MONTHLY NEWSLETTER With Rev. Dr. C. A. Onitiri (January 2026 Edition)

JANUARY 2026
THEME: “BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR – OPENING OUR HEARTS TO DIVINE INTERVENTION.”
SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 3v20
WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR – 2026!
Beloved in Christ,
Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you as we joyfully welcome you into the New Year 2026. We give thanks to God who preserved us through the past seasons and has ushered us into another year filled with hope, purpose, and divine possibilities.
This year is prophetically declared as “The Year of Unexpected Happenings.”
Our anchor scripture for the year is:
Matthew 11:22 – “But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.”
This revelational scripture is a strong call to spiritual awareness, repentance, responsiveness, and alignment with God’s dealings—both personally and corporately as a nation and as a world.
As we step into this year, the Spirit of God is calling believers to seek His face earnestly, intercede for Nigeria and the nations, and respond rightly to divine visitations so that we do not miss what God is doing in our time.
MONTHLY SCRIPTURE EXPOSITION
Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
This scripture is a powerful invitation from Jesus Himself. It reveals a Saviour who desires fellowship, intimacy, and partnership with His people. Remarkably, Jesus is speaking to the church—not unbelievers—showing that it is possible to be religious yet disconnected, active yet closed, busy yet distant from His presence.
Key Words to Note:
Behold – A call to attention and discernment
Stand – Persistence and patience of Christ
Knock – Respect for human will
Hear – Spiritual sensitivity
Open – Personal responsibility
Sup with him – Fellowship, communion, shared life
BIBLE EXAMPLE: ZACCHAEUS (Luke 19:1–9)
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector—wealthy yet empty, powerful yet unsatisfied. When Jesus came into his city, Zacchaeus positioned himself by climbing a tree. Unexpectedly, Jesus stopped, called him by name, and said:
“Make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.”
Zacchaeus opened the door of his heart and home, and that encounter produced:
Repentance
Restitution
Salvation
Transformation
This is a clear example of what happens when the door is opened to Christ—unexpected divine intervention follows.
CROSS-REFERENCES
Psalm 24:7 – “Lift up your heads, O ye gates…”
Song of Solomon 5:2 – “…It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh…”
James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
Isaiah 55:6 – “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found…”
Amos 4:12 – “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.”
These scriptures echo the same truth: Divine visitation demands human response.
IMPLICATION OF THE YEAR’S SCRIPTURE (Matthew 11:22)
IMPLICATION OF THE YEAR’S SCRIPTURE (Matthew 11:22)
Jesus rebuked cities that witnessed His mighty works yet remained unrepentant. The warning is clear: light rejected brings judgment, but light received brings mercy.
For Nigeria and the world, this scripture calls us to:
National repentance
Spiritual awakening
Sensitivity to God’s warnings and instructions
Prayer for leaders, systems, and the next generation
In this Year of Unexpected Happenings, events will unfold suddenly—some for judgment, others for deliverance. Only those who are aligned with God will discern rightly and respond wisely.
LESSONS FOR BELIEVERS
1. Jesus does not force His way—you must open the door.
2. Spiritual complacency can shut Christ outside even in church life.
3. Divine visitations come unexpectedly, but preparation determines profit.
4. Fellowship with Christ brings transformation, direction, and peace.
5. Nations that ignore God’s dealings risk severe consequences.
THE WAY FORWARD
Renew your personal altar of prayer and devotion
Cultivate a listening ear for God’s voice
Walk in repentance, obedience, and humility
Intercede passionately for Nigeria and the nations
Be spiritually alert—do not take this season lightly
CLOSING ENCOURAGEMENT & PRAYER INTO 2026
Beloved, as we begin this year, Jesus is knocking—not with condemnation, but with love, mercy, and purpose. May we not be found spiritually asleep or distracted.
PRAYER
Father, we thank You for the gift of a new year. As we step into 2026, we open every door of our hearts, homes, families, churches, and nation to You.
Let there be divine fellowship, unusual mercy, and unexpected breakthroughs. We receive grace to discern Your voice and respond rightly.
Heal our land, revive Your church, and let Your will prevail in Nigeria and across the world. May this year bring testimonies that glorify Your name.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Welcome to 2026 — the Year of Unexpected Happenings.
May we open the door and experience God like never before.
Shalom!
