Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Christians in Nigeria and all over the world have been told to build their trust in God and not their acquired wealth, titles, and certificates.
The Vicar at the Church of The Pentecost (CoP), Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Venerable Ekenechukwu Nwafor, gave the advice during a Sunday service in the church.
Ven. Nwafor who delivered a sermon on the theme: “Christian’s Response To Persecution,” urged Christians to always trust God in His promises, no matter the situations and circumstances they go through.
He charged Christians to be Christ-like and resist every form of evil in the face of challenges that characterise the nation. He also told them to be practical and responsible with obedience to the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The cleric regretted that today’s Christians have placed more emphasis and value on conducting research and reading voluminous books for their job performance, neglecting the place of the Holy Bible and the benefits that abound in knowing the word of God.
He warned that pursuance of earthly goals, wealth, and earthly glory no matter how rosy and cherished it could be can never guarantee heaven.
He said it is only the word of God and not titles, fleet of cars, mansions, and acquired certificates that will give one eternal reward and can save from everlasting punishment.
“It is the amount of word you carry that makes you a powerful Christian. Today, only a few Christians wake up in the night to observe their quiet time.
“We are in the age of persecution. The days are evil. You cannot survive the terror of this age without prayer. Except you know the secret place, you can never survive this age.”
He said Ezekiel chapter 7 verse 19 warns that a day is coming when titles, certificates, vehicles, beauty, and other valuables will give way. He said if one’s anchor is not on Christ, one risks sinking with all the valuables.”
The Vicar charged Christians to strive to do the will of God. He said “If you do the will of God, when the world is passing away, you will be with Jesus.
“Never allow any situation to silence your faith in Christ. Challenges and persecution must surely come. Hard times also might come but God’s people will prevail.”
