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Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has advised members of the church not to see the conduct of services online as an excuse not to attend physical services.
The RCCG pastor’s statement is coming after the governments of Lagos and Ogun State announced the decision to lift the restriction on worship centres imposed to prevent the coronavirus pandemic.
While stating that the online service would continue despite the lifting of the restriction, Adeboye said members ought to attend that of the physical.
In a video message on Tuesday titled, ‘From Lockdown to Leaping Up’, the cleric, with Biblical references, emphasised the benefits of corporate prayers.
“I encourage you all to go back to church for fellowship and begin to enjoy the benefits of corporate prayers again. The Almighty God in Hebrews 10 vs 25 said that we should not forsake the assembly of one another,” he said.
“There are those who will talk to you and say ‘why don’t you continue to stay at home? After all, you can pray at home and God will hear you’. Yes, I agree. Anywhere you cry unto Him, He will answer. But He says specifically in Matthew 21 vs 13 that His house is called the House of Prayers.
“He himself designated the House of God as a place where you will pray and the answer will come fast. That is the reason why David says in Psalm 122 vs 1 that I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord because He knows that when you go to the house of the Lord, you will be in his presence where there is fullness of joy.”
The RCCG General Overseer also explained the decision to continue the virtual service was because some countries had yet to lift lockdowns.
“By the Grace of God, from 2pm every Sunday for the next few weeks, we will still be ministering to our people all over the world who might be on lockdown. That should not be used as an excuse for not going to church. The bible says if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them,” he added.
He advised congregants to observe all protocols relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including wearing of face masks, adding that hand sanitisers will, however, be given upon entry into the church.
Pastor Adeboye further announced that the Holy Ghost Service which holds every first Friday of the month would commence in September.
“I also want to add that because the lockdown has been lifted, the Holy Ghost Service of September will be taking place. God bless you,” he added.
