The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, has urged Christian men to embrace unwavering obedience to God, describing it as the foundation for spiritual growth, enduring success and generational blessings.
Ndukuba made the call on Thursday while declaring open the three-day 6th Abuja Christian Men’s Fellowship Convention at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The convention, which began with a solemn Eucharistic Service, is themed “A Man Who Walks in Obedience,” drawn from Genesis 22:1-19, the biblical account of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God’s command.
Addressing , church leaders and delegates gathered from across the Federal Capital Territory the Primate said the life of Abraham remained one of the clearest examples of absolute faith and obedience to God despite difficult circumstances.
According to him, Abraham’s willingness to surrender what was most precious to him demonstrated a level of trust that ultimately attracted divine favour and blessings that extended beyond his lifetime.
“Before God’s covenant blessings became evident in Abraham’s life, he was looking to his beloved son as the hope of his future and legacy,” Ndukuba said.
“Yet when God asked him to sacrifice that priceless gift, Abraham obeyed without reservation. Because of that obedience, he became a channel of blessing to generations.”
The Primate noted that Abraham occupied a unique position in religious history, serving as a revered figure not only among Christians but also among adherents of Judaism and Islam.
He said the patriarch’s experience illustrated a timeless lesson for believers-that trials and challenges were inevitable components of life, but can become opportunities for spiritual growth when approached with faith and obedience.
“Trials are part of our earthly journey,” he said. “God often uses them to test and strengthen our faith. What Abraham experienced brought out the very best in him because he chose obedience over fear and faith over doubt.”
Drawing practical lessons from the biblical narrative, Ndukuba told participants that many of life’s difficulties should not be viewed as barriers to progress.
Rather, he said, obstacles could become stepping stones to greater achievements when individuals remain attentive to God’s direction.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting many families and communities, including rising costs of living and growing uncertainty, but encouraged Christians not to lose hope.
“Many people today face hardship and scarcity,” he said. “Yet when we hold firmly to faith and obedience, God remains faithful to provide for our needs. Throughout history, God has consistently used men such as Abraham and Noah to demonstrate that faithfulness and obedience attract blessings that extend to future generations.”
The Primate also warned against allowing distractions to weaken one’s spiritual commitment, urging Christian men to remain focused on God’s voice amid the growing noise and pressures of modern society.
He outlined three essential principles for a life of faithful discipleship.
First, he urged believers to cultivate the habit of listening attentively to God and resisting influences that could divert them from His purpose.
Second, he stressed the importance of consistency in one’s walk with God, encouraging participants to maintain regular prayer lives and family altars.
“Consistency is vital,” he said. “Build your altar and remain steadfast in prayer every day.”
Third, he challenged Christian men to make obedience the cornerstone of their relationship with God, citing Abraham as a model worthy of emulation.
“Let Abraham be your case study,” he said. “Do not allow disobedience to rob you of the blessings God has prepared for you.”
The convention continues through the weekend with Bible teachings, leadership sessions, fellowship activities and prayers focused on strengthening men for effective Christian leadership within their families, churches and society.
Organisers said the gathering seeks to inspire men to live lives marked by faith, integrity, discipline and obedience, particularly at a time when many families and communities are facing significant social, economic and moral challenges.
For many participants, the opening message set the tone for what is expected to be a period of spiritual renewal and reflection on the role of Christian men as leaders, providers and examples of godly living in an increasingly complex world.
