Edo Assembly: Prelate Abbey Charges Christians To Repent, Warns Against Serving God And Idols

The Prelate/President of Synod of the Christ Army Church Nigeria, His Eminence, The Most Rev'd Dappa Opubo Abbey, JP, GACAN, has charged Christians to embrace genuine repentance and return wholeheartedly to God, warning that no believer can effectively serve God while simultaneously engaging in practices associated with the devil. The Prelate gave the charge during a special worship and anointing service at Christ Army Church Nigeria, Edo Assembly, Eket District, Uyo Diocese, Akwa Ibom Province, held from Saturday, September 5, to Sunday, September 6, 2026. Preaching on the theme, 'Repentance,' with emphasis on Galatians 5:16 and Romans 8:14–15, the Prelate said the life of every Christian must be directed by the Spirit of God, stressing that those who allow the Holy Spirit to lead them will walk in righteousness rather than be controlled by sinful desires. Drawing from John 10:10, he reminded the congregation that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy, urging Christians to remain spiritually vigilant and reject every influence capable of separating them from God. According to him, 'When you possess the Spirit of God, you work in His righteousness,' adding that when a person is not led by the Spirit of God, such an individual becomes vulnerable to the influence of evil. The Prelate warned that failure to allow the Spirit of God to direct one's life could lead to various forms of sinful behaviour, including stealing, fornication and idolatry. He therefore called on members of the Church to make repentance an immediate priority, stressing that there might not be another opportunity to make the necessary change. 'Change should start now; tomorrow might be too late,' he declared, urging members of Christ Army Church Nigeria to examine their lives and return completely to God. The Prelate particularly condemned the practice of professing Christianity while simultaneously consulting traditional or occult powers. He lamented that some people attend church, participate in Holy Communion and profess faith in Christ, yet continue to visit traditional shrines and engage in practices contrary to the Christian faith. He described such conduct as 'an abominable thing,' stressing that Christians must make a clear choice between serving God and serving the devil. He also challenged Christians who harbour unforgiveness against one another, pointing out the contradiction of members who refuse to forgive each other while worshipping together and partaking of the same Holy Communion. The Prelate urged the congregation to understand that true repentance goes beyond outward religious activities, saying it requires a sincere transformation of the heart and a complete commitment to God. He called on members to serve God 'in truth, in spirit and in love,' warning that persistent indulgence in sin could separate individuals from God. 'This Church needs you, your parents need you, your community needs you,' he told the congregation, adding that Christians must not allow sinful practices to destroy their relationship with God and undermine their usefulness to their families, the Church and the wider community. Making a further appeal for spiritual discernment, the Prelate cautioned Christians against believing in every spiritual manifestation. 'Believe in the Spirit of God. Don't believe in all spirits. Some spirits are evil,' he warned, urging believers to subject every spiritual influence to the Word and will of God. The Prelate's message also drew attention to the need for Christians to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, referencing Romans 8:14, which teaches that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. He emphasised that genuine Christianity demands a daily decision to reject sin and follow God's direction. Prelate's Visit, Night of Prayer The Prelate arrived at the Edo Assembly on Saturday to a warm reception from members of the Church and was received by the host, Elder Engr. Samson J. Nyoho, Diocesan Presiding Elder of Uyo Diocese, Akwa Ibom Province, Christ Army Church Nigeria. During the visit, the Prelate participated in the Church's Night of Prayer, leading members in prayers and spiritual ministration ahead of the Sunday worship service. Sunday's programme featured Holy Communion, thanksgiving and prayers, with the Prelate ministering to the congregation and offering prayers for the Church, its members, the wider community, and the family of Elder Engr. Nyoho. The visit provided an opportunity for members of the Assembly to worship with the head of the Church and receive spiritual exhortation centred on repentance, holiness and obedience to God. Prelate's Entourage The Prelate was accompanied by Most Rev'd T. G. Henry, ACACN, Archbishop, Rivers Province One; Venerable Endurance Duke, ACACN, Synod Secretary; Rev'd Canon Jerry Needam, JP, ACACN, Synod Media Communicator; Sir Joy Koko, ACACN, President Council of Knights; Elder S. D. James, ACACN, Synod Legal Adviser; Sir I. G. Igani, ACACN, immediate past Synod Secretary and Synod legal adviser 3; Mrs Florence Abbey, wife of the Prelate; and Bro. Ida Pepple, PA to the Prelate. Host Expresses Gratitude Speaking on behalf of the Edo Assembly, the chief host, Elder Engr. Samson J. Nyoho, expressed profound gratitude to God for the Prelate's visit and the opportunity to worship with him. Elder Engr. Nyoho thanked the Prelate for accepting the invitation to visit his family and worship with members of the Assembly, describing the visit as a source of joy and spiritual encouragement. He said when his father was alive he brought W. F. Brown one of the late heads of the Synod to the Church, and it has been his desire to also bring the head of the Synod to the Church. He expressed gratitude to God that his desire has been fulfilled with the visit of the Prelate. He also expressed appreciation for the journey mercies granted to the Prelate and his entourage, thanking them for making the trip and spending time with the Church and his family. Elder Engr. Nyoho and his wife expressed their deep gratitude to the Prelate, his entourage and members of the Church for the successful programme. The Prelate subsequently offered prayers for the Church, its members, the community, and the family of Elder Engr. Nyoho, bringing the special worship and anointing programme to a spiritually significant close. The central message of the Prelate's visit remained a direct call to Christians to examine their lives, abandon every practice contrary to their faith and return wholeheartedly to God—because, as he emphasised, repentance must begin now, and tomorrow may be too late.