Former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. (Dr.) Peter Akinola has underscored the need for Nigerian Christians in the United States of America (USA) to heed the order of Jesus Christ on making disciples of all nations.
Archbishop Akinola said that they should not be afraid to preach the gospel because Jesus had promised to be with his disciples while propagating the good news.
The Primate who spoke last Sunday at a special multicultural worship service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, Houston, Texas, took his text from Matthew 28:18-20. He explained that Jesus has authority over nature and spiritual forces, including physical ailments and death as recorded in Mark 4:35. He described the authority of Jesus Christ as divine and should be obeyed just like Abraham did a long time ago and was blessed.
Stressing the importance of obeying Jesus Christ’s command, the former President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stated that although the disciples were not very keen to obey his word, but when they eventually did they turned the world “right side up,” not “upside down,” adding that it resulted in bringing the church into existence, “which we are part of now.”
He said: “By their obedience, we are here today. How about us who are modern disciples of Jesus? Have you heard this order to go before? Have you gone? Will you go now to all the nations, not remaining in your place or comfort zone?”
Akinola, who was the pioneer Bishop of Abuja recalled how as Canon, he was sent as missioner to create a Diocese in Abuja where there was neither a congregation, nor church land or building, but after 10 years, over 300 churches were planted from where two other Dioceses were also subsequently created. He tasked the cathedral members not to remain comfortable in the church, but to go out and win at least, one soul for Christ in a year, arming themselves with the word of God, prayer and the Holy Spirit.
He added: “The sad thing of our time is that we choose to major on minors, indulge in frivolities, engage in non-essentials and side attractions, and forgetting the primary assignment of the Church.
“I urge you, therefore, in the name of God, as you celebrate this cultural week in this cathedral, do not leave here without making the resolution: ‘I will obey. I will go out there to all nations.”
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West and Coordinator of the Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM), Rt. Rev (Dr.) Felix Orji decorated Primate Akinola with red ribbon as symbol of passion for the gospel mission and dependence on the Holy Spirit to empower and fire up.
He noted that Anglican Diocese of the West’s mission is to make disciples of all peoples for Christ by faithfully proclaiming Jesus Christ to the nations.
By Princewill Ireoba