Stewart Mba
The Church; Navigating The Present Crisis Situation:
The present crisis situation in Nigeria in particular, and the world in general imposes a severe test, or trying time for believers in particular, and the Church at large.
But in all of that Christ must remain our absolute model of character and practice, and indeed courage. This is necessary because the prevalent global crisis situation seems to portray a reactionary outcome by believers that is seemingly not in alignment with the teachings of Christ.
The Church must not at this time be defined, nor be framed by the crisis situation, but by the virtues of Christ which we are meant to imbibe and reflect.
Truly, the Church must not at this time be patterned after any other except Christ; to do that is to undermine her superior and heavenly blood purchased price, value and placement in Christ Jesus.
Thus, the Nation of Israel, or any other worldly setting is no way a model for the Church of the living God; undoubtedly, the Nation of Israel hitherto is never a reflection of the Church by any means whatsoever as the Church remains spiritual and eternal by God’s will and purpose.
The Church is intently the body of Christ consisting of the regenerated ones, and not the natural Israel.
Now, it behooves the Church at this present time of set backs, trials, persecutions, attacks, etc. to sincerely ask and reflect on what was the approach of Christ when He was confronted with seeming situations like ours today while He was on earth in His Ministry time.
Obviously, the approach of the church must reflect the teachings and approach of Christ; for until the Church today does what the early Church did we may never make headway, or reflect the intents of our Christ-like nature, and ironically the Church will unfortunately not differ from the approach of the world in overcoming forces.
The truth again remains that the believers approach toward overcoming the present crisis situation hitherto seems to be in resemblance with that of the world as many believers go to extent of undermining biblical approach that demands prayers and spirituality.
A situation whereby believers are now thinking that we’ve prayed enough, or that the Church should as well go intensely physical calls for a great concern in the Biblical or spiritual sense of it.
Surely, the extent to which we sincerely comprehend what Christ and the likes of Paul will do, or would’ve done if confronted with the same crisis situation like ours today, and imbibing the same would determine the level to which we can gloriously overcome in the end.
Finally, the New Covenant efficacy and supremacy must not be compromised and watered down on the altar of fear and self- love; yes, the New Testament may seem alot more challenging to apply in the present situation of the Church today, but the Church essentially must continually remember and uphold the New Covenant approach and principles as exaplified by Christ in His Ministry while on earth. And, this we must not only teach or profess, we’re by God ultimately demanded at a time like this to live and to attain our eternal victory in Christ Jesus.
Glory to God!
Prof Stewart Mba, Pastor
