COVID-19 IN NIGERIA: WE SAY NO TO CHINA INTERVENTION

Can the world ever trust China again? Would Nigeria romance with the prime suspect of the current global crisis (COVID-19)? How can we? In 2012 China handed over a fully funded and built headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to the African Union (AU). A great gesture of friendship and solidarity, perhaps. But not long after, it was alleged to have been bugged, leaking vital, confidential information of the Union to China in faraway Shanghai! True or false, the Union had to change its computer servers to check the alleged mischief. But issues of health are different. Misfiring means losing a life, or even lives. On a national scale, that can amount to thousands. Painful loss. Avoidable loss. The authorities must tread with caution here. Face masks, test kits, ventilators, vaccine and doctors - all from or of China. Hmmmm, caution we must exercise. Until now we have been using our indigenous doctors, and they have been doing well. WHY CHANGE THE WINNING TEAM? Please let us DISCARD this idea of Chinese intervention. WE DON'T NEED IT. Let us stay safe Stay indigenous. Stay Nigerian We shall overcome

Monday, 21 December 2015

What is the purpose of Christmas?



Doubtless, Christmas is a big festive season the world over. Whether one identifies with the Christian faith to which it relates or not, all celebrate it in their own way, even if it is merely travelling away from busy schedules to having some holiday. Christmas has been identified with much travelling, road traffic accidents, extravagant spending, and crime. In the light of this, we cannot fail to ask: are these the purpose of Christmas?
Christmas is the season Christians celebrate the first coming of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, into the world.
The circumstances of His conception and birth demand we ask the question “Why was Jesus born?” What was the purpose of His birth?
Jesus was born to manifest the grace of God to humanity. “The Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1: 17). Grace is favour. Favour is always unmerited. It is the good disposition of one towards another. God is favourably disposed towards His creation. He gave His Son Jesus Christ for the good of us all. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s only begotten Son” (John 3: 16 – 18). Christmas is a season of giving and liberality. To a good extent we can say this is done by many, and is commendable.
It is by the grace of God that humanity receives blessings from God. In our fallen state, we do not deserve any good from God. But He is loving and does not desire our loss. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, provides the channel through which God can express His love for humanity. Paul wrote, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8: 9).
God’s grace through Christ is the means through which we receive forgiveness of sins and salvation of our souls. “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2: 8).
Jesus Christ came as the sole Mediator between God and humankind. “There is one God and one Mediator between God and humankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2: 5). There is no other intermediary who can lead us to God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14: 6).
Grace teaches us godliness, not ungodliness as some assume today. Usually people live in sin in the belief that they are under grace, not Law. Their understanding of grace is that they just keep on doing the wrong things while God keeps on forgiving, especially as provision is made for confession in the church every Sunday. But the Bible says, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (2 Corinthians 8: 9).
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2: 14 – 15). “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3: 8).
The coming of the Son of God is what we celebrate during Christmas. Given the above, can we say the revelry spirit of Christmas truly reflects the purpose for which God gave us His Son? That is doubtful. But we must return to God’s purpose. Our celebration should reflect God’s purpose of giving us His Son, namely, the salvation of our souls. As we celebrate Christmas, let us not give ourselves to orgies often infested with drunkenness, sexual sin and all types of evil. This is the setting through which many get ensnared by the devil and lives are lost. Kidnapping, rape and similar evil are common. Do not be a victim. Give yourself rather to God. Receive the salvation of God through Christ free. Go to church where the grace of God is preached and godliness encouraged. Rejoice in the Lord and in His saving power. End this year gloriously and open the next in the power of the living God. God so loved you He sent His only begotten Son so that believing on Him you may have eternal life. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Believe on Jesus today. Forsake evil. Cling to that which is good. May this be your miracle of the year.
Peace be with you!

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