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Tag: Christians

  • Christian Pilgrims boss warns Christians against absconding during pilgrimage

    Christian Pilgrims boss warns Christians against absconding during pilgrimage

    The Executive Secretary, Plateau State- Christian Pilgrims Board, Rev. Fr. George Gorap, has warned pilgrims undergoing the 2023 Christian pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel to shun any plan to abscond while performing the pilgrimage.

    Gorap issued the warning on Sunday while pilgrims from Plateau, Ekiti, Osun and Kwara states were undergoing the pilgrimage exercise in Jordan and Israel.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Gorap urged the pilgrims to be law-abiding to enable their states to maintain their good name in and outside Nigeria.

    In his words: “It is believed that people come here knowing exactly why they are here but on the other hand some people want to abscond and it is quite unfortunate.

    “The best place to be is at home, people make the mistake of thinking far from the essence and the importance of coming here as pilgrims.

    “We hope that after this exercise, these Nigerians will return home and grow the country together.”

    “Therefore, I urge you to shun the urge to abscond because if you are caught, you will face the full wrath of the law,” he advised.

    According to him, the pilgrimage helps Christians to grow, unites Christians from all denominations and brings unity as a whole.

    He said above all, pilgrimage prepared a believer for his final journey to heaven, adding that it was a reminder that humans were mere pilgrims on earth on a journey to heaven.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that a pilgrim is a traveler who is on a journey to a holy place.

    Typically, this is a physical journey to some place of special significance to the adherent of a particular religious belief system.

    In the spiritual literature of Christianity, the concept of pilgrim and pilgrimage may refer to the experience of life in the world or to the inner path of the spiritual aspirant from a state of wretchedness to a state of beatitude.

  • Are Christians disciples of Jesus? – By Femi Aribisala

    Are Christians disciples of Jesus? – By Femi Aribisala

    Disciples are not made from crowds.

     

    Not likely! Christians cannot be disciples because pastors are not disciples. Jesus asks: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40).

    A disciple of Jesus must be like Jesus. But Christians are not like Jesus. They are like their teachers, the pastors. Jesus says: “Do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.” (Matthew 23:10). Nevertheless, pastors arrogate themselves as teachers of Christians.

     Jesus says in His church: “There will be one flock and one pastor.” (John 10:16). That one pastor is Jesus Himself; the Good Pastor. But pastors insist on creating several flocks with several pastors.

     Jesus says: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14).

     But pastors pack their churches with the crowd, insisting it is the broad way that leads to life. They refuse to acknowledge that disciples are not made from crowds. Disciples are made from the few and not the many.

     Little flock

     Therefore, Jesus reassures the few: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32).

     The big flock is a waste of time. Jesus says: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1).

     Jesus, Himself, was a crowd-puller. Wherever He went the crowds followed Him. But He disdained them because they were not interested in Him but only in what they could get from Him. He says to some of them: 

    “You want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you.” John 6:26-27).

    That is one of the fundamental differences between the sheep and the goats; between the crowd and Jesus’ disciples. The crowds seek perishable goods. The disciples seek eternal life.

    When Jesus spoke to the crowds, He spoke in parables. When His disciples asked Him why, He said they are not interested in Him:

     “I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed. (Matthew 13:13-15).

     “When they were alone, (Jesus) explained all things to His disciples.” (Mark 4:34). Indeed, none of Jesus’ major teachings were addressed to the crowds. They could not hear Him anyway, since there were no loudspeakers then. This means the crowd can never be disciples of Christ.

    Lip-service

    Jesus says: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:21-23).

     Christians are the ones who call Jesus Lord but do not do what He says. (Luke 6:46).

    In the main, Christians are hypocrites. They talk the talk but do not walk the walk. Jesus says: These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9).

    As a result, Christians cannot be disciples of Jesus. Neither can they make disciples. If you follow Christians, they will not take you to Jesus. They have other destinations. They say: “Follow me and you will become millionaires.” “Follow me, and you will succeed in business.” “Follow my Jesus, and you will buy Pathfinders.” 

    But the hope that is in Jesus is not for the attainment of the vanities and vainglories of this world. “For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16).

