-Nigeria
After months of planning, JudahMagazine.com has organized the maiden edition of its event, Nigeria and the Church Conference. The event, which held on Friday, had in attendance Christian leaders reputable Christians from the church, educational sector, security and heads of Christian supervisory bodies.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, S.A. to Governor of Lagos State, Very Rev. Adebukola Adeleke said the Church had a role to play in nation building. He charged the Christian leaders not to be carried away by the glamour and reward of affiliating with politicians and government officials, saying they should demand good governance and not just offer prayers.
Similarly, during the Keynote Address, which was delivered by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of Lagos State chapter, Christian Association of Nigeria and Chairman South West, Christian Council of Nigeria, he stated that Christian leaders work towards providing an enabling environment for the liberation of the people. He asked leaders to be a pillar of strength in the present day of Nigeria.
He said the Christian body, CAN is in the process of extending a hand of fellowship to every Nigerian in this trying time.
“I was part of the team that visited Sokoto state and Kebbi state to go and identify with the government of those states. To pray with everyone, not only Christians that is undergoing all this trouble that we are experiencing as far as insecurity is concerned in our nation. We were at the palace of the sultan, we went to Kebbi sate and we visited the Emir.
Addressing the theme of the conference, “Does the Church have a role to play in nation building?” Rev. Dr. Azuka Ogbolumani said, you can’t give what you don’t have. He says Christians cannot attempt to build the nation except they allow God to build them. In his words, “except the church is built, it can’t build the world.”
“The responsibility of the church basically is to yield to the master who made a promise saying, I will build my church and the gate of hell shall not prevail. If the Lord succeeds in building the church, he won’t build the nation.
He says the Lord needs-ready soul to use for his will of building the nation and Christians have not positioned themselves for His use.
A retired security operative and Pastor of RCCG Christ Pavilion, Seyi Adetayo addressed the complex, controversial subject of Christianity and earthly security. He cautioned people who discouraged Christians from believing in Pastors and anointing oil because the Pastors themselves have bodyguards.
In analysing this controversial issue, he identified biblical references, which supports this approach to protection. Using Ezra the Priest and Nehemiah the Jew Leader as examples, he says while Nehemiah was building the Temple, his workers had guns clutched to them.
“The approach of the two was totally different but they achieved the same goal. Nehemiah enjoyed military support all through his journey to Jerusalem but Ezra never did.
He describes the current state of Nigeria’s insecurity as one that requires earthly protection because Christians are affected directly with over 88 attacks on the Church and Christians between January 2020 and October 2021. He decried the regular kidnapping of clergy men and arson in churches all over Nigeria. He believes insecurity is putting Christianity in a difficult position.
The conference ended with a presentation from Rev. Johnson Adu, General Overseer, Treasure House Wisdom and Dominion Church.
“It is very good for us as Christians to be involved in politics. It is there in the scripture. The bible says that we are the light of the world and we are the salt of the world. If salt is taken from a nation; light is taken, what are we going to have?”
He encouraged Christians to get involved in politics and not demonise the act of politicking. He says, the presence of Pastor Yemi Osinbajo at the presidency has positively influenced the decisions of government.
#Nathec conference took place at the Unilag (Chapel of Christ our Light) Chapel, on the University of Lagos campus and was broadcast live on YouTube.com/judahtvonline.
It was supported by Chapel of Christ our Light – University of Lagos, Victory Christian Church, Office of the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-olu on Christian matters and Ace Citygate Properties.
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