DESPERATE QUEST FOR WEALTH, ROOT OF EVIL IN SOCIETY — CLERIC

By Chidimma Okoye

The Founder of Survival Christ Holy Church, Ifite Ogbunike, Reverend John-Ukwu Obi, has described the desperate quest for wealth as the root of many evils in society today.

Reverend Obi said this during the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost and First Fruit held at the church in Ifite Ogbunike, Anambra State.

In his sermon, the cleric warned against desperation and the excessive pursuit of material wealth through unlawful means, noting that such attitudes have contributed to rising cases of crime and moral decadence within families and the larger society.

He urged Christians to remain patient and faithful to God while engaging in legitimate businesses, stressing that God never fails to fulfil His promises to His faithful followers.

According to him, parents should raise their children in the fear of God in order to preserve future generations and attract divine blessings.

Reverend Obi encouraged members to seek God by helping the less privileged, the sick, the hungry, and the downtrodden, emphasizing that acts of kindness and charity are ways through which people unknowingly serve Christ.

“Be patient with God, He will surely bless you and your generation,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the Feast, Pastor Emeka Anyakora explained that the celebration was in line with the Biblical injunction in Deuteronomy 26:1-3, where believers present the first fruits of their harvest to God in appreciation and obedience.

He noted that the feast also commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.

Pastor Anyakora described the presentation of first fruits as an expression of gratitude to God for providing rain, sunlight, and abundant harvest, adding that God had blessed the works of their hands by causing crops and businesses to flourish.

Also speaking, Pastor Nkem Obi said the church was celebrating the grace of God demonstrated through the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom she described as the Comforter sent to empower believers.

She recalled that on the day of Pentecost, the Apostles received the Holy Spirit and boldly preached the gospel, winning thousands of souls as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

According to her, the lighted candlesticks carried by members during the celebration symbolized the cloven tongues of fire that rested upon the Apostles when the Holy Spirit descended on them.

Pastor Obi urged Christians to win souls for Christ through godly character and good works that would glorify God.

In her contribution, Pastor Blessing Okaro explained that the presentation of two loaves of bread by families during the celebration symbolized grain offerings unto God, as stated in Leviticus 23.

She noted that sharing the bread in unity and purity of heart signifies healing, longevity, and the grace to live a life pleasing to God.

Pastor Levi Ahanna, on his part, reminded worshippers that the devil remains the enemy of mankind,urging them to cleanse their hearts of unforgiveness in order to receive God’s blessings fully.

Highlights of the celebration included prophetic declarations, praise and worship sessions, prayers, and the presentation of farm produce such as cassava, plantain, banana, oranges, and other crops by members of the congregation as offerings.

Chidimma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State