    Fathers-in-the-Lord

    If you are a Christian and you maintain you are a disciple of Christ, then let me ask you some telling questions that will reveal that you are not.

     Who is your father?

     Jesus says: “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9).

     But do you still call your biological father your father? Is your pastor your father-in-the-Lord? Is he your Daddy G.O.? Is your priest Father John? Then you are not a disciple of Christ.

     Christ’s disciples have no other Father but God. They hold allegiance to no man but to God. They are not born of men but of God. They are not heirs of men but of God. (Romans 8:17). They do not showcase the attributes of men but are partakers of the divine nature, “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:4).

     Faith over family

    If you are a Christian and maintain you are a disciple of Christ, then answer me this: who are the members of your family? If the members of your family are still limited to your nuclear or even extended family, then you are not a disciple of Christ.

     Jesus says: “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33).

     Jesus requires His disciples to forsake their house, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, and lands for His sake. (Mark 10:29). If we do, He promises we will receive in return a hundredfold of houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands. (Mark 10:30).

     If we have not done this and have therefore not received the hundredfold return, then we cannot be disciples of Christ.

     When they told Jesus His mother and brothers were looking for Him: “He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’” (Matthew 12:48-50).

     This principle of preferred allegiance from an earthly to a heavenly family remains Greek to Christians. But Jesus says: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26).

  • Christians must beware of dead works (2) – By Femi Aribisala

    Christians must beware of dead works (2) – By Femi Aribisala

    “Our works are dead when we prefer the glory that fades to the glory that endures”.

    Paul says: “I want you to affirm constantly that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” (Titus 3:8).

    However, the pastors of our churches are passionate practitioners of dead works. Paul says: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossian 3:17).

    But pastors preach in their own names. They are “holier than thou,” presenting themselves as exemplars of righteousness. They are proud and boastful. “Everything they do is for show.” (Matthew 23:5).

    Jesus says: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1).

    But pastors proclaim their charitable deeds on the rooftops and invite their congregants to do the same. When you hear Christians saying things like the following, know that God is not impressed:

    “I was the pastor of the biggest church in Nigeria.” Dead works!

    “I preached the gospel in the rural areas of Nigeria for 50 years.” Dead works!

    “I established a multi-million-naira fund to help the poor in Nigeria’s inner cities.” Dead works!

    “I was a member of the prayer squad in my church. We prayed at midnight every night for 50 years non-stop.” Dead works!

    “I am the praise worship leader in my church.” Dead works!

    Filthy rags

    Dead works are works of self-righteousness. They are works that bring honour and glory to men. They are works for which we receive praise from men. They are works for which we receive earthly rewards.

    Pastors are not only full of dead works; they promote dead works in the churches. You might have heard some Nigerian pastors saying this:

    “I know some people are telling you not to pay tithe. Do not listen to them. They want to kill you. You go die quick.” Dead works!

    If you do not pay tithe, things will be tight for you.” Dead works!

    “Immediately after this convention, restitute your ways with your congregation. Make it clear to them, anyone who is not paying his tithe is not going to heaven, full-stop.” Dead works!

    As a young believer, I was obsessed with the desire to end up in heaven. All my prayer points were about going to heaven. But one day, the Holy Spirit engaged me on my preoccupation. He wanted to know why I was so determined to go to heaven.

    I could not answer Him because I wanted to go to heaven because I was afraid of going to hell. So, He told me heaven was not for me.

    Do not believe the lies of pastors. Heaven is not for those who want to go to heaven out of fear of going to hell. Heaven is only for those who want to go to heaven out of love for God because they want to be with Him.

    Loving others more

    Dead works are proclaimed in the name of righteousness but are abominable to God. Jesus says: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.” (Matthew 15:8).

    “I was a faithful husband to my wife for 70 years.” Dead works!

    “I faithfully and diligently took great care of my two autistic children and sacrificed everything for them.” Dead works!

    Jesus says: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37).

    Our love for others become dead works unless they come out of our love for God. Jesus says: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40).

    Dead works are works done not according to the will of God. They are works that are not done because of the love of God. They are works that seem to be good but are done from wrong motives.

