Christians have been urged to abstain from every form of evil and cultivate purity of heart, diligently pursuing what is good while relying utterly on the Lord. This message was delivered by Prof. David Tyona, a member of the NKST (Universal Reformed Christian Church) and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Moses Orshio Adashu University, Makurdi, during a Tiv worship service on Sunday
Preaching on the theme, “Everyone Who Calls on the Name of the Lord Must Set Aside from Evil”, Prof. Tyona’s message was based on 1 John 3:1-3, which highlights the amazing love that God has for His children and the good intentions He has for them, some of which will be realized in the present while others will be revealed when Christ returns.
The University Don expressed shock and disappointment at how many Christians today undervalue their status as children of the Most High God. “We shall be like Him,” Prof. Tyona said, emphasizing that as Christians, our goal is to be like Jesus. He lamented that many Christians have forgotten their true identity and purpose, and urged them to rediscover themselves in the light of God’s love and plan for their lives.
Prof. Tyona reminded the congregation that God knows those who belong to Him and will judge everyone according to their secret motives. He emphasized the importance of living a life of uprightness and godliness, citing Titus 2:11-12, which speaks of God’s grace that enables us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.
The Science Faculty Dean also emphasized that Christians are no longer slaves to sin because they are united to Christ through baptism and have been crucified with Him. He urged the congregation not to take advantage of God’s patience and mercy to continue living in sin, warning that sin can reverse God’s good intentions even for those He has chosen for a special purpose.
Prof. Tyona advised Christians to let nothing stand in their way of serving God in truth and spirit, and to strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him. “May God’s word be a guiding light to all”, he concluded.
