Pastor Chris Oyakhilome opened a new session of Your Loveworld Specials with a strong message on unjust laws, oppression, personal liberty and the responsibility of Christians to stand against circumstances that threaten freedom and justice.
Drawing from Isaiah 10:1-2, Pastor Chris highlighted the existence of unjust laws designed to deprive people of their rights and take advantage of others. He urged Christians not to approach such situations as helpless victims, emphasizing that believers have been given victory through Jesus Christ.
Christians Called to Stand Against Oppression
Pastor Chris stressed that Christians should not remain indifferent when other people are suffering, even when their own communities appear peaceful.
He warned that suffering affecting others can eventually reach those who currently feel secure, encouraging believers to respond to injustice through prayer and action. He emphasized that praying against oppression and injustice is consistent with God’s will.
Referencing Exodus 6:6, he said God is concerned when His people are oppressed and exploited by wicked individuals. He pointed to God’s promise to deliver His people from bondage, while Exodus 6:8 was presented as a reminder of God’s commitment to bring His people into the place He has prepared for them.
Using God’s Word to Change Circumstances
Pastor Chris went on to encourage believers to understand the authority they have through God’s Word.
Referring to Hebrews 11:2, he taught that Christians can use the Word of God in faith to influence circumstances and establish what should be rather than simply accepting existing conditions.
He emphasized that believers have been given the power and authority to act through their faith and the Word of God, urging them to put that authority into practice.
Protecting Freedom to Preach the Gospel
The message also focused heavily on personal liberty and freedom of speech.
Pastor Chris warned that unjust laws can threaten fundamental freedoms, including the freedom to express one’s beliefs and preach the Gospel. He reminded viewers that Christians today are able to proclaim their faith because previous generations stood up to protect religious freedoms.
He urged believers not to take those freedoms for granted, stressing the importance of preserving the ability to preach the Gospel openly and without fear.
Faith Must Overcome Fear
Using Exodus 2:13-15 and Hebrews 11:27-33, Pastor Chris addressed the danger of allowing fear, reputation and concern about public opinion to prevent Christians from taking a stand.
He noted that fear of what others think, including the fear of damaging one’s reputation, can become an obstacle to acting on one’s convictions.
Pastor Chris also reflected on developments since 2020, saying that Christians had resisted pressures affecting churches and schools and had refused to accept predictions that they would not return to normal activities.
A Call to Fervent Prayer
The session placed particular emphasis on prayer as a means of confronting difficult circumstances.
Referencing 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, Pastor Chris encouraged Christians to recognize that their struggle is not merely physical or political, but fundamentally spiritual.
He called for believers to become strong internally and to pray fervently rather than simply discussing problems. He emphasized that men and women should be able to approach God freely and fearlessly.
Pastor Chris concluded by pointing viewers toward the next session tomorrow at 7pm GMT+1, saying the programme would address what happens when Christians pray and the different kinds of prayer they should pray.
He further emphasized that the spiritual dimension of life is fundamental, warning that ignoring spiritual realities can undermine efforts to address circumstances in the physical world.
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