Worship (Christian and Muslim)

Emulate good Shepherd, Christians urged

By Matthew Denis

Christians have been called upon to emulate Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd in their daily interactions with people around them.

Reverend Farther Martins Ajiboye made the call in his sermon during the commemoration of the ‘Good Shepherd Sunday‘ at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Lao Airport Road, Ilorin on Sunday.

He said,  ” Our Lord Jesus Christ identifies himself in John 10:14-15: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep, and they know me just as my Father knows me and I know my Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.”

According to him, this quotation from the Bible implies that as a Christian you must embrace the virtues of charity, faith and hope by doing the works of God and obeying his commandments to truly know him.

“How can you claim that you know the Father if your soul is soaked in sin? Christ knows the Father because he is simply doing the work of God, ” he said.

The priest pointed out that a good shepherd tenders his flock day and night, gather the sheep into a sheepfold at dusk for their protection.

“In chapter 10, Jesus illustrates how the shepherd cares for his flock, protecting them from weather, thieves, and predatory animals. He loved and shielded them and if necessary, he would lay down his life for them,” he added.

Reflecting on Christians’ reactions towards temptation and when challenged with difficult situations, he queried “Do we fall into it or we overcome them through our faith in God?”

He then urged Christians to live exemplary life of Christ not in the church alone but reflect it in their dealing with neighbours and co-workers.


…tasked to endure suffering

By Mike Adeyemi

The Senior Pastor, ECWA Church, Osere, Ilorin, Kwara State, Reverend Steve Fatoye have charged Christians in the country to sustain their joy even in suffering.

Reading from the book of 1st Peter Chapter 4 verse 13; “But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ sufferings,” he urged believers to persevere in the face of tribulation.

In his sermon, Fatoye reminded Christians that Jesus did not promise his children problem free lives, saying children of God should considered all that comes their way as stepping stone to greatness.

“Often times when it seems our prayers are not answered the way it should, it might mean God is using that to shield us from satanic oppression,” Fatoye explained.

He, however, admonished husbands and wives to see themselves as helpmates and overlook the shortcomings of each other.

“Some wives are arrogant with a meek hubby, and that could pose suffering or challenges to the husband and vice versa.”

According to the clergy, sadness and joy are mere emotional conditions of the mind which requires divine grace to manage.

He advised Christians to shun acts that could be inimical to their spiritual growth amidst hardship and economic meltdown in the country.

“All our earthly possession are temporal; we should learn to focus our mind on where our treasures are; the eternal Kingdom,” he stressed.

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