Mankind has been enjoined to jettison evil and be prepared at all times to testify God’s restoration of his relationship with man through Christ Jesus.
Fr. Gerard-Mary Anyanwu of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Umuokrika in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA gave the injunction in his sermon marking thanksgiving mass in the parish.
Preaching on the topic: “Be prepared for the Spiritual Battle,” the clergy said sin is the only barrier standing in between man and God.
He said sin entered the world via one man, Adam just as salvation came through the only begotten son of God, Jesus Christ.
Fr. Anyanwu underscored that Jesus humbled himself and took it upon himself to die on the cross and redeem humanity from the bondage of satan and urged children of God not to give in to diabolical and mundane practices but anchor on Jesus, the author and finisher of life.
The cleric cautioned against tempting God like the devil tested Jesus after 40 days fasting and prayer in the wilderness and encouraged the
faithful to work hard and eschew laziness, reechoing that it is already stated in the scripture that “You will have to work hard and sweat to make the soil produce anything, until you go back to the soil from which you were formed. You were made from soil, and you will become soil again.” (Genesis 2:19).
He regretted the rising unemployment and economic recession in Nigeria calling on those who think that by seeking miracles regardless of the sources, solution to their problems will come, to retrace their step and put their faith to action to realize their heart desires.
Fr. Anyanwu observed with displeasure that some Christians reject Medicare and resort to fake prophets and healers when sick and appealed to people not to gamble with their health.
As part of the Lenten season which commenced on Ash Wednesday to end on Good Friday, the cruxification and death of Jesus, ushering Easter, his resurrection, he urged children of God to put on the whole amour of God,
repent from sinful ways and pray ceaselessly, outlining that the battle is not of the physical but spiritual warfare.
