The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Christians

  • Pope sues for peace in Easter message

    Pope sues for peace in Easter message

    Pope Francis issued a fresh appeal for world peace on Thursday, in an interview published hours before he was due to perform the pre-Easter ritual of washing prison inmates’ feet.

    After leading a mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Francis was scheduled to visit Paliano prison, about 75 km south-east of Rome.

    In previous years, the pope washed feet in a juvenile prison, a centre for the disabled, a high-security jail and a refugee centre.

    “All I want is to call even more strongly for peace for this world subjugated by arm traffickers who profit from the blood of men and women,” Francis told Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

    “Violence is no cure for our broken world,” he added.

    The washing of the feet recalls the gesture that Christians believe Jesus performed on the 12 apostles before the Last Supper. It shows that the man the apostles saw as their leader was capable of the most humble act.

    Francis said the Catholic Church’s duty should be to “stand by the last in line, the marginalized, the discarded,” and added that convicts should not be judged too harshly because “we are all sinners, but Jesus forgives us with his mercy.”

    Easter, falling on Sunday, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is the most important Christian holiday.

    In the run-up to it, Francis is scheduled to preside over the traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession on Friday, and lead an Easter vigil on Saturday.

  • Join partisan politics, Christians told

    Join partisan politics, Christians told

    Christians have been encouraged to get involved in grassroots politics for good governance in the nation.

    This was the consensus at a one-day seminar by the Ambassadors, an arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) devoted to raising Christian politicians.

    Chairman of the group, Comrade Michael Aderele, lamented Christians have ignorantly tagged those involved in partisan politics with one unpleasant name or the others for years.

    Noting many Christians dismiss politics as a dirty game, he, however, pointed out “whenever these dirt are swept, they are often parked at Christians doorsteps.

    “Whether we admit it or not, numerous Christians across the globe are victims of some of the ungodly or satanic policies.”

    The guest speaker, Tonye Cole, urged Christians to become card-carrying members of political parties for influence.

    “As a card-carrying member, your role goes beyond exercising a voting right on Election Day but you are expected to influence decisions at grassroots,” Cole said.

    The guest speaker encouraged Christians to come together as one body in ensuring they speak with one voice to win election. “We have to come together as one body of Christ to have impact and a voice in governance.”

    Chairman of Ofada-Mokoloki local government development council, Hon. Kudirat Balogun, said while she was about to run for the council position, she didn’t have money for registration.

    “I came to the church to pray and Daddy Adeboye said someone will get to a position in the council in this gathering and I immediately claim it that I was the one Daddy GO was talking to.

    “A week to the closing of the date, I had only N50,000 and I was to pay N250,000. Surprisingly, some friends gave me the money and here I am the chairperson of the council,” Balogun testified.

  • Southern Kaduna: Christians must shun revenge, says cleric

    Founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) the Power of God Saves, Pastor Moses Olagunju, has called on Christians to shun any form of revenge no matter the level of provocation against them in Southern Kaduna.

    Rather than revenge, Christians, he said, should look up to God for defence regardless of the killings targeted against them.

    Olagunju spoke at the just-concluded annual three-day men revival service at the church’s headquarters in Egbeda, Lagos.

    According to him, persecutions against Christians have been on across the nation since 1970, pointing out that God has always come to the rescue of the church when Christians look up to him.

    He regretted some church leaders were inciting Christians to retaliate the attacks against them, contrary to divine instructions.

    Quoting the scriptures copiously, Olagunju said the strength of the church is not in fighting back but resorting to prayers for demolition of forces against Christians.

    He appealed for support for the ongoing anti-corruption war by Christians, lamenting previous governments have milked the nation’s resources dry.

    “Our ministry is concerned about the state of the country and if God’s people can unite and be patient with the government, better days are coming.

    “I can assure that the present government will make this country great again. This country is in the midst of troubling seas and it requires patience to make it work,” he said.

    He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to be deterred by the socio-economic challenges facing the country, urging him to “please remain resolute in your quest for a better Nigeria and God will see you through.”

  • Adeboye to Christians: make impact

    Adeboye to Christians: make impact

    Christians have been urged to ensure their faith reflects in whatever they do as this will make Nigeria a better place  to live.

    Speaking yesterday at the Power Conference organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 19 (aka First Born Family) at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan , Lagos, the General Overseer Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said Christians should take the lead “so the world will know that they serve a living God”.

    Pastor Adeboye, who spoke on the theme: ”Turning Point” with the text taken from Dan 4:34-37, said there were several types of turning points.

    “There are upward movement or downward movement but as Christians our turning point is expected to be upward and to continually remain at the top.

    “King Nebuchadnezzar experienced a double turning point. Initially, he was king and as a result of pride, he became an animal.

