₦airaland Forum

yomalex:
Saudi Arabia practises Wahabi Islam

Sunni

Shiite

Which one is wahabi again? Anyway I want to believe this one doesn't instigate violence as the two.

Ok. Noted!

The cloudy atmosphere is now getting clearer as we are getting to know the brains behind Sunnis and Shiites.

Iran is by the side of Shiites while Saudi is taking care of Sunnis.

If Nigerians are serious they must liberate themselves from external forces trying to control and use them. Presently many things about Nigeria are becoming unstable.

BetaThings:
I never believed they were fighting Jonathan. But people would not listen because it was politically expedient for them to see some grand Islamic conspiracy against GEJ
people forget that
Yaradua's government killed Mohammed Yusuf (founder of BH)
They would have continued fighting Yaradua were he alive

Nobody doubts the blood lust of Boko Haram and ISIS
But did Jesus not say not everyone who called his name would be answered
How can it be true of Christianity (CF Rev King) and it cannot be true of Islam

Afterall not all Christian areas in Nigeria are peaceful (CF Jukun v Tiv; Umuleri v Agwuleri; Itsekiri v Urhobo; Ife-Modakeke)

But their violence is purely based on ethnicity . Their struggles are not based on dominance of one denomination over the other or an attempt to wipe out a particular denomination. So being Christians or not can't be an issue to stir violence.

ElCapone:
Bros we don't reform islam, we rather conform to it cos its a complete religion. You cannot have the Quran which is da source jurispudence been revised or been reformed. That's y I reffered you back to the history of islam. I wish you could listen to 'Crusades through the muslim eyes' then yhu wld understand what am talking about. As for violence in islam, the khawarijites are 1 of da most violent sects. But just try and check some historical events out!!!

Honestly reformation is seriously needed in Islam. If the adherents say no to reformation then people should anticipate continual and serious challenges which can not be stopped. Certain aspects should be excised as a matter of urgency. Don't tell me a scripture is perfect if people follow it to justify violence.

ElCapone:
Bros I condemn d killings in though both sides are nt totally exonerated in any way. But the typical shiites are nt peaceful in any way. They are peaceful in nigeria here because of their minority status. Go and check out their history and see the devastating roles they have played in undermining islam. To them its either you shiite or yhu totally nt even a muslim. May Allah guide us right and may Allah have mercy on d soul of departed muslims!!!

I find it difficult to get your point. Who are the Muslims, the Sunnis or Shiites? Some have argued that Sunnis are mostly engaged in terrorism whilst Shiites have allegedly perverted faith with certain practices, according to some Muslims. Learning that all the trouble had started from the beginning (almost 1500 years ago) and still continuing, I will advise Muslims to reform Islam. Serving God shouldn't involve bloodshed, it must involve love and adequate knowledge. Hatred is not part of God as I know and understand.

Macelliot:
Sunnis are followers of Aisha(muhammed's wife) while Shiites are followers of Ali(muhammed's uncle)...

Sunni headquarter is in Saudi arabia, while Shiite headquarter is in Iran...

The problem started on who will suceed muhammed after his death.. This lead to a deadly war between the two muslim fraction since 1500yrs ago till now...
As of now, they(muslims) have divided into 72 different sect..

So it's struggle for supremacy between two fractional leaders of the religion that has spread to Nigeria, claiming lives. When will some people stop joining the multitude to do evil.

Hope they are not planning to spark violence in SW. That of the north is ongoing in new dimension. SE has its own, only SW seems to be peaceful and stable if not invasion and violence being caused by the Fulani herdsmen

Lighthouseman:
What happened to the use of moderate force on unarmed civilians? What happened to the use of tear gas to disperse these folks? Is the life of burutai worth more than that of other Nigerians? Are some Nigerians more Nigerian than others? A judicial commission of inquiry must be set up to look into this. Burutai should not be Sen to be fighting a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Nigeria. What I the role of the police in such situations....? Is Zarin under a state of emergency? Why use precious life rounds that are meant for soldiers in Maiduguri on unarmed civilians? Enough of these bad news from the north. Someone should take this to the Hague!

May God help us. The north has been Misbehaving as if the region is cursed. All major problems are traced to the north as the cause. Nigeria is presently sinking politically and economically with the north as the source of the problems. Billions of naira have been wasted on security, and another threat is just emerging. Also political atmosphere looks cloudy, all because of selfish interests.

I condemn the killing of the innocent but those who are carrying guns to kill others and disturb peace must not go unpunished.

BetaThings:
Not every news is true
Videos can be doctored
And there is a context to every issue

However my original statement addressed to you because you seemed to agree with another poster who got his fact completely upside down
Now it is a disservice to yourself to follow and analyse the news based on a false context

Let me give an example: Bush attacked Iraq based on the idea of WMD while others were saying it was not true
At the end pf the day, no WMD was found
So why did Bush attack Iraq, we can no longer accept what we read in the news that it was because of WMD

OK oh. Why is one of the Islamic religious sects destroying the country and killing the innocent? We thought they were fighting the former president Jonathan. Now it is glaring they are enemies of life and humankind.

Epiphanus20:
1 TALKING TO 5000 MEN WITHOUT A MICROPHONE before going further make i ask you just 1 question,how far can your voice go?Jesus christ talks to over 5 thousand men without even a microphone or speaker,that guy might be having headache everyday due to screaming.

2 HIS PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH TO ISSUE'S Although Jesus never attended college(i dont know if he attended high school,abeg no ask me).But he settle dispute and answer questions in a more matured way,for instance when the pharisees(or whatever) where about stoning Mary Magdalene,he told them"if you have not done such things in your life,then stone her" but they all dispersed.

3 HIS ABILITY TO TALK FOR DAYS WITHOUT EATING OR DRINKING Jesus Christ can teach for days without showing an expression of hunger or thirst,for instance when he fed 5 thousand men,he had taught for two days without eating anything and yet he is more worried about the crowd that just sit and listen to him.

4 HIS ABILITIES TO KNOW NAMES Although Jesus christ has many Friends and followers but still he knew the names of everyone,for instance he called all his Apostles by name before they became his Apostles,he called Mattew and Zaccheus by name,he also called many people which i wouldnt mention.

5 HIS SPIRIT OF ENDURANCE AND LOVE Jesus was sent into the world to die for our sin not for his own sin and yet he accepted to die,he was born like a horse rather than a King,he started enduring at the age of twelve when he revealed his real family(us),Jesus endured hunger for 40 days and 40 night,he endured temptation,suffered till death just for you and i.

[b]LET WELCOME THE KING.[b/]

That's why he was God-incanate while on earth. He is the Lord and Savior.

BetaThings:
Great
So whose experience or have you personally experienced all that you need to know
Yes. I agree. Unfortunately most of the fruits are still reported
Unless again you have personally plucked all the fruits
Because reading on Nairaland is not experience. it might be research but it can be seriously flawed

All of us are not in the north. We read and at times see and watch videos of what the sects - Sunnis or Shiites are doing over there. What evidence again do we still need? Nowadays we receive news as event unfolds. News on life events can't be 100% flawed!

BetaThings:
Please don't just accept what people say. Do some research

Experience they say is the best teacher. And people are identified by the fruits they bear.

anytime I see Muslims wearing that black dress covering them from the head to toes I feel disturbed within myself.

1 Why should they dress like masquerades?

2 The dressing portray mourning over lost of the loved ones, according to the belief of many

3 What makes people holy is within, and not outward appearance.

5 There have been reported cases of hiding arms under such dressings in an attempt to harm someone else.

Someone should pls explain the relationship btw such people, their dressings and God

he must have worked for his earnings, but at the same time he must be mindful of the needy.

Plus10:
When will good news ever come from the North? Please no offence to Northerners I am just curious to know

I think it's people that make news. Only good ppl can make good news. What ongoing in the north is disgusting as many are turning to dangerous fellows.

meezynetwork:
You just contradicted yourself by saying Iran is Shia. Iran is 100% Sunni and they got that by wiping away all the Shia there. The same thing they are trying to do in Iraq which is Shia by suicide bombing. The Shias only had to protect themselves in Iraq with using arms or else they will be wiped out too.

so some people are very wicked while they claim to know and serve God! Where is the PEACE as most of them say with mouths, and when members of religious sects are sleeping with guns beside them?

i wonder what the sect members are doing with guns. Hope another boko haram is not building up, and the north is not following the way of middle east jihadists.

Hope the State university won't be shut down sha! It's just the beginning of fall in demand for oil globally, and four higher institutions are being closed down. Anyway real Osun indigenes are not complaining. All the policies seem to go down well with the people.

We are learning, hope it won't be too late before we stand upright and face the reality. Our leaders are by one side counting on all available excuses to amass wealth while they leave the masses in complaint to justify poverty.

Seems like Nigeria has entered into the season of inconclusive elections.

The two elections conducted so far are not likely to be concluded for the next four years. This country has not got the bearing to move in the right direction.

Blessed Be the Lord God (The Benedictus)
We can bless God with our praise and Thanksgiving. He is good and faithful to those who fear and serve Him. Zachariah and Elizabeth blessed God for blessing them with a child that played major part in preparing Israel for the coming Messiah. Psalm 34: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. The followings are discussed: John's Naming and Zachariah's Miracle; Blessing God for Salvation, and Blessing God for Messiah's Forerunner.

John's Naming and Zachariah's Miracle: Zachariah and Elizabeth rejoiced over the birth of John, the promised child. They thanked God when they discovered it was by His mercy they had a child in their old age (Luke 1:57). John's birth put an end to their barrenness.

Zachariah had been dumb since he doubted the power of God in an encounter with the angel that told him God's plan for his family. But he was able to speak again at the naming of his son. There was a misunderstanding as regards naming of the child: the family wanted the child named Zachariah, after his father, according to the tradition, while Elizabeth wanted him named John as told by the angel.

The disagreement was settled when Zachariah was giving a table to write down the name he would give the child. Zachariah affirmed that his son would be named John, and surprisingly, he was able to speak immediately (Luke 1:64-66). His first words were praises to God. He thanked God for choosing his family to take part in His redemptive work. God will bless those who obey Him and work for His purposes to be accomplished.

Blessing God for Salvation: Zachariah was filled with Holy Spirit, and he began to prophesy in song concerning the coming Messiah, the redeemer, and the 'horn of salvation' (Luke 1:67-70). The Jews had expected Messiah that would engage Israel's enemies in physical battle and win for them. But God's plan was for spiritual renewal and salvation of all souls. Zachariah prophesy also ascribed the root of David to the coming Messiah.

Messiah's role was revealed in Zachariah's song. He would deliver the Jewish people, show mercy to his followers, and fulfil God's covenant with Abraham. Messianic deliverance aims to set people free from moral decadence and spiritual oppression, and to create an environment that permits true worship of God (Luke 1:71-75). The Messiah was not to overthrow the Roman government and reestablish the sovereignty of Israel as the Israelites had expected. However, God's plan was to overthrow the kingdom of darkness. He wanted people to come into the light and serve Him in holiness and righteousness. Zachariah's prophesy also revealed that God's covenant with Abraham for all nations and people would be fulfilled (Gen 12:3).

Blessing God for Messiah Forerunner: Zachariah didn't start his prophetic song with John, his own son. He would have understood his son's role would be meaningless if there was no Messiah. Thereafter he began to say the prophetic message about his son. John would prepare the way for the coming Messiah ( Luke 1:76; Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6). He would let the people of Israel understand their need for repentance, forgiveness and salvation. Zachariah preached concerning new living that the new covenant, through the gospel would bring to the world.

John's preaching could not have been different from the message of repentance and worship of God in the past. But with the declaration that Messiah would bring about spiritual worship and inner desire to be in right relationship with God, he pointed to salvation found in Christ (Luke 1:78). Those who follow the Messiah into a right relationship with God would live in peace and save their souls. Lesson texts: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80.

Magnify the Lord (The Magnificat)
Christians should honour Mary for being selected among the virgins to be the mother of Jesus. God chose and used her for the global mission which is to redeem humanity and restore the creation. Psalm 34:3 - magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. The followings are discussed: Jesus Birth; Mary's Submission, and Mary magnifies the Lord.

Jesus Birth Foretold: Jesus birth wasn't by chance, so much had been stated about it in the old testament. His virgin and humble birth and even the lineage had been revealed years before he was born (Isaiah 7:4; Luke 1:27). Angel Gabriel told Mary that the 'holy thing' she had conceived in her womb was through the Spirit of God and shall be called the Son of the 'Most High'. The pregnancy was not a product of sexual relations (Luke 1:18-27; 1:34; Mathew 1:18-25). Mary had not been married as at the time of her conception. She was only pledged to be married, and according to the Jewish tradition sexual union was forbidden until marriage was legally consummated.

Angel Gabriel's appearance and salutation surprised Mary that she wondered when she was called the 'highly favoured', and with the expression 'God is with thee'. Such expression was a call for difficult task. Abraham, Jacob, Samuel and some others received similar message that placed them for special and difficult task. Mary was shocked but her fear was alleviated when the angel told her she had been favoured and God had chosen her to accomplish a task that would impact humanity (Luke 1:28-33; Daniel 7:13-14; 2:44).

Marry Submission and Faith: Mary protested before angel Gabriel, probably thinking how she could be pregnant without sexual relations, and considering how Joseph, her espoused husband would react to such pregnancy. She might also be troubled about the consequences of being accused for adultery. But she summoned courage and responded to divine direction with open heart (Luke 1:34-38). The angel had told her that the Spirit of God would overshadow her for the conception, and her child would be God-incarnate.

Angel Gabriel also told her that Elizabeth, her cousin had been pregnant for six months in her old age. The revelation was to show that nothing is impossible with God. We should follow Mary's example as we walk daily with God. We should be willing and seek divine direction when God asks us to do difficult tasks with consequences.

Mary expressed faith in God when she decided to go and tell someone else about her encounter with God through the angel. She went through along distance to tell her cousin, Elizabeth about her experience. When Mary and Elizabeth met, the baby leapt for joy at Mary's greetings, and Elizabeth, being filled with the Holy Spirit, declared that Mary and the baby were blessed by God (Luke 1: 39-45). This declaration revealed blessing that would follow Messiah's birth.

Mary Magnifies the Lord: Mary praised God for the prophetic statement (Luke: 1:47). This expression of praise is known as the 'The Magnificat'. She exalted God for blessing the world through her. She praised God for giving her the honour when she had done absolutely nothing to deserve it. Just as Mary did, we should appreciate God and direct others to praise Him for His wonderful work in and through us.

Mary sang about the blessing Messiah would bring to the Jewish people (Luke 1:50-55). She also thanked God for making her part of His plan for salvation of those who fear Him. God would bring down the proud while He lifts up the humble and feeds the hungry. She worshipped God for His faithfulness to Israel, and that He would continue to bless and protect the nation through the Messiah. God would keep his promise to bless all nations through Israel as He faithfully kept His covenant with Abraham.

While we appreciate Mary for her obedience, dedication, purity, humility and submission which made God use her to bring Christianity to the world, God should be praised and worshipped for giving His Son to the world. Lesson texts: Luke 1:26-56.

The first election that APC has conducted seems not to be ending well, no clear winner, even from today's supplementary election in Kogi State.

Things are getting tougher, and the present government seems to be struggling to understand what leadership means. The system is collapsing with the authority loosing control.

55 million Naira for the whole State? How is it going to be spent? Is Aregbe now talking from two sides of mouth? He said things would be better if Jonathan could be voted out, and that with Jonathan his State couldn't perform. Now that Jonathan is out what's the problem again?

Has Osun State lost the criteria to be a state?

AdeniyiA:
Until the Quaran is translated into indigenous language for all to be able to read, few people would continue to deceive the gullible ones with one useless Arabic. They take the Arabic as something powerful and unadulterated. wasn't the Bible originally written in Greek/Jew and yet doesnt loose its purpose. At least if it can be written in their indigenous languages,they can read and see for themselves how peaceful or otherwise their religion is...

murphy02:
It has been translated to other languages......

I wonder why those misbehaving can't interpret and understand a message stated in their mother tongue.

These terrorists are now becoming too desperate, probably because they are fast becoming endangered species. Globally they are striking against normal & fellow human beings for what seems like the battle for survival of their politics, religion and organization.

They have committed grave sin which punishment is implosion and destruction. Nothing could stop that until they are wiped out. God's judgment is already upon them.

so sad

Songs of Praise to God (Doxology)
God is worthy of our praises at all times, and the songs of praise to Him must be in line with the scripture. Heaven has been described as a place of utmost praise, where heavenly beings praise God continually. Psalm 146:2 - While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. The followings are discussed: Praise the Omnipotent God; Praise Christ the Redeemer, and Worship God who Reigns.

Praise the Omnipotent God: John experienced the worship and praise of God in the isolated place he was exiled. He was lifted up in the spirit to experience the happenings around the throne of God. Heavens sing the attributes of God, which are glory, honour, power, might and wisdom (Genesis 4:8-11). The worship in the heaven is to acknowledge God as the omnipotent Creator. He combined wisdom and power in the creation. While power and might are magnified by wisdom, wisdom is required to control power. God is worthy of our praise for who He is and what He has done.

John, in the vision, saw a great number of people (Jews and others) around the throne, praising God for His provision of salvation. He saw Angels, heavenly beings and a large number of people from different groups praising God. The role played by the angels in the songs is to rejoice with the redeemed in the worship and adoration of God (Revelation 7:11-12). The angels are the created beings, the messengers of God. They make the seventh-part declaration of praise before God, crying out, Amen. God is worthy to be praised, Amen. Thanksgiving, honour and respect are due to Him because of His authority.

Praise Christ the Redeemer: In the revelation given to John, Jesus is revealed as the Lamb of God who stands as God's offer for redemption and salvation (Revelation 5:9-13). He is the power and authority of God for salvation. According to the revelation he has the authority for rightous judgment. Only those who are redeemed will share Christ's throne (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:5-10). God has given believers the grace to share Christ's glory, not only in his heavenly kingdom, but on this earth also (Revelation 2:26-27). Jesus is the Lamb of God as described in the revelation (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19). Angels join in the praise of him. He is praised for being the Redeemer, and as the One to whom all glory, riches, wisdom, strength, honour and blessing belong.

All the redeemed, as a great multitude of nations, people and tongues stood before the throne, worshipping God and the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-10). This can be described as worship before the throne by 'the Church'. The Church, at that time will be the gathering of those who are redeemed and saved. God sent Christ, the Messiah through Israel for the blessing of all nations. He had fulfilled His covenant with Abraham through Christ, the final fulfilment of His plan for redemption and restoration will also come to pass.

Worship God Who Reigns: We should worship God for His eternal reign. The day is coming when the kingdoms of earth will be replaced by the kingdom of heaven. God has started working on His plan to end the violence, abuse, ignorance and perversion of faith in Him with the goodness and glory of the coming kingdom. Those who make it to the heavenly kingdom will reign with God and experience eternal peace (Revelation 11:15-18). All problems we are facing in this earth will be part of the old world that is passing away. God has assured us of the final victory over all evil and the day is coming when Hallelujah will be our song of victory.

God is praised for replacing the kingdoms of this world with His kingdom. It has been recorded that Babylon will fall, this means destruction of evil and ungodly world system. The Heavenly multitude will praise God for His salvation, truth and righteous judgement (Revelation 19:1-3). As the people of God we should rejoice for the victory God will bring over sin and evil. As Christian we should rejoice for being the bride of the Lamb, people that will reign with Christ in God's eternal kingdom. Our highest priority should be doing what requires of us. To God be the glory. Lesson texts: Revelation 4:8-11; 5:9-13; 7:9-12; 11:15-18; 19:1-7).

Rest and good works are good after retirement. Jonathan should carry on, enjoying his retirement.

This kind of thing is still continuing? I think Nigerian army claims book haram has been crushed and wiped out. How manage they still bomb some places. Either the government or Nigerian army must be lying to us.

Songs of Faith (Baptismal Creedal Hymns)
Songs of faith or hymns are meant to express God's faithfulness and goodness in a way to draw oneself closer to Him for more inspiration and strength. Confessional songs in the scripture affirm faith in Christ. Romans 10:9 - If thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. The followings are discussed: Confessions of Faith; Songs of Incarnation and exaltation, and Victory over death.

Confessions of Faith: Creedal hymns express our belief and help strengthen faith in God. We follow the scripture to understand how God is manifested in the flesh and made human in Christ. Christians can be inspired to speak out the truth about God when they confess Christ and share in his suffering (1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 2: 11-13). Believers will have hope during difficult times, because if they suffer with Christ, they will reign with him for eternity.

Victory over evil should stir up to sing God's praise. The people of Israel sang to praise God after their miraculous deliverance through the red sea (Exodus 15:1-8 ). Moses led the people through the wilderness and gave them the law which they could follow to understand and practise God's requirements for righteous living . Moses led Israelites out of slavery and gave the law, but Christ leads people out of darkness of sin to new living and true worship through water and spiritual baptism. Water baptism symbolises putting off the old and sinful nature in the water and coming out for new living. God's redemptive work is amazing and worthy of praise.

Song of Incarnation and Exaltation: Jesus was exalted to the throne of God because of his submission to carry out the will of God and reveal His way and love for humanity. He lay aside his divine nature, put on human nature and made himself nothing, so that all types of people can be saved through him (Philippians 2: 5-8 ). Thus he provided the way to overcome our weaknesses and become victorious. Christians are to follow Christ's example of humble submission to God in dealing with others.

Honour the Exalted Christ: Christ was sent to all people and because of his obedience God has exalted and given him ''a name above any name'', that at his name every knee will bow and all tongues will confess that he is the Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). This confession of Christ has become Christian song of faith and prayer.

Victory over Death: People may not know they are living in darkness until they come to the light given by Christ. Salvation brings about transformation from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8-14), and those who know Christ will walk in the light. Lives of 'children of light' are characterised by goodness, righteousness and truthfulness which are fruits of the spirit. Light of Christ exposes and reproves sinful and shameful deeds. We can enter into God's glory when we allow His spirit to shine Christ's light through us (Ephesians 5:14; Isaiah 60:1). This song reminds us of victory over spiritual death.

This song of final victory over death points to when Christian will lay aside mortality and put on immortality, when death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:53-58). This song of faith provides redemption and makes Christians spiritually alive. We should give thanks to God for victory and full redemption He has provided through Christ. Lesson text: 1 Corinthians 15:53-58; Eph 5:8-14; Phil 2:5-11; Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Rev15:3-4.