of God, as
we hold on, doing our part, there shall be a
manifestation.
Let’s always remember as children of God that without
Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, all things are
possible. Have a clear vision, with the end in mind.
Have faith in God. Hold on to the word of God and
trust Him that He is able to bring you to the expected
end because His promises are yes and amen and He
never fails!
Pastor Dr. Cynthia is the resident pastor
of the Oasis Chicago campus
Continued from Page 2
anyone had need.”
The “prosperity
wave” has been a staple feature of the Kingdom of God
prior to every divine visitation on the earth, and our
generation is not different. Many of us could recall that
not many years ago, there was an accentuation of the
message of divine prosperity in the church. The
message was received enthusiastically by the children
of God, but unfortunately it was quickly perverted with
strong emphasis on materialism and covetousness,
particularly by several preachers and ministers of God,
instead of using the wealth to advance the agenda of
God on the earth. I’d be remiss and dishonest if I don’t
pay homage to the majority of God’s finest servants all
over the world who labor diligently in the vineyard of
the Master beyond even the meager resources at their
disposal. To all of such God’s valiant men and
women who continue to serve the Lord and His people
to the point of death, we salute and deeply honor you.
There is however no denial that with every large wave
that hits a shore, there is accompanying debris from the
seabed that is revealed on the shoreline when the wave
retreats. The first “prosperity wave” in our generation
moved back to the deep treasures of God’s ocean
leaving behind lots of unflattering debris. However,
God’s everlasting covenant with Abraham and his seed
(including you and me) cannot be abrogated by the
unsavory practices of a few people like Ananias and
Sapphira in the early years of the church. The covenant
had an “in-perpetuity” clause of blessing built into it
and it was sealed with blood. It is backed by the
immutable word of God and a sworn oath of blessing
declared before the spiritual Supreme Court. Moses
made the reality of this Covenant of Blessing and
Wealth crystal clear when he said in Deut. 8:18, “And
you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who
gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His
covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
I can see another “prosperity wave” arising out of the
deep portion of God’s ocean of love and wealth moving
steadily towards the shore. It is time to get ready our
surfing boards to ride the thrill of this new wave. I hope
and pray that we’ll be wiser this time, knowing that the
purpose of this new wave of divine prosperity is
ultimately for the establishment of God’s covenant with
Abraham and his seed. His covenant and
commandment is summed up in one sentence, “And you
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all
your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this:
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other
commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-3. Let the
ocean of God’s infinite love and wealth roar and
resound with mighty “waves of divine prosperity” in
our lives, families and churches in 2016 and beyond.
We welcome the Season of Divine Prosperity and
Wealth Transfer.
Pastor Dr. Isaac is the Senior pastor over all the Campuses
of Christ’s Oasis Ministries International

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Th
e wonders of God are not arbitrary – they are
dependable, divinely strategic and
reproducible by the power of God’s Spirit. God’s
blessings are for His children and I’m glad that you
and I are members of this great family. The Apostle
John prayed this heart-felt prayer in 3John 1:2:
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou
mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy
soul prospereth.”
Interestingly, the word translated as “wish” here
is also used for the word “pray”. In other words,
Apostle John didn’t just have a wishful desire,
but rather he prayed. What was the prayer? That
you should prosper, be in good health even as
your soul prospers!
These are the three different levels of blessings
that every heir of God is entitled to by covenant.
As obvious as these truths may be, a lot of us are
oblivious simply because – we haven’t prospered
in our souls. Apostle John hinges the believer’s material
and canal blessings to the prosperity of his soul.
It is very possible to prosper financially and health wise
and not have your soul take the lead in this trio
progression. However, when this happens, the
individual will certainly not be able to acknowledge
even the least of God’s add-on blessings in their
material and canal life. The Psalmist puts it this way:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me,
bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and
forget not all his benefits: …” Psalm 103:1-3. A
prosperous soul is at the command of its possessor. In
the scripture above, David exercises dominion over his
soul and all that is within him. Your memory may some
time trick you into believing that God has not done
anything tangible for you, but it’s your responsibility to
jolt your mind.
Pastor Dr. Chuks Osborne
Your soul is your storage system and until it’s
awoken up other things within you will not
have a reason to bless the name of the lord.
Once David was able to activate his
soul, he was able to make easy recalls
of God’s blessings upon his life. For
example, he remembered how God
took care of his iniquities. He
remembered God as Jehovah
Rapha, the one that heals all
diseases. He recalled how God
delivered him from destruction
and crowned him with His lovingkindness
and tender mercies.
You too have a testimony concerning the manifest
blessings of the Lord but, the act of gratitude is done
with a conscious attitude. David could have chosen to
focus on all his ordeals with Saul, but he took charge of
his mind and body, carefully leading them to God’s
throne of grace in worship.
As you traverse your soul in this season of
thanksgiving, you will find enough blessings to make
you eternally grateful to God through Jesus Christ our
lord and savior. Your soul is waiting for your
command! “Bless the lord oh my soul”
Pastor Dr. Chuks is an associate pastor at the Oasis
Bolingbrook campus

