MALADIES AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION - Justice Ahiakwo

Recent events on various social media platforms creating disaffection amongst some content creators amidst reactions of commenters on the one hand and the users on another hand, in connection with the legal disputes in courts of law between some renegades opposed to the divine leadership of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) is of immense concern that requires clarification.

Being a corporate organization operating within the legal framework of the relevant statutes, and considering the crux of the matter involving the renegades against Brotherhood of the Cross and Star would have been grossly misconstrued, if not for the judgements delivered by the Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo and the most recent case determined  by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.

To contemplate otherwise with the sole intent to disparage the divine image of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star and her Leadership is to attract the prescribed punitive measures by the divine laws of God Almighty.

In every defamatory statement published by these persons particularly the statements that are libelous and slanderous, as well as, the criminal offences of cyberbullying on the social media platforms shall never go unpunished. 

Regardless of every attempt to pull down Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, the  Kingdom of God on earth remains unshakeable and the King of kings and Lord of lords is unshakeable.

It is the Kingdom of God founded on a solid rock which is breaking into pieces and consuming every other kingdoms. The seriousness of the problems unbelievers attract to themselves is not knowing the efficacy in His pronouncements.

Make no mistake to believe that Brotherhood of the Cross and Star is oblivious of what to do over the hate speeches and manifest disdain spew from those on the internet space.

A day is come when all shall give account of his or her actions for He who is to judge both the dead and living is on earth.  Certainly, His judgment is just and without prejudice will reward the wicked accordingly.

This addresses the online controversies surrounding BCS founded by Leader Olumba Olumba Obu in 1956 in Calabar, Cross River State of Nigeria. BCS embodies love, peace and unity with purity and righteousness as the watchword towards attaining salvation.

In highlighting the legal disputes, the judgements obtained have helped to clarify the misinformation about the divine leadership of BCS.

This is to  the renegades that rebellion, in the biblical context, is the act of resisting or defying authority, particularly the authority of God. 

Within the said context, beginning with the rebellion of Satan and continuing with humanity's disobedience, the act of rebellion is often portrayed as a grave sin that leads to severe consequences.

In the heavenly realm Satan's defiance against God as recorded in Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 describe the pride and fall of Lucifer, who sought to exalt himself above God. This rebellion set the stage for the subsequent fall of humanity.

In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden marks the first human rebellion against God. By eating the forbidden fruit, they rejected God's command, leading to the fall of mankind and the introduction of sin and death into the world. Genesis 3:16-19 outlines the immediate consequences of their rebellion, including pain, toil, and eventual physical death.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently rebelled against God despite His continuous guidance and provision. In Numbers 14, the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land, despite God's promise, resulted in a 40-year wilderness wandering. Numbers 14:22-23 states, "Not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, but who have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—not one will ever see the land I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it."

The Holy Bible consistently illustrates that rebellion against God leads to dire consequences. These consequences are both immediate and eternal, affecting individuals and entire nations.

It creates a barrier between humanity and God. Isaiah 59:2 declares, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." This separation is the most profound consequence, as it affects one's relationship with the Creator.

Rebellion often results in divine judgment. In 1 Samuel 15:23 , the prophet Samuel tells King Saul, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Saul's rebellion led to the loss of his kingdom and favor with God.

The persistent acts of rebellion has led to the forfeiture of God's blessings. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Verses 15-68 detail the various curses that would befall Israel if they turned away from God, including disease, defeat, and exile.

The ultimate consequence of rebellion is destruction and death. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse underscores the eternal consequence of rebellion—spiritual death and separation from God.

As it is a known fact that rebellion can also have national implications. The history of Israel and Judah is marked by periods of rebellion against God, leading to invasions, captivity, and exile. The Babylonian exile, succinctly described in 2 Kings 24-25, was a direct result of persistent rebellion and idolatry.

Restitution can revive those in disarray. Despite the severe consequences of rebellion, the Bible also offers hope for redemption.

Through repentance and faith in  His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, these renegades can be reconciled to God. Acts 3:19 encourages, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." This promise of forgiveness and restoration is central to the believers faith, emphasizing God's mercy and grace in the face of human deficiencies.