    “But the day he acknowledged God as the Almighty, his throne was restored. He had a second turning point with God and he started climbing again.

    “If you are going down, return to God but if you are up and you want to remain there, you must abide in Christ always,” he said.

    Pastor Adeboye, therefore, pointed out that for Christians to make positive impact in the society, they need to partner God so that he can guide them.

  • Muslims, Christians, pray for Buhari in Taraba

    Muslims, Christians, pray for Buhari in Taraba

    Muslim and Christian faithful in Taraba on Saturday held a special prayer for the speedy recovery of President Mohammadu Buhari, who is on medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that followers of the two religions held the prayers at the Jalingo Eid prayer ground.

    Speaking at the occasion, representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Baba Yerima , said praying for the well-being of Buhari was the duty of every “true believer”.

    He noted that the President had brought peace and unity to the country, and therefore urged the gathering to pray for leaders at all times.
    Ustaz Ali Babando , a Muslim cleric, said the President had been doing his best in tackling the country’s socio-economic challenges.
    He noted that it was in the interest of Nigerians to keep praying for  Buhari, to enable him return home to consolidate on the fight against terror and corruption.
    Alhaji Sani Tullu, Secretary, Taraba Chapter, Buhari Support Organisation(BSO), said the BSO had organised  prayer and rally in honour of the President whom he described as a visionary leader.
    “We salute the giant strides and landmark achievement of  Buhari’s administration in his efforts to reposition the country.
    “We are particularly impressed with the performance of the administration in anti-corruption fight, decimating insurgents, revitalising Agriculture, Education and Health sectors,” he said. (NAN)

  • Pray for Buhari, Nigeria, cleric tells Christians

    The General Overseer of Christ Fire World Evangelism Ministries, Prophet Isreal Owonibi, has urged  Christians across the country to commit more time to praying for ailing President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation   to  reduce the hardship plaguing the country.

    He noted that President Buhari is a good leader who wants the best for the nation. “He is a good man, he means well for the nation. Unfortunately, it is the bad people who have corrupted the nation but I strongly believe that God would remove the caterpillars because they want to destroy the pillars for selfish reasons. The level of corruption in the country is quite frightening and we all need to do something about it. This is very important if we want to achieve the desired change.”

    He added:  “There is so much hardship in the land and the worst part of it all is that there is no food. We must pray while government must also think of things to do to bring in more food for our people. We need to pray for our president too and with God his healing would be perfected.

    ‘’These were some of the revelations from the recent three days program tagged: ‘Dealing with the spirit of failure. We had lots of miracles and revelations for the country and God promised to do new things for his people. The Lord also said that we should call Christians to come together and pray. In some of the vision, I saw tension among the people but God is in control.”

  • Lent: Bishop urges Christians to intensify prayers for Nigerian, leaders

    The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Martins Uzoukwu, on Thursday urged Christians to use the Lenten season to intensify prayers for distressed Nigerians, leaders and for the country to overcome its current challenges.

    Uzoukwu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna.

    He also called on political leaders to use their God-given talents and potential to proffer lasting solution to the economic recession facing the country.

    The cleric said that it was the only way leaders could serve the country and ensure that ‘’Nigeria becomes a better place for all to be.’’

    He explained that lent was another opportunity for the Christians to practice Christ’s extolled virtues of alms giving, prayer and fasting.

    “The three virtues must be done secretly as they are not shows of piety or holiness, but humility before God,’’ he said.
    The Bishop, however, admonished the people to shun unrighteousness to attract mercy from God.

    He said; “Prayer is justice toward God, fasting is justice toward oneself, while alms giving is justice toward others.
    The Bishop also urged Christians to intensify charity to draw the blessings of God.

    The religious leader also called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the current administration’s fight against corruption, kidnapping, militancy and cattle rustling.

    Uzoukwu said that the prayers of the governed would pave way for God’s intervention in the nation’s affairs

  • Ash Wednesday: Clergymen task Christians on exemplary life

    As Christians in the country join others across the world to observe Ash Wednesday, clerics have admonished Christians to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

    The clergymen gave this charge while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ibadan.

    They described Ash Wednesday as one of the most popular and important holy days observed by many Christians, and mark the beginning of the season of Lent.

    Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, the Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, said that the Lenten season was a period of 40 days of intense prayer, fasting and alms giving.

    “Ashes symbolise a call to repentance, grief and acknowledge of one’s sins before God.

    “It also serves as the reminder that we are dust and to dust we will return. It is a day of penitential prayers.

    “The Lent reflects the suffering of Jesus in the desert when he prayed and fasted for 40 days,” he said.

    He called on Christians to follow the example of Jesus and live a life of love, selflessness and service.

