As Christians all over the world celebrate this year Easter’s thanksgivings with joy and jubilation, The Archbishop/Bishop of Igbobini Archdiocese/Diocese, The Most Rev. Dr. O.O.C Fafeyiwa, had called on the followers of Christ to be true witnesses of the resurrected Christ. He made this statement while delivering his sermon during the Easter’s day service held at Methodist Cathedral, Okitipupa, Ondo State on Sunday, 4th April 2021.
While speaking exegetically on the THEME and TEXT of the sermon: “We Are Witnesses of The Resurrected Christ,” (Acts 10:39, 41, 43). The Apostles of old witnessed with power and passion about the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. After Jesus was raised from the dead, He appeared to His Disciples as prophesied in the scripture. The Disciples had conversations with Him. The coming of Christ brought about victory and deliverance over Satan and sin for as many that believe in His crucifixion and resurrection!
In the New Testament context, a witness is a living testimony. All conspiracies against Jesus were in vain. The high Priests and others who were behind Jesus’ crucifixion were looking for false witnesses to invalidate His resurrection. They wanted a claim of falsehood that the Disciples of Jesus took away His body overnight to an unknown destination. However, they could not succeed in all their attempts.
Contemporary Christians should learn and emulate the Disciples and Apostles of old who left all they had and followed Christ. They preached the undiluted word of God with signs and wonders. It is expedient to have a genuine faith in Christ and exercise the power therein by professing His resurrection and salvation everywhere! Without knowing Christ and the Word it becomes an herculean task. Although, Christ might not appear to us physically like He did to men of old, but His Spirit and presence are always with us.
These Disciples are witnesses not only in preaching, but also by their lives and actions. They had their focus on Christ through Christ-like attitudes and attributes. This is a true proof of witnessing. People should know that one is serving a living God. Nobody becomes a witness of/for Christ by being a nominal Christian. Whoever is willing to be a true disciple and witness of Christ must engage in all spiritual activities of the Church for vibrancy and maturity.
Unequivocally and undoubtedly, Christ had risen, and He had risen indeed! What can one offer in return? Than to readily sacrifice the best of services to God and humanity. Moreover, living peacefully and pursuing peace with others. Giving one’s time, talents, and treasures in promoting the kingdom of God without looking back. According to the revered and reserved man of God, without resurrection our faith is vague and in vain! Salvation would have been a mirage and elusive to mankind. He happily congratulated the entire congregation on the special and auspicious occasion which many witnessed last year but no more alive to celebrate another one. Those who are alive are not in any way better than those that had gone to the world beyond, but only because of mercy and grace!
