Religion

To The Church In Nigeria: Please stop the bastardisation of the Scriptures.

Published

3 days ago

January 25, 2026

Nsikakabasi Akpan

This appeal comes from a place of concern, not hatred. Many Nigerians are tired, broken and desperately seeking hope. Sadly, some within the Church are taking advantage of this weariness, twisting God’s word to sell miracles, breakthroughs and promises that God Himself did not make. I ask you, with all sincerity: please fear God.

The Bible warns clearly against adding to or removing from God’s word. “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2). Yet today, Scriptures are often bent to suit personal ambition, financial gain and competition for relevance.

If our political leaders deceive us and fail in their promises, the Church must not follow the same path. The Church is meant to be a place of refuge, truth and love. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). It must be a place where competition is absent, not a marketplace where ministries are ranked like brands.

In many advanced countries, worship looks different, not because God is different, but because exploitation will not thrive. The systems work, basic needs are largely met, and people are less vulnerable to manipulation. There, the gospel cannot easily be sold as an escape from hunger, unemployment or hopelessness. When exploitation is attempted, people question it and walk away. This should make us reflect deeply on how desperation in Nigeria has been weaponised against sincere faith seekers.

Christ never called His Church to entertain crowds with false hope. He called us to faithfulness. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5). When the gospel is reduced to transactional faith, the cross is emptied of its power.

The exploitation of the vulnerable is not only wrong; it is condemned in Scripture. “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture” (Jeremiah 23:1). Jesus Himself was angered by those who turned worship into business, saying, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13).

I understand the human desire to enjoy life, to be recognised and to be seen as number one. But leadership in God’s kingdom is not about status. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Earthly applause will fade, but eternal accountability remains.

On the last day, judgement will surely come. “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Every misrepresentation of God’s word, every manipulation of faith, and every false promise will be accounted for.

James gives a sober warning. “Not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). This is not a light responsibility. The souls of men are at stake.

The Church must return to sound doctrine, humility and love. “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Anything outside this is a betrayal of the gospel.

This is a call to repentance, not condemnation. The Church in Nigeria can still be the true succour for a weary nation. But that can only happen when truth is spoken boldly, love reigns genuinely, and Christ is exalted above personal empires.

May God grant us grace to return to His word in sincerity and fear.

Nsikakabasi Akpan

25 January 2026

Related Topics:Featured Nigeria The Church in Nigeria

Don't Miss

Word for the Day: Trusting in God’s Word Alone

Click to comment

Religion

Word for the Day: Trusting in God’s Word Alone

Published

2 weeks ago

January 11, 2026

Nsikakabasi Akpan

Today, let’s focus on trusting fully in God’s Word. In a world full of uncertainty, human wisdom often fails, but God’s Word is steadfast, sure, and reliable. When we place our trust in His promises, we find peace, guidance, and strength for every situation.

Key Thought:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

God calls us to rely on His Word above our own understanding:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Remember, His promises never fail:

“Not one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” – Joshua 21:45

Reflection:

Ask yourself today: Am I trusting in God’s Word above my circumstances, my feelings, and the opinions of others? Let His Word guide your steps, give you hope, and strengthen your faith.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to trust Your Word completely. Let Your promises guide my life and give me confidence that Your plans for me are perfect. Amen.

Religion

Word for the Day – Why You Should Read God’s Word Every Day

Published

2 weeks ago

January 10, 2026

Nsikakabasi Akpan

As Christians, God’s Word is our daily food. Just as our bodies need food to stay alive and strong, our spirits need the Word of God to grow, gain strength and remain healthy. The Bible says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

God’s Word energises you. It builds your faith, renews your mind and gives you direction in a confusing world. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Through the Scriptures, God guides us, for “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

The troubles and pressures of this world are endless, and they can easily shake your faith if you are not grounded. Jesus warned that trials would come, but God’s Word keeps us standing. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). When you read the Word daily, you are strengthened to stand firm and resist fear (Ephesians 6:10–11).

Make God’s Word your daily meal. Read it, meditate on it and live by it. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night” (Joshua 1:8). When you do, your faith will grow, and you will remain strong no matter what comes your way (Colossians 3:16).

Religion

Word for the Day – Why God Loved David So Much

Published

3 weeks ago

January 9, 2026

Nsikakabasi Akpan

Despite David’s obvious flaws and serious sins, God still described him as “a man after My own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Why did God love David so deeply?

Here are key reasons, with biblical references:

1. David Had a Heart That Truly Loved God

David’s love for God was genuine, not pretentious. His passion for God’s presence was clear in his worship and hunger for fellowship.

“One thing I have desired of the Lord… to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” — Psalm 27:4

2. David Always Returned to God in Repentance

David sinned greatly, but unlike Saul, he never defended his sin. He repented sincerely and humbled himself before God.

“I have sinned against the Lord.” — 2 Samuel 12:13

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

God values a repentant heart more than a perfect record.

3. David Was Quick to Acknowledge God in Everything

David constantly sought God’s direction, whether in battle, leadership, or personal decisions.

“David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go up?’” — 2 Samuel 5:19

This dependence showed humility and trust.

4. David Honoured God’s Authority

Even when Saul tried to kill him, David refused to harm God’s anointed king.

“I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.” — 1 Samuel 24:6

God loved David’s reverence for divine authority.

5. David Had a Heart of Worship

David was a worshipper before he was a king. His psalms reveal deep intimacy with God, with joy, pain, fear, and hope poured out honestly.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — Psalm 34:1

6. David Cared Deeply About God’s Honour

When others saw Goliath, David saw an insult against God.

“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” — 1 Samuel 17:26

God loved David’s boldness in defending His name.

7. David Was Teachable and Broken Before God

David accepted correction when confronted by the prophet Nathan.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart.” — Psalm 51:17

Conclusion

God did not love David because he was sinless, but because his heart remained soft, repentant, loyal, and passionately devoted to Him. David’s life reminds us that God looks beyond our mistakes and searches for hearts that will always return to Him.

“The Lord searches all hearts and understands every desire and every thought.” — 1 Chronicles 28:9