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UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS
CONTENT
- Christian Organisations
- Aims of Religious Organisations
- Teachings that Will Foster Unity
- Definition of Inter-denomination and their Activities
Christian Organisations
All the churches in Nigeria have got organizations and societies. These organisations are set up especially for the spiritual and moral training of the youth so that they can grow up to be responsible and useful Christian citizens contributing their best to the peace, unity and progress of the Church and the nation. There are many organisations in Nigeria.
Aims of Religious Organisations
The aims of religious organisations are as follows:
- To work together in preaching the gospel
- To bring together people of the same aspirations for the growth of the church.
- To have wider fellowship among Christians
- To strengthen fellow Christians under persecution
- To work together in finding solutions to Christians common problems.
The following are some Christian organizations in Nigeria:
(i) Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
(ii) Nigeria Association of Biblical Studies (NABS)
(iii) National Association of Bible Knowledge Teachers of Nigeria (NABKTN)
(iv) Scripture Union of Nigeria (SUN)
(v) Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship (NEF)
(vi) Young Men Christian Association of Nigeria (YMCAN)
(vii) Young Women Christian Association of Nigeria (YWCAN)
(viii) Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship of Nigeria (FGBMFN)
(ix) Pentecostal Christian Fellowship of Nigeria (PCFN)
(x) Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NFEC)
(xi) Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLFN)
(xii) Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN)
The World Council of Churches (WCC)
This is one of the International Christian Organizations. The desire for Christian unity and co-operation instead of the hostilities and rivalries that existed among the various denominations in the world harmed missionary activities and this led to the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948. It brought together all the Protestant Churches in the world. The Christian Council of Nigeria is a member of this body. It has representatives at the headquarters of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.
Aim and Objectives of World Council of Churches
(i) It aims at bringing about Christian co-operation and unity with fellow Protestants and with the Catholic Church.
(ii) It undertakes projects in developing countries to improve the living conditions of the people.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
It is made up of all the Christian denominations in Nigeria. It was established in 1976 and officially launched in 1980.
Objectives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
It has five main objectives. These are to:
(i) Serve as basis of response to the unity of the church
(ii) Act as a liaison committee for consultation and common action
(iii) Be a watch dog of the spiritual and moral welfare of the nation
(iv) Propagate the Gospel
(v) Promote understanding among the various peoples and strata of society in Nigeria.
Through CAN, the Christian denominations unite and co-operate with one another on various local and national issues especially health, education, social welfare and politics. The current national chairman of CAN is Mr. SupoAyokunle
Nigeria Association of Biblical Studies (NABS)
It is also one of the international Christian Organizations
Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)
This is another international Christian Organizations in Nigeria, the current chairman is Dr. Felix Omobude
Teachings that Will Foster Unity
Apart from the teaching of Christian giving which we have learnt in the last unit, the Bible contains other teachings that will foster greater unity among the various denominations in Nigeria.
1. Faith and Works (James 2: 14-26)
The Bible teaches us that faith without works is dead. For our faith to yield desired outcome, we need to make effort. A student who wants to be successful academically, for example, has to build his faith by depending on God the author of success and has to work towards it by reading his books seriously.
Similarly, a job seeker who stays indoors twenty-four hours of the day praying without going out to submit applications and look out for opportunities would end up disappointed. The Bible states categorically that faith without good works is dead, that is cannot bear fruits.
2. Humility (Philippians 2:3-11, 1 Pet 5: 5-11)
Humility is an attitude of not thinking that you are better than other people. It is the opposite of pride. The Bible says that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Jesus Christ displayed humility when he came to this world and God highly exalted Him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Though he was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God. Instead, He humbled Himself, took the form and became obedient unto death on the cross.
3. Impartiality (James 2: 1-13)
Impartiality is an attitude of being just in dealing with people. We are impartial if do not take sides with any party when settling a dispute. A prefect who takes disciplinary measures on other students leaving his siblings or friends is partial. A church that pays attention to the rich alone, leaving the poor is partial and will definitely face God’s wrath if there is no repentance. God is the creator of the rich and the poor. So, let
us learn to treat people equally. James addresses every Christian thus, “My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory”.
4. Forgiveness (Gal 6 :1-2)
Forgiveness is another important Christian virtue that all true Christians must possess. Forgiveness is the pardoning of offenders or letting go of grudges. We must learn to forgive those who offend us in order for God to forgive us our own offenses. We should always correct those doing wrong things in a spirit of gentleness, love and maturity.
5. Giving (Phil. 4: 14-19)
Giving is an act of charity. It may take the form of donating money for a worthy cause. It may also take the form of sacrificing our time, effort or energy for a worthy cause. Paul taught about Christian giving in the letters to the Philippians and the Corinthians.
EVALUATION
- Write a short note on World Council of Churches.
- Give three purposes for establishing Christian Association of Nigeria.
- Discuss briefly how you can promote unity in your locality.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
CONTENT
- Christians Living in the Community (Matt 5: 13-16)
- Christians’ Attitude to Persecution (1 Pet 3: 13-17; James 1: 12-15; 1 Pet 1: 6-10)
- Sources of Persecution
- Moral Lessons
Christians Living in the Community (Matt 5: 13-16)
Christians living in the community are the salt of the community. As salt prevents food from decay, so Christians are expected to prevent their community from moral decay. But if they fail to do this then, they are of no use to the community morally. We are to preserve values like truthfulness, decent dressing, uprightness, respect for elders, hard work, etc
Christians living in the community are also referred to as the light of the world. The presence of light makes people see the right path in a dark environment. In a similar vein, our lives as Christians should show unbelievers in our community the way to Christ, the everlasting light. We are, therefore, advised thus, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”.
Christians’ Attitude to Persecution (James 1:12-15; 1 Pet. 1:6-10; 1 Pet. 3:13-1, Matt. 5:11-12)
Persecution refers to the harassment, trouble, embarrassment and affliction a Christian suffers because of his religious beliefs.
Sources of Persecution
Persecution can come from different people and in different forms.
(i) It can come from one’s parents and siblings: Family members who are not Christians may begin to make life uncomfortable for any member who gives his life to Christ.
(ii) Fellow students: Fellow students may persecute you by nick-naming you or raining abuses on you for not conniving to cheat in the examination hall.
(iii) Teachers or lecturers: Some teachers or lecturers may fail you for not giving them money or sleeping with them.
(iv) Fellow Christians
(v) Community members and leaders.
No matter the source of our persecution and the form it takes, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Christians should not retaliate but suffer it with happiness because the kingdom of God is for them.
James advised Christians that they should be happy and remain faithful under any trial. Any Christian who succeeds in passing such test will receives the reward which God promised those who love Him.
Peter advised Christians to rejoice when they pass through various trials because it will show the genuineness of their faith and in the end, bring praise, glory and honour to God
Moral Lessons
- We should always show good example anywhere we find ourselves because we are the salt of the earth and light of the world.
- Trials and persecutions are for a while and when surmounted, the Christian receives accelerated promotion and blessing from God.
- We should know the differences between persecution and punishment for offences we commit.
EVALUATION
- Write short note on each of the following:
- A Christian as the salt of the earth
- A Christian as the light of the world
- What is persecution?
- List any five sources of persecution.
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