The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • PFN warns against proposed Sharia laws in S/W

    PFN warns against proposed Sharia laws in S/W

    By Our Reporter

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has warned against alleged subterranean moves by some groups to introduce Sharia Law in the South West through the ongoing constitutional review by the Senate.

    It warned the Senate not to succumb to such agitations capable of further plunging the country into a major religious crisis.

    A statement from the media office of PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, on Thursday said rather, the lawmakers should direct their energies towards solving the mounting problems bedeviling the country, especially the security of lives and property of the populace.

    “The problems confronting our nation are enormous than wanting to create more. Sharia Law is alien to our culture of religious existence in the South-West.

    “As such, nobody should through any subterfuge, bring it in so as to cause the crisis,” the body stated.

    READ ALSO: PFN: Dare Adeboye’s death tragic

    Introduction of such law to the South West, the PFN warned would pitch Christians against their Muslim counterparts.

    “We want to strongly warn the Senate and those behind this plan to unsettle the peace being enjoyed in this country, to desist before it’s too late.

    “Don’t instigate religious crisis in the Southwest; this could further threaten the fragile peace of the country,” it further charged

    Continuing, the PFN noted: “The secularity of our existence which is devoid of any religious upheaval, should not be tampered with under whatever guise. We shall resist this by every legal means at our disposal

    “Without the Sharia, we have always lived peacefully with our Muslim brothers. We know that this is the handiwork of those who are hell-bent in unsettling our country at all cost. But the good news is that: They have failed. As far as we are concerned, the proposal won’t fly and can never fly. It’s dead born.”

  • Mighty help in the name of the Lord

    Mighty help in the name of the Lord

    Bishop Taiwo Akinola

    Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth ~ Psalms 124:8.

    Introduction:
    Truth be told, times do come in life when we don’t know what to do. Dark and ominous times when evil reports are rampant, when deadly darts are flying and the sparrows are falling, and yet human helpers are sleepy. Something must be done, and urgently too, but we don’t know what to do.

    The present situation in Nigeria is a classic example of the kind of time described above. Many things are grossly wrong, and something needs be done, but the poignant question is, “what”?

    Such sordid experiences of life occasionally perch upon individuals, on families and even on organizations and, when they do, those who should bring help appear incapacitated and the dark frightening silence seems to last forever. Men and brethren, that is the midnight experience of life!

    Meanwhile, there is nothing new under the sun. From the history of God’s way, both ancient and modern, the last joker in such situations is staying hooked to the Lord, recognizing Him as the Most High God and praising Him in the light of that truth. Then, the wrath of man shall truly praise God (Psalm 76:10).

    Midnight experiences are undesirable interludes in the music of life. Even then, with the Most High God in the factors, any believer can still tell a beautiful testimony in the name of the Lord.

    In fact, lest we forget: midnight is not only the middle of the night, it is also the beginning of a new day! No adverse wind, present or future, will require more than the revelation of the Most High God to attract God’s help at moments of dire need.

    Whenever the Most High God is revealed, recognized and adored, an incredible power is made available to positively alter the storyline. At the rendition of the Name, “Most High God”, help becomes accessible, the enemies drop their charges and long-term stationed demons bow.

    No doubt, God’s power surpasses all other powers, and nothing compares with Him. That is why He is called the Most High God and, for the same reason, He cannot be questioned or resisted by the vicissitudes of life. Truly, absolute power belongs to the Most High God (Psalm 62:11).

    The Most High God in the Affairs of Men

    The Most High God, (Hebrew, El-Elyon), is the God over all gods (Exodus 18:11). He is the Founder and Possessor of heaven and earth, the Maker of all things.

    He alone has both power and right to dispose anything in heaven and on earth in our favour at will. He is the True and Living God who is greater than any need, and bigger than any oppressor.

    Our enemies tremble when they know He’s the One on whom we depend. However, you must recognize Him for Who He is — the One that reigns and rules in the kingdoms of men — before He overrules situations in your favour (Daniel 4:17, 25, 32; 5:21).

    Abraham was like a common struggler before he had an encounter with the Most High God. God called him and made him some terrific, life-changing covenant promises, and he began to take some steps to access them, yet he remained a wanderer for some time (Genesis 12:2-3).

    However, the promises were validated when he caught the revelation of the Name, Most High God, owned it and was blessed by the authority of the same through Melchizedek, the King of Salem (Genesis 14:14-20).

    Paul and Silas also, at a point in their line of duty, ran into trouble with the then authority and were put in prison, but instead of grumbling or bemoaning their fate, they chose to praise God (Acts 16:25)

    They didn’t sing in order to psyche themselves into an emotional high, or to just enjoy the thrills of the song. No, not at all. Rather, they used the songs to recognize the almightiness of God, and He in turn propelled to them mighty help of a seismic dimension.

    Please carefully note here that the praises and the exploits that resulted from there were established on the premise of the Name, the Most High God (Acts 16:17).

    In their midnight experiences, Paul and Silas sang praises to the Supreme King in God, and that was what moved Him to act dramatically in their situation. Faith pleases God, but praise moves Him to act in our favour.

    Jesus Christ Is the Incarnate Most High God

    In Luke 8:26-36, we read the story of the Gadarenes madman and his incredible encounter with Jesus Christ. The affliction of chronic madness lingered for a long time because of the oppressive legion of demons and nothing, including physical chains, had worked to bring any reprieve.

    However, at the appearance of Jesus Christ, the madman and the demons that had bowed to nothing before ran towards Him, fell and bowed at His feet. Never doubt it, at the appearance of the Most High God, demons beg and bow.

    It is pertinent, at this juncture, to ask “what did these demons see for which they bowed to Jesus Christ”? Without equivocation, what they saw in Jesus Christ was the express image of the Most High God (Luke 8:28).

    Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Most High God, and whenever we see Him for who He is, clear testimonies of positive changes occur in our lives (Hebrews 1:1-4). He is Yehoshua, Jehovah-Our-Deliverer! There’s mighty help available whenever we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ!!

    Man In Desperate Need for God

    Demons always attack as a team or a legion, and this is how they sustain their grounds to build their bulwarks against destinies of men. Legions of demons continue to exercise a rule over those who dwell in their region, but the believers’ secure location is in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

    In the story referenced above, we can see clearly that the legions were comfortable for as long as the madman was in torment. Tormentors are always happy at the unhappiness of the tormented. We must therefore race in passionate prayers against destiny tormentors, and readily pay the entire price necessary to secure the help of God.

    The condition of David at a time was very traumatic, but he opted to call upon the Lord and he enjoyed a dramatic testimony eventually (Psalm 18:7-48). Desperate situations always call for desperate solutions; to prevail, you must be desperate in your calls for divine assistance.

    It is worthy of note also to read that the legion ‘prayed’ to Jesus to order them in a particular manner. So, demons do pray? It must be very obscene and embarrassing that some believers don’t.

    Friends, as you cry for divine help, I pray God will overrule Himself, if need be, to ensure that the wishes of demons against your life remain ineffective, in Jesus Name (2 Kings 20:1-6). Amen.

    Happy Sunday!

    Bishop Taiwo Akinola is the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, Sango Ota, Ogun State.

  • You are man of faith, Adeboye tells Bello

    You are man of faith, Adeboye tells Bello

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    The General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church  of  God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described Governor Yahaya Bello as a man of faith whose handling of the Corona Virus pandemic was an inspiring indication of stoic faith. A rare demonstration from a political leader, he said.

    Applauding the Governor for his balanced approach to governance especially as it relates to issue of religious plurality, Pastor Adeboye praised the Governor on his tolerance and inclusiveness to the extent that the first-ever Chapel in Kogi State Government house was built by the Governor.

    “we have heard and seen your show of faith in God particularly in dealing with the Corona Virus. It takes the man of faith to have acted the way you did and we are very very pleased with you. We have also heard the news of how you’ve been relating to people of every faiths to the extend that you built the first chapel in the government house, Lokoja,  we are delighted, Sir. I want to assure you that we will keep on praying for you, we will keep on praying for the people of your state and i believe that the Almighty God will answer our prayers for you. Thank you fro granting us audience” Adeboye said.

    He assured the Governor that they would continue to offer prayers for the Governor, the leadership of the state and the people of the state at large

    In his response, Governor Bello expressed that the visit of the clergy was a gift and he was delighted to be hosting a father figure who served as a role model to many across the country, himself inclusive.

    Governor Bello asserted that It was evil of any leader to continually do wrong without recourse to natural justice., adding that in Kogi State under his leadership, considering the circumstances surrounding how he became governor and his election for a second term, the resolve is to do good by providing credible and impacting governance.

    He alluded that his administration’s strive to ensure ethnic, religious balance, fighting criminality and other modest achievements were only natural and mandatory obligations expected of leaders bequeathed with the people’s mandate.

    The Governor tasked the revered and venerable clergy to continue to pray for the country, the state, both leadership and followership  stating that all faith at this very period should harmonise to seek divine intervention for the nation instead of beating the drum of divisions and war.

  • Tribute to Pastor Dare Adeboye

    Tribute to Pastor Dare Adeboye

    By Mikky Attah

    I vividly remember my singular meeting with Pastor Dee, as everyone called Pastor Dare Adeboye, in Uyo one Sunday evening in 2020, and as soon as we were introduced, he called on the retreating figures of his wife and daughter to come greet me, and I recall his daughter immediately falling to her knees, as is the custom of the Yorubas.

    That custom is gradually fading away with the times, indeed such greeting is uncommon among “aje- butter” children; but clearly Pastor Dee had brought up his household to cherish the old values of respect for seniors.

    I was with the wife of a big uncle of mine that day, and as we sat in the lounge, she sighted a family quite close to the tarmac exit door, and she said to me:- over there is Pastor Dee, Pastor Adeboye’s son. But, knowing Papa Adeboye refers to all his pastors as “sons”or”daughters” (even as he is universally called Daddy G.O), I quickly whispered the question – his real son, you mean- to which she replied in the affirmative. Just then the Pastor himself saw her and came over to greet us. It was instantly noticeable that his father’s quality of disarming humility was evident in Pastor Dee, who also bore a striking resemblance to his father. Like the saying goes, the apple did not fall far from the tree.

    Then, shortly after introducing us to his departing family and exchanging pleasantries, as well as interacting with  the few other persons that were in the lounge that evening, Pastor Dee took his leave for Eket, his base, where he served as  Assistant Regional Pastor.

    It was then my uncle’s wife opened up and told me that Pastor Dee had facilitated her express, one- on- one visit with Daddy G.O, Papa Adeboye at the height of her 3 year- long strange ailment, which had seen her travel abroad for operations seven whole times, with minimal impact.

    When the strange medical condition lingered, she had met with Papa Adeboye for a prayer session. Pastor Dee arranged it for her. Today, I wonder how many, maybe countless others he had silently assisted, through the years.

    I would say : a combination of prayers, and expert medical attention finally worked, and today my uncle’s wife is fully recovered.

    Thus, the passing on of that vibrant, warm and friendly man was quite a shock to me. Moreover, from the testimonies of him that have continued to be highlighted, it is clear that his life and ministry had great impact on the youths and young adults of Eket region. It is no wonder they embarked on the road trip in their numbers from all over Akwa  Ibom to Ogun, to attend  his funeral.

    The Comforter, the Holy Spirit will surely comfort the family of the Adeboyes; PastorDee’s wife and children, his mother, Pastor Folu (Mummy G.O.) his father, siblings, his congregants and his friends.

    Pastor Dare’s helpfulness, his humility and his warm personality as well as his respectfulness are qualities I will always ascribe to him.

    The entire Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG worldwide, must remain consoled in the fact that Pastor Dee’s final place is heaven.

    For Akwa Ibom , it must not be overlooked that it was a blessing for the son of the renowned General  Overseer to have been sent to serve in that land.

    Finally , for Pastor Dare Adeboye, it is certain; his God and Maker will say to him, Well done, though good and faithful servant, and Pastor Dare will enter into the joy of his Maker. Mathew 25:21.  That is my ultimate target, too.

    • Attah is a broadcaster, columnist and community leader.
  • Organisation wins at YMCA’s business bootcamp

    Organisation wins at YMCA’s business bootcamp

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    A hospitality business, Pipo Global Limited have emerged winners of the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Business Boot Camp Pitch held recently at the YMCA, Lagos Secretariat, Lagos.

    Pipo Global Limited emerge winner with Sax and Accessories and Salibee Food clinches second and third position respectively.

    They will receive free business name registration, complimentary cards, and free mentorship from corporate experts for six months and access to single digits loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The boot camp featured: design a business model and write a simple business plan, deploy effective digital and social media marketing and customer service skills, understand the rudiments of business Registration and Licensing, impact investment, Access available mentorship and internship opportunities.

    In his response, the Executive Director of Pipo Global Limited Adeyemi Ayo David, who was elated at the award, said that this business boot camp has deepened his knowledge about business plan, budgeting and financing which are key elements for a successful businesses.

    Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of YMCA, Adeniyi Akindayomi said that the programme was set up in respond to the reality of our nation especially with respect to young people.

    ”We saw what hunger during the lock down and the response of young people and the growing spate of insecurity. Ensuring that young people are not only engage but create businesses and economic opportunities for other people is our ultimate goal”.

    He noted that we are not in rivalry with the government but complementing the various socio-economic interventions of the government in address growing spate of unemployment prevalence in Nigeria.

  • ‘Battle for denominational supremacy, bane of Christian growth in Nigeria’

    ‘Battle for denominational supremacy, bane of Christian growth in Nigeria’

    By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

    Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has identified battle for supremacy of churches along denominational lines as the bane of Christian growth in the country.