    Jesus is the redeemer. But He only redeems our loses in this world. He does not redeem our gains. If we receive a reward for something in the world, that thing automatically becomes a dead work and we forfeit the great reward for it in heaven. But if we reject the reward of the world, “great is our reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12).

    Accepting praise

    Jesus says: “I do not accept praise from men. (John 5:41). If we accept praise from men, we forfeit the praise of God. The work for which we are praised become a dead work. Accordingly, I grieved when Newsweek named a Nigerian pastor as one of the 100 most influential men in the world.

    Jesus says: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19).

    Good works are the works that please God and not men. They are works that redound to the glory of God and not of men. They are works for which we shall get rewards from God and God alone. Once we are rewarded for anything by men, it is a dead work for which we will get no reward in heaven from God.

    Approving the excellent

    Paul prays: “That (we) may approve the things that are excellent, that (we) may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:10-11).

    God is the only one that is excellent. His name is excellent. (Psalm 8:1). The things that are excellent are the things that pertain to Him. God only does excellent things. (Isaiah 12:5). It is God who is: “wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.” (Isaiah 28:29).

    Therefore, our works are dead when we approve the things of men instead of the things of God.

    We are deep up to our necks in dead works when we prefer surfing the net to spending time with God. Our works are dead when we prefer making money to making a joyful noise to the Lord. Our works are dead when we prefer success in the world to the good success of God. Our works are dead when we prefer gain in the world to the great gain of the kingdom of God. 

    Our works are dead when we prefer the visible to the invisible. Our works are dead when we prefer the physical to the spiritual. Our works are dead when we prefer the glory that fades to the glory that endures. Our works are dead when we love our lives and are determined to save them rather than lose them.

    Jesus says: “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25).

  • Christians must beware of dead works (1) – By Femi Aribisala

    Christians must beware of dead works (1) – By Femi Aribisala

    “Works done dispassionately are abominable to God”.

    Dead works are works of presumptive righteousness that are very displeasing to God. Born again Christians specialize in these works, but their most ardent practitioners are pastors, especially the so-called mega pastors.

    Dead works are deceitful. When we do them, we think we are righteous and assume we are doing what God wants. But God hates the dead works that Christians esteem. Jesus warns: “What is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15).

    Isaiah points out that, to God: “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6).Therefore, the writer of Hebrews maintains that repentance from dead works is one of the “elementary principles of Christ.” (Hebrews 6:1).

    Joyless works

    Dead works are works not done joyfully. Nehemiah counselled Israel in the wilderness: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10).

    Jesus: “has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:4). Through His completed works of salvation, He gave us: “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that (we) may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3).

    Therefore, we must “rejoice always.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). We should rejoice: “because (our) names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20). We must be exceedingly glad even when persecuted: “for great is (our) reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before (us).” (Matthew 5:12).

    Jesus says: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Therefore, James says: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3).

    Because the Israelites did not rejoice in their maker and deliverer, Moses said God would send them into captivity:

    “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you.” (Deuteronomy 28:47-48).

    Fullness of joy

    For a Christian to do anything joylessly is to deny the great salvation of Christ and despise the continuing work of the Holy Spirit. It is to reject our translation from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God. This everlasting kingdom is not just about righteousness, it is about: “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17).

    Isaiah says to God: “You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways.” (Isaiah 64:5).

    This means the believer has lost the right to grumble or complain about anything.Whatever the situation or circumstance: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15).

    You can ask a child to do an inconvenient task and, although he does it, he hates doing it. That makes his doing it a dead work to God. Our works must be done joyfully. We must be: “hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9-10). Otherwise, our hospitality is a dead work. We must be patient and longsuffering with joyfulness. (Colossian 1:11). Otherwise, our patience and longsuffering become dead works.

    Good works are only those works that acknowledge the goodness of the Lord. They are works that redound to the glory of God. Therefore, the must be done with joy and gladness.

    The psalmist says to God: “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus, I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.” (Psalm 63:3-5).