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“B
ut someone
will say,
“You have faith, and I
Pastor Sadik Aboagye have works.” Show me
your faith without your
works, and I will show you my faith by my works James 2:18
(NKJV).”
Are these words by the apostle James a fair translation
of the very popular idiom: "Talk is cheap"? In other
words, are one's beliefs, especially Christian's believes,
justified by a simple confession? Or is there more to it?
Let's contribute to this debate in the next few lines.
We live in a world where many profess the merit of the
Christian faith, without substance to back it up or
tangible impact to show forth. The Bible states clearly
that this form of faith is "dead"; and raises "true" faith as
that which produces works. These works ought to show
the authenticity of what we profess. Such truth comes
to life when we reflect on the deeper meaning of faith.
Faith is more than a motto, a hierarchy of values or a
belief in the existence of a supreme being. True faith is
that which appropriates what God in Christ has done
for us. In fact, it is the foundation upon which every
desirable quality of Christ is established. Nothing can
be accomplished without true faith. By it we please God
(Heb 11:6), Christ dwell in our hearts (Eph 3:17), we
receive God’s Word (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:14; 1Thess 2:13),
we receive the forgiveness of sin (Acts 10:43), we
receive the Holy Spirit and His power (Acts 1:; Acts 2:38
-39), we receive the promises of God (Heb 10:36), we
live (Gal 2:20), we pray (James 1:6), we resist the devil
(1 Peter 5:8-9), we walk (2 Cor 5:7), we obey (Romans
1:5), we obtain a good testimony (Heb 11:2); anything
done or received without faith is sin (Romans 14:23).
In the illustrations above, we can see that faith deeply
permeates the way of life of a Christian. Faith cannot be
seen; however, its works are the fundamental evidence
“You have faith, great! Show me your works”
of its existence. We know that a person has genuine
faith by his transformed life or by the works he
produces. As a matter of fact, God has purposed the
demonstration of one's faith as a path that leads men
back to Him. For Jesus exhorted, “Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven Matthew 5:16.” The
works that men would see are the attestation of the
faith we have in Christ Jesus. In our daily lives, whether
be it at the workplace, public transit or even at home
this active faith is what is required for us to experience
God.
The formula has never changed; true faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God. When this
type of faith is acted upon, it activates or releases the
power of God to produce a good work. Take for
instance the woman with the issue of blood, she heard
about Jesus, meditated, confessed, and acted upon what
she heard. Her action coupled with faith, drew power
from Jesus for her healing. Remember Abraham, the
father of faith, after hearing God’s voice that he should
offer his son as a burnt offering acted upon what he
heard. Now, both Abraham and the woman heard the
voice of God; they acted on what they heard, hence that
faith working together with their works, resulted in the
perfection of what they heard.
Every Word of God that comes to a believer has faith
buried in it. Henceforth, we should stop asking God for
faith. You already have it, as God has dealt to each one
a measure of faith (Rom 12:3). Our duty is to develop it
by hearing and exercise it through application. It is
never by offering much sacrifices, but obeying what
you hear. Do not become “Christo-info”: always
studying, always writing, and always listening, but
never acting on any of them. From today onwards I
challenge you, "Walk the Talk!", "Put your money
where your mouth is!", "Show me what you are made
off!”
Pastor Sadik is the resident pastor of the Oasis Zion
Campus

In Partnership With
LOOK OUT FOR PREPARATORY PRAYER EVENTS
NEAR YOU. EXPECT THE MIRACULOUS!
Christ’s Oasis Ministries is a multicultural, multi-ethnic community of believers in,
and seekers of, the LORD Jesus Christ. The mandate upon every member is “to
restore times of refreshing as promised by God on thirsty souls, by bringing them to
Jesus Christ and membership in his family, teaching them the word of God with
simplicity and understanding unto Christ-like maturity, equipping them to identity
and operate in their God-ordained ministry in the church and the world”. All this is
by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. To find out more please visit us at any of our
campuses throughout the Chicagoland area or online at www.christoasis.org