A former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Benue State and Elder in charge of the Boys Brigade (BB) and Girls Brigade (GB) at NKST (Universal Reformed Christian Church) Iortyer, Iortyer-classis, Dr. James Henkaa Anbua, has called on Christians to cultivate genuine faith by learning to hear and obey God’s voice, noting that obedience leads to the abundant life promised by Christ.
Dr. Anbua, who is also a renowned farmer, gave the charge during a Tiv worship service held on Sunday at the Church auditorium under the theme, “Being Faithful.”
Drawing his main text from Genesis 12:1–10, where God called Abraham to leave his country, relatives and father’s house for an unknown land, the former commissioner challenged believers to emulate Abraham’s unwavering obedience and readiness to act promptly on divine instructions.
He also cited Exodus 3:4–12, where Moses responded to God’s call to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. According to him, God still speaks to His people in diverse ways today, but expects the same response, attentiveness, acceptance and obedience. “God continues to speak to us in different ways and through different methods, but there is one similarity in every call He gives: He expects us to hear, accept and obey,” he stressed.
Dr. Anbua lamented that many Christians are not sensitive to God’s voice, like the biblical Samuel who didn’t noticed until he was guided by priest Eli before he eventually discerned and responded to the Lord’s call. He urged believers to examine their faith, asking whether they truly believe in God and His works or merely recite the Apostles’ Creed as a routine ritual.
He observed that some Christians fail to act on God’s directives because they conflict with personal desires or expectations. He referenced the rich young ