Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has charged churches to bring up men and women in the knowledge of God even as they build churches.
Prof. Osinbajo made the call on Sunday when he attended the dedication of two churches in Abuja,
He noted that “the dedication of the physical building called the church must only remind us that the real work of building the church is that of bringing up men and women in the knowledge and nurture of the Lord.”
Osinbajo noted that the event was not just about the building and dedication of a physical edifice, but is also about honouring God.
“The building of a great edifice as a place of worship is an important statement to God that we give our best to him as a testimony of our worship.
“Second, every church that is built is an important vehicle for the spread of the gospel”.
Evangelism is crucial but there must be a place to disciple, saints, to those who are saved, which is why many agree that church planting is the most effective form of evangelism.
“Third, every church is a lighthouse, a place that draws in men and women to be instructed in the truth that is able to deliver from fear, oppression and eternal damnation. A place of joy and praise, a place of encouragement which why the Psalmist said and exalted, I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the lord.
“So, we must continue to build churches, to build these places of worship knowing that everywhere we plant a church, we establish the light and power of the gospel and that this gospel of the love of Jesus Christ for all men and women is the answer to the darkness to pain and misery of our world.”
He commended the efforts of the adherents of the Christian faith for the sacrifices they made in building the two houses of worship.
Peace Prayers
At the dedication of the new All Saints Church, Wuse, Zone 5, the primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and the Bishop of Kubwa, Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko, said fervent prayers for peace in Nigeria, for the country’s leaders and against “troublers of Nigeria.”
Rev. Akamisoko prayed for “the Vice President, representing the president and the entire nation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” thanking God for the positions they hold.
“Lord, we know that it is not by mistake; it is by your own design and it is for a purpose.”
He prayed that the purpose for which the present leaders of Nigeria were elected be accomplished, asking God to bless them with wisdom, sound minds, good health to enable them to administer Nigeria successfully.
“Protect them from every danger and every harm; their going out, let it be blessed; their coming in, let it be blessed.
“The decisions and programmes and plans for this country; make them fruitful.
“Lord, we pray that you bless all of us that are here and in this country; to the west, to the east, to the north, to the south.
“Everywhere, Lord, let your blessing rain upon this country. Let your glory rain upon this country.
“All the plans of the evil one against this country, Lord, they shall not come to pass in the name of Jesus Christ.
“We shall remain united, serving you, loving you on this day of the dedication of All Saints; Lord, together, we unite out faith that this country shall be great and great in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Also praying over Vice President Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who were used as points of contact to reach all leaders in Nigeria, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Ndukuba asked God to imbue them with wisdom from above to enable them to always speak with an utterance that comes from the Holy Spirit.
“Fill their hearts with wisdom and give them kindness of mind that being filled and led by you, O’ Holy Spirit, they will fulfill their purpose.
“And in this government, Lord, may your name be glorified.
“Whatever has been a stumbling block or hindrance to the fulfillment of your purpose in this nation and land, Lord, bring to nought, in Jesus name.”
It was the same line of prayer for Nigeria and its leaders and against enemies of Nigeria that Pastor Idowu Iluyomade said at the dedication of Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Abuja.
Nnenna.O
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