    Ewhrudjakpo made this known at separate meetings with the Catholic Men’s Organization of St. Mathias Catholic Church, Amarata, and representatives of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Bayelsa State chapter, in Government House, Yenagoa.

    He expressed concern over the division among Christians who lay greater emphasis on their doctrines and fail to appreciate the fact that they all worship one indivisible God.

    Ewhrudjakpo stressed that if Christians sank their doctrinal differences to pursue the overall goal of spreading the gospel of Christ with sincerity of purpose, they would make greater impact in society.

    He, therefore, urged Christian leaders and their followers to eschew divisiveness and work in unity to propagate the gospel.

    Responding to their demands, the Deputy Governor said the present administration would continue to identify with churches in different ways including attending programmes whenever time permits.

    He said: “As we are celebrating Pentecost, we should know that we are celebrating the spirit of oneness. What makes up Pentecost is the strength of the church to go wherever they want to.

    “Oneness does not mean that we do not disagree; it means that we are one, whether in disagreement or not. It is the oneness of purpose that drives the process of success.

    “We must as Christians try to promote ecumenism, which is the unity of Christians to preach Christ. It does not matter your denomination. The more divided we are, the weaker the body of Christ. “

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Catholic Men’s Organization (CMO), St Matthias Church, Amarata, Mr. Paul Matthew, thanked the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri for his enormous assistance to Bomadi Diocese of the Catholic Church.

    According to Matthew, Governor Diri is the first to appoint a Reverend Father as Deputy Chaplain in Government House Chaplaincy since the creation of the state.

    On his part, the state Chairman of Organization of African Instituted Churches, Senior Apostle Michael Makpah, commended the security and development efforts of the state government including prompt payment of workers salaries.

    While pledging continued support for the present administration, Senior Apostle Makpah, appealed to the Governor and his deputy to create greater bond with the Christian community by periodically attending Sunday services outside their own churches

  • Methodist holds Wesley Day

    Methodist holds Wesley Day

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    The Methodist Council of Knights, Lagos Chapter is set to mark her annual Wesley Day Celebration on the 24th of May, 2021 at Methodist Church of The Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos at 4pm.

    This programme tiled: Profound Preaching and Harmonious Hymns Singing would feature two expositions. The first on -John Wesley: Five (5) valuable lessons from Childhood to University days (1703-1725) is to be delivered by The Rev Yemi Alaran.

    The statement was made in a release made available to The Nation yesterday by Methodist Council of Knights, Lagos Chapter Secretary,  Sir Oluwatosin Olaniyan, said that the Wesley Day is is in remembrance of the founding fathers of Methodism; The Wesley brothers i.e. Rev. John Wesley and Rev Charles Wesley who lived in the 18thcentury

    He said that the second is a short exposition on the Hymn MHB 548 IALL things are possible to him, that can in Jesus name believe…‘ to be delivered by The Rev Bola Oyeledun.

    “Also, excellent renditions of Hymns composed by Rev. Charles Wesley would be presented by The Choir of Methodist Church of The Trinity, Tinubu Lagos and The Choir of Methodist Church Alaba International, Alaba, Lagos”.

    “It is worth knowing that The Methodist Church being the first established Church in Nigeria since 1842, has come a long way and the Knights in Lagos Chapter are proud to celebrate the eternal legacies of the Wesley brothers”.

    Among the guests at the event include: The Archbishop of Lagos, The Most Rev (Dr.) Isaac Ayobami Oluwuyi, the Bishop of Tinubu, The Rt. Rev. Oladapo Babalola and other Bishops and ministers. Also the Chairman, Dame Prof. Aba Sagoe and members of the Council of Knights, Lagos Chapter have been billed to attend the event.

  • Bible society donates bible worth N8.1 million

    Bible society donates bible worth N8.1 million

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    The Bible Society of Nigeria [BSN] has donated assorted Bibles worth  8.1 million in 2020 as part of its free Bible distribution project.

    This was stated in a statement by the society’s manager, Media and Programmes, Benjamin Mordi said that the value of the Bibles donated to the sighted cost ¦ 5.1 million, while the complete sets of Braille Bibles given to People with Visual Disability worth ¦ 3 million. A complete set of Braille Bible, which comes in 37 volumes, costs ¦ 25,000.”

    Mordi said the gesture is in line with BSN’s mission to meet the scriptural needs of Nigerians and help people interact with the Word of God.

    Beneficiaries of the free Bible distribution according to him, included prisons, Christian fellowships and organizations, schools for the blind, individual members of the public, among others.

    He explains in the statement that the “Society executes the free distribution programme with funds donated by members of the Bible-A-Month Club, Special Members, corporate organisations, Churches, and individual donors.”

    The Bible Society of Nigeria is a not-for-profit interdenominational Christian organisation that translates the Bible into local languages, publishes, distributes, and raises funds for the Bible work. So far, it has the full Bible in 26 Nigerian Languages while Bible translation/revision is ongoing in 10 Nigerian Languages.

  • Ayade’s defection to APC a private affair, says Bassey

    Ayade’s defection to APC a private affair, says Bassey

    Our Reporter 

    The Bishop of Calabar and Spiritual Leader of God’s Heritage Nation, Gloryland Calabar, Bishop Josef Bassey, has said there is nothing much to the defection of Cross River Governor Ben Ayade to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The development, he said, is a private affair without much significance to Cross Rivers residents who are grappling with big, real challenges.

    In a statement on Friday, Bassey said: “Political parties are systems that offer politicians platforms to express their ambitions.

    “As a politician the governor has a right to join whatever political association which will best serve his interest. It is purely a personal thing and is happening everyday across the country so that for me is nothing at all.

    Read Also; What next after Ayade’s defection?

    “Except that as a father, I wish him well on his new path of political pilgrimage. I pray it is not an entry into political wilderness.”

    On how it will impact Cross River people, he said: ” It is a strictly personal affair. The people of the state as other states at this time are grappling with serious issues bothering on many failures of the Buhari led administration. So politics is very far from the immediate concerns of the people.”

    He challenged Nigerians to take the nation back from selfish leaders who has pauperised the masses.

    He said: “The destiny and the future of Cross Riverians and Nigerians at large must not and cannot be left in the hands of obviously selfish, clannish, pathologically criminally minded politicians who are grossly irresponsive, disconnected from the realities of the people and care nothing about them.

    “A breed of shameless ambitious, greedy, power monsters; lacking in capacity to appreciate the depths and proportions of the challenges of the day and therefore cannot by any stretch of any ones imagination offer anything but pains, hardship, ruins, poverty, cluelessness, ineptitude, arrogant falsehood, audio results, and crass insensitivity to a people, state and nation in an emergency room; in desperate need of messianic leadership that must bring tested and proven visionary, informed, strategic, courageous, wholesome, emotionally secured, turn around capacities, competencies, and tangibilities to the table.

    “These are no times for grandstanding. The people must as a matter of urgency take their destinies in their own hands, see the “thieves”/ failed politicians for who they really are, and begin to meaningfully engage themselves in lawful processes towards achieving their own salvation and throwing up the uncommon leaders/ leadership required for this uncommon times in the history of our evolution.

    “While at it, we all must continue to pray without ceasing with love towards all in our hearts, and a faith that firmly believes in a better tomorrow. For as long as there is life, the Sun will surely shine after the rain.”

  • Methodist Prelate: we’re better off as one

    Methodist Prelate: we’re better off as one

    By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

     

    Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Kanu Uche has faulted agitations for secession, saying Nigeria is always better off as one.

    He urged political leaders to find lasting solutions to the security challenge to prevent disintegration.

    Uche, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, relayed the communiqué issued at the 38th Council of Bishops of the church in Calabar, Cross Rivers State penultimate week.

    He cautioned agitators not to use religion and ethnicity to divide the nation, stating that no tribe should monopolise power.

    The cleric noted that the agitations rocking the country were fallouts of perceived suspicion that a certain tribe has cornered all the important positions in the nation’s political structure.

    “I must also point out that no tribe should monopolise power; every tribe must be involved in the governance structure of the country.

    Read Also: Governors seeking state police, restructuring now 23

     

    “As it is, a certain tribe considered as a minority is holding on to all the sensitive positions in the country. These are the causes of agitation. If the present administration gets the courage to do the right thing, I can assure you all the agitation will stop,” he stressed.

    The cleric added: “President Muhammadu Buhari must show by acts and deeds that he is a detribalised leader and not having any hidden agenda. But I know Nigeria will not disintegrate and anybody trying to create problems for Nigerians will not succeed because God is with the people of this country.”

    On some of the issues raised at the 38th Council of Bishops, Uche said the council urged the Federal Government to take bold and intentional steps towards restructuring the nation, including consideration of the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.

    He said the council expressed the needs for establishment of state police and firming up the present structure of community policing as part of efforts in tackling insecurity in the country.

    “Council appeals to the Federal Government to ensure the independence of the judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man, knowing full well that adherence to the rule of law, assures investors, both locally and foreign of a stable environment for investment and profits,” he added.

    The Prelate also said the Council of Bishops applauded the 17 Southern Governors for resolutions on the ways forward.