“If anyone wants to come to me you must deny yourself the things of this world, take up the cross and follow me”.
The Bishop of Niger Delta West, The Rt. Revd. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja made this assertion in his ministration at the Lenten season program of the Diocese of Abuja the Way of The Cross themed “The new and living way”, held at the Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja.
The bishop spoke on the sub-topic ‘Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me’. Which he implored the congregation to deny themselves the things of the world and follow the cross, where he explained what the cross means to every Christian.
He noted the cross is a Trinitarian, a symbol of Christian faith, the cross brings peace and reconciliation it an altar for believers. The cross being the symbol of God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy spirit. The Father sent the son to save man and Son obeyed having sacrificed himself for the sins of the world where there is no greater sacrifice than this.
The cross is the centre of the story in the scriptures. Christians need to have faith and acknowledge the cross. In 1Cor. 2:2 Gods wisdom is explained and displayed in the cross. The Cross is a refined power in the Kingdom of Heaven because at the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. The Cross inaugurated a new covenant, the death of Jesus marked the beginning of a new covenant that shapes Christianity to what it is now.
The Cross conquers sin, Jesus conquered hell and death before he rose again on the third day that is why as believers Christ should be seen in them, fear should never be given a chance. Jesus being a sacrificial lamb died for the forgiveness of sins and has conquered death for his children to be delivered.
Bishop Emmanuel Oko-Jaja urged the congregation to follow Jesus because he knows the way. There is no genuine Christianity without obedience because when you decide to follow Christ will not deceive you but take care of you.
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