    “For those that cannot fast for reasons like pregnancy or health issues, they are advised to engage in active alms giving and service to others during this period,” he said.

    On his part, the Bishop of Ogbomoso Methodist Diocese, the Rt. Rev. David Moradeyo, said that Christians should use the Lenten season to have a sober assessment of their lives and values.

    According to him, it is through imitating the exemplary lifestyle of Christ that peace, tolerance and unity can be fostered in various communities and the country as a whole.

    “People looked to Jesus while on earth, He was praiseworthy and was worthy of imitation and honour.

    “He said concerning us that we are light of world and salt to the earth, therefore how we live our lives matter.

    “We must live a life of sacrifice, love and kindness,” he said.

    He said that Lent is intended to be a time of self-denial, moderation, fasting, and the forsaking of sinful activities and habits.

    “Ash Wednesday commences this period of spiritual discipline.

    “Ash Wednesday emphasises our sinfulness before God and our human mortality, it helps us to realise that both have been triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said.

    He urged Christians to use this period of fasting and prayers to call on God for his intervention in the country’s affairs. (NAN)

  • Don’t abandon Buhari, CAN tells Christians

    Don’t abandon Buhari, CAN tells Christians

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has once again asked Christians to continue praying for President Muhammadu Buhari until he returns to the country hale and hearty.
    This is contained in a statement signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant Media and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja said the results of President’s medical tests suggested further rest.
    The CAN President, Rev Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, urged Nigerians especially Christians not to cease praying for the President, the acting President and the country until he returns in good health and sound mind.
    Ayokunle, reminded Christians that it is their responsibility to pray for the country and her leaders in season and out of season.
    “I call on all well meaning Nigerians, especially Christians not to cease praying for President Muhammadu Buhari as he takes further rest as advised by his doctors.
    “It is needless reminding you that as Christians, our responsibilities include but not limited to making supplications, prayers, and intercessions, for all that are in the position of authority.
    `That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour…’” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)>

    He also allayed fears being expressed in some quarters that the prolonged absence of Buhari has created a vacuum in the Presidency cited the transfer of power to the Vice President.

    “We don’t see the need for any hue and cry being made by some people that his unprecedented absence could create a vacuum in the Presidency.

    “President Buhari has done what is needful by transferring power to the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who is up to the task.

    “The Church should also continue praying for him for divine wisdom, knowledge and understanding as he discharges his constitutional responsibilities.”

    Ayokunle called on the security agencies to rise up to the security challenges in the Southern Kaduna by flushing out the hoodlums who are still killing innocent people.

    “We call on the security agencies in the country to stop the killings in Kafanchan despite the presence of policemen and soldiers in the area.

    “We heard of recent attacks in Atakar and Kaninkon villages of Kaura and Jema’a Local Government Areas in the state.

    “All hands should be on deck to flush out those criminals from their hideouts in order to restore a permanent peace to the Southern Kaduna communities once and for all,’’ Ayokunle said. (NAN)

  • Recession: Cleric urges Christians to embrace prayers

    Christians have been advised to turn to God as the only solution to the recession and other challenges facing the country.

    This was the crux of a media event organised to herald the Annual Kingdom Life Summit of the New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

    Chairman /convener of the programme Samson Aderinto Adedokun said the 2017 edition of the programme was intended to bring the people to realise that only God has the solution to numerous problems facing the country.

    He said: ”The summit is designed to bring us to the reality that except we prioritise Jesus over and above all else, our numerous concerns will not give way.”

    He stated that there was nothing a Christian can achieve on earth without Christ.

    “It is needless for us to recount the issues that are ongoing in the life of our nation as we are all conversant with these happening,” the cleric.

    Adedokun lamented that despite the increasing number of churches and mosques, which supposed to draw the people and country nearer to God, the country continues to face myriads of problems.

    He added that the leadership “is bedeviled by selfishness and corruption, a situation which has helped in increasing neglect and poverty”.

    “We are challenged with the ongoing economic pains, financial recklessness, corrupt and selfish expenditure, monstrous inflation, dwindling disposable income and rising poverty.”

    The clergy man urged the Federal Government to remain focus on its promise to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

    On the faceoff between Apostle Johnson Suleiman and Directorate of State Services (DSS) officials, Adedokun stated that there was nothing wrong with the call for self-defence by Suleiman, adding that it was within the provision of the constitution.

    He stressed that there would not be “any need for self-defence if the country embrace Christ because he is able to handle any situation”.

    Rev. Achi Kunat, pastor of the church, urged the government to demonstrate more commitment in tackling epileptic power supply, provision of health facilities and tackling the monstrous inflation that has succeeded in rendering the currency useless.

    The summit with the theme: “Wonder-Working Worship” would attract clergy men within and outside Lagos, including the host, Rev. Kunat.