    This means works done out of compulsion or necessity are abhorrent to God. This fact is hidden to mercenary pastors who threaten New Testament believers with the devourer and with exclusion from heavenly blessings if they do not give tithes and offerings.

    These pastors love big givers, but God only accepts cheerful givers.  Paul says: “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

    So, not all giving is acceptable to God. If you give reluctantly, it is a dead work. If you give and regret giving, it is a dead work. If you give sacrificially, it is a dead work.

    Works without love

    Jesus says: “I don’t want your sacrifices- I want your love; I don’t want your offerings- I want you to know me.” (Matthew 9:13).

    The love of God is the only acceptable basis for good works. But Jesus says “our desires for other things” militate against our faithfulness to and love for God. (Mark 4:19). Any work not done because of the love of God is a dead work.

    Paul says: “Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3).

    Moreover, our love for God must supersede all other loves. Jesus insists: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37).

    Works done out of fear of going to hell are also dead works. John says: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18).

    Lukewarm love

    As newlyweds, a wife was very diligent in cooking delectable meals every day for her husband. She also loved to wash his clothes and iron them. But ten years down the road, it had become a chore for her. She still managed to do these things occasionally, but now only as a matter of routine.

    After ten years of marriage, what she used to do for her husband out of love for him had become dead works because love was no longer the mainspring.

    This is the predicament of most Christians. Over the years, our faith has been starched of the love and passion it once had when we newly believed. But works done dispassionately are abominable to God.

    Jesus chides the church of Ephesus: “I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place — unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5).

    He says to the Laodiceans: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16-17).

    CONTINUED

  • Soludo felicitates Anambra people at Christmas

    Soludo felicitates Anambra people at Christmas

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has sent warm Christmas greetings to christians and people of Anambra

    Mr Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Soludo reported the governor as expressing gratitude to God Almighty for the gift of life and the grace to celebrate another Christmas this year.

    He said that Christmas was a time for hope and a season for a renewed inspiration from the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose birthday was celebrated on the solemn occasion the world over.

    Soludo called on the people to embrace the timeless message of God’s love, hope and redemption of mankind which were the cardinal significance of the occasion

    He assured that adequate security had been put in place for a hitch-free yuletide, adding that the vision to make Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland remained fully on course.

    “As we join our families and friends in our homes and communities to celebrate Christmas, let us share the gift of God’s love with one another

    “With joy and happiness in my heart, I welcome the people of Anambra, including those coming home and those already in the homeland for this year’s Christmas celebration.

    “Once again, on behalf of my family and the State Government, I wish Ndi Anambra a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,” he stated.

  • 2023: Refrain from religious sentiments, vote for me – Tinubu to Christians

    2023: Refrain from religious sentiments, vote for me – Tinubu to Christians

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Christians in the country through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to refrain from religious sentiment and vote for him in the 2023 presidential election, insisting that he is the best candidate to give Nigeria good leadership.

    This appeal was made on Sunday in Kano during an interface with CAN leadership led by the state chairman, Rev. Samuel Adeyemo.

    Jagaban as he’s fondly called spoke at Africa House, Government House, Kano, where he reminded the Christian leaders that he is married to a pastor, insisting that his decision for a Muslim-Muslim ticket was never to spite Christians but to ensure that he used the best political formula to win elections.

    “Thank you, everyone, here. Thank you, CAN. Thank you, Pastors. I am a unique Muslim because I am married to a Pastor. When I am at home, she is the boss.

    “I did not try to Islamise her. We have two bedside lamps, one with the Bible, and the other one with the Holy Quran. I have never seen the two Holy Books change their position or quarrel in the same bedroom.

    “We have a country to build. Me, I have an election to win. After winning my primary election, I didn’t look for the ballot papers to know whether those who voted were Muslim or Christian. All I needed was to win, and I won. When I won, I started dancing.

    “If you polarise Nigeria along religious lines, we will have bad leadership. We should not fight along religious lines. The way you pray for forgiveness as a Christian is the same way I pray for forgiveness as a Muslim.

    “I know you would not want to be an enemy to the winning team. I am a politician, I have a formula, and my formula is to win an election without rigging. I am a minority Muslim from Yoruba, how will I go and chose one Emmanuel from Sokoto…,” Tinubu said.

    In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the Kano CAN leadership for honouring the invitation.

    “I thank Kano CAN for honouring this invitation…we have our presidential candidate and former Governor of Lagos state. You know the development in Lagos. Seeing is believing. Therefore, his own is that he is tested, and he can be trusted. His running-mate developed Borno State and the person he handed over to is doing well.

    “I am happy that you appreciate our candidate. I am happy that you have endorsed our candidate. So, we thank you for endorsing our candidate.”

    In his address, Rev. Adeyemo said they were at Government House at the invitation of Governor Ganduje, who he described as a detribalized leader.

    According to him, Kano has remained peaceful under Governor Ganduje, who sees all residents as indigenes of the state.

    He said, “CAN Kano has two key responsibilities—to be praying for peace in Kano and Nigeria. We also know that the APC presidential candidate will be doing a lot of traveling for his campaign, and we are praying for his safety.

    “We also urge Christians in the state to exercise their civic responsibility during the elections.”

  • Did God order Muslims to rule over Christians? – By Stephen Ojapah

    Did God order Muslims to rule over Christians? – By Stephen Ojapah

    “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me” (John 14:6).

    Jason Soroski a renowned bible commentator has this short analysis to offer about this passage. “As Jesus tells his disciples that he is the way, there are multiple meanings involved. First off, he addresses our very human instinct to know where we are going before we start a journey. The disciples wanted to know the next step, the next turn, the ultimate destination of where this journey in faith would lead them”. He is the definite Faith experience that every Christian should long for. This kind of exclusivist, passage of the bible creates a sense of entitlement to the keys of heaven by Christians. Nevertheless, Jesus made himself clearer by saying, “I have other sheep too that do not belong to this fold, they too listen to me” (John 10: 16). As you read the early passage with a sense of entitlement, the second verse, humbles you with the generosity of God, how the windows of heaven is not limited to anyone religion.

    The people of Israel for centuries have prided themselves, as the chosen race. St Paul in his letter to the Galatians made it abundantly clear, in Jesus: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Humanity is one, no matter the linage we use in addressing one another. Any attempt by a race, tribe, or religion to establish supremacy over the other, is not only, unscriptural, against international law, it is damn right evil. The Apartheid in South Africa enjoyed a lot of scriptural backing: Genesis 11, Deuteronomy 32:8, Acts 1:8, and 17: 26, 1 Corinthians 7: 17-24, and Revelation 5:9 and 7:9.

    Learned and seemingly godly Reformed theologians developed an impressive biblical case for apartheid—apartness. They were totally convinced that the Bible endorsed the separation of the races. They insisted that their policies were pleasing to God because they were grounded in Scripture. The Reformed Church of South Africa was the largest denomination in the country by far. They had a number of large and well-supported theological seminaries with very high standards. Their best scholars had doctorates from mainly Dutch Universities. What is more, they were very evangelistic and worked tirelessly to see black South Africans converted and worshiping in their own churches.

    In the 20th century, in the face of external attacks on white rule, the best-Reformed theologians gave their able minds to developing biblical support for separate development (Apartheid). They argued that the Bible taught that humankind, by the will of God, was separated into different races that should each have their own lands. They insisted that Apartheid was pleasing to God because Scripture endorsed it. Broughton Knox made a case for the Biblical foundation of Apartheid at Moore College, Sydney, in the mid 1960’s before the principal, and Donald Robinson, the vice-principal. Stephen Bradley, the bishop of the breakaway Church of England in South Africa, spoke to students in support of Apartheid at the invitation of Dr. Knox. The “biblical” case for Apartheid is as follows:

    The world is predicated on a number of unchanging creation “orders” (i.e. God-given hierarchies, institutions, structures, and relationships), namely, the family, male leadership, the state, work, and race.
    The Bible teaches that God has created different races. The story of Babel tells us that the separation of people into different races with different languages is God’s will. In Acts 2:5–11, Rev. 5:9, 7:9, 14:6, and other passages, the Bible clearly states that God recognizes that people are divided, and identified by race. For the Apartheid theologians, difference between races trumped any similarities.
    Acts 17:26 was possibly the most important text for Apartheid theologians. “From our one ancestor God made all nations (Greek ethnoi) to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the time of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live.” This text was interpreted to mean that God had divided all the people of the world into different nations or races and allocated a region for each. They saw this as unambiguous endorsement of the policy of separating the different races of South Africa and allotting an area to each. Acts 17:26 was to them what 1 Tim. 2:11–14 is for complementarians. This one text settled the matter. Those who accepted what it said were obeying God, and those who did not, were opposing God.

    As we approach the 2023 General elections, we commend the entire process into the hands of God, and we pray that God will give us credible leaders that will take Nigeria to the standard of relevance and importance in the International community. As we prepare for this process, we are equally worried on some of the ongoing video clips in Hausa Language circulating in some parts of the country especially in my beloved northern Nigeria. Here I have translated the preaching of two leading Islamic Clerics from Hausa to English. As it concerns the supremacy of Muslims over Christians, so long as elected positions are concern. Thanks to the final views of my brother and friend Shiekh Maraya.

    “Election is around the corner; the simple message is that Muslims should vote into power their fellow Muslims, God didn’t create an unbeliever (Christian) to rule over a Muslim it can only happen by accident but not by destiny. Vote a fellow Muslims brother into power the party shouldn’t be a problem, the condition in Taraba state is disheartening and everyone is fed up reasons because Muslim didn’t cooperate with each other, voting a Muslim into power is a blessing therefore we shouldn’t throw away the blessing.

    Mallam Jalo has spoken about it and I have pity on him each time he pours out his mind concerning Muslims and their lack of cooperation with one another. He says some Muslims in Taraba state are not willing to work together, it is better to work with a fellow Muslim than an unbeliever because on the day of reckoning, you will be placed side by side with an unbeliever and this is trouble for you. No matter how horrible or bad a fellow Muslim will be he is always better than an unbeliever is. An unbeliever will insult you, your religion and your personality but a Muslim will never do that. May God bless the entire Muslim Ummah” (Sheikh Abubakar Mukhtar Yola).

    “A particular religion or tribe should not oppress another religion or tribe. When a Christian political aspirant chooses a Christian, as his/her running mate this will be an oppression on the Muslims, and this is also applicable to Muslims. Therefore, there should be justice, fairness and transparency so that there will be love, unity, peace, progress and harmony in our country because Nigeria is the only place we can all call home. A Christian should choose a Muslim as a running mate and a Muslim should do the same. Some religious leaders go contrary to their teachings and preaching in their various places of worship. Some go as far as canvassing for votes for the members if their faith, just because they are of the same faith. This is against section 97 of the 2022 amended constitution and punishable by the law, with 1-year jail term or payment of 1 million naira as a fine and in some cases both punishment are applicable but the law enforcement agencies do not punish the perpetrators of this offence. That is why many do and get away with it.

    Political aspirants should not be hungry for votes, or do disgusting things in other to attain positions instead; they should be concerned about the peace and stability of the country. In Kaduna state, the governor is a Muslim and his deputy is a Muslim too but if you check thoroughly what have the Muslims benefited? Nothing! Their houses, shops, business places and mosques have been demolished and destroyed, the sane Muslims have been sacked from work and also tuition fees have been increased the same Muslims cannot afford the fees but when the governor was a Muslim and a his deputy was a Christian none of these were recorded. When there is cheating and wickedness in the system, God will certainly leave us to our bad deeds. In the Hadith God says I am therefore do not be cheats. God did not create only Muslims in this world every human being was created by him. Therefore, I am calling on political leaders to be free and fair while choosing their counterparts” (Shiekh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya).

    Let the ministers of peace, promote the culture of merit and equity, and let the preachers of hate, tribe and religion, give peace a chance. God did not create Muslims supreme over Christians.

     

    Fr Stephen Ojapah is a priest of the Missionary Society of St Paul. He is equally the director for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, a member of IDFP. He is also a KAICIID Fellow. (omeizaojapah85@gmail.com)

  • What Christians need to defeat enemies of the nation – Adeboye

    What Christians need to defeat enemies of the nation – Adeboye

    Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged Christian to be united irrespective of their denominations.

    Adeboye gave the advice at the Chapel of Mercy, Dadin-Kowa, Jos, on Sunday.

    He said he was in Jos to commiserate with the family of the Late Rev. Isaac Oyebamiji, the Founder and Senior Pastor of Chapel of Mercy, as well as members of the church.

    Adeboye, who described the deceased as one of his spiritual sons, apologised for his inability to visit immediately Oyebamiji died.

    ”It took me this long to come for this visit because we had a close relationship with your late pastor for over 40 years.

    ”So, it has not been easy with me trying to accept the fact that he is no more, but I’m here today to condole and pray for his family and indeed all members of this congregation.

    ”The servant of God has finished his assignment on earth and has gone to be with his maker; ours is to live right so that we will meet him on the resurrection day.

    ”But I want to use this opportunity to call on Christians in Nigeria to be united in order to defeat the enemies of the nation,”he said.

    Adeboye advised family members of the deceased to emulate the good ways of their father and sustain the legacies he left behind.

    Responding, Pastor Olutoyin Oyebamiji,  wife of the deceased thanked Adeboye for the visit and described it as encouraging.

    Adeboye was accompanied for the visit by his wife, Foluke.

    Oyebamiji, 64, died in February after a brief illness in the United States.

    He held a doctoral degree in Ministry, with emphasis on ”Leadership and Preaching” from the Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky, U.S.

  • Peter Obi is driving Christians into politics – Okowa alleges

    Peter Obi is driving Christians into politics – Okowa alleges

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has accused the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi of dragging Christians into politics over his outing to churches.

    Okowa, who spoke with reporters in Kano State on Wednesday, said he does not believe in dragging the church into partisan politics, stressing that politics is not the calling of the church.

    He lamented that out of desperation, some presidential candidates are currently reaching out to anything even at the detriment of their faith just to win the February 2022 election.

    “Now you begin to look at what is going on; the Peter Obi factor is as if he is trying to go through the church and make it look as if he is driving the Christians into politics. I do not believe that the church should actively go into politics because that is not their calling.

    “But people are just hanging to anything they can reach out to even to the detriment of their fate. I don’t believe that’s the right part to go,” he said.

  • 2023: CAN directs Christians to vote character, competence, capacity [VIDEO]

    2023: CAN directs Christians to vote character, competence, capacity [VIDEO]

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has directed Christians to vote for their preferred candidates based on criteria of character, competence, capacity and policies, in the 2023 general election.

    In a video going viral, the Senior Pastor of the Family Worship Centre, Sarah Omakwu, read out the directives to church members in Abuja.

    Speaking on the criteria stipulated by CAN, the association emphasized that on character, the candidate must possess the following, “the fear of  God, honesty and truthfulness, respect for the rule of law, justice and fairness for all, respect for religious and ethnic diversity, compassion and discipline, clean and credible lifestyle.”

    CAN further state that the candidate’s record must show ”  no membership of cult, no involvement in drugs and witchcraft; no fanaticism, no relationship to Boko Haram or another violent religious group.”

    On Competence, it urged Christians to look out for “Quality performance in previous positions, good education sufficient to manage a complex society, effective management of human and natural resources.”

    Regarding capacity, the committee stated that any aspirant must have the ability to envision transformation, the ability to communicate the vision to diverse peoples, the ability to effectively execute the vision of transformations, as well as proof of good health, sound mind and physical fitness for the job.

    As for policies, CAN advised the church to vote only for presidential candidates that support state police, restructuring, and ranching, among other things.

    On policies, CAN further state, “State police, religious neutrality of the Nigerian state, enforcement of fundamental human rights of all Nigerians, restructuring to decentralize governance, equitable and enforceable sharing of executive offices, equal ethnic and religious representation in military and Security agencies, self-determination for all Nigerian people, no to ruga, yes to ranching, education and free healthcare to all Nigerians (including Almajiri), no open grazing (rather modernization of animal husbandry), local control of the local economy, including waters, rivers and forest.”

    See the full video below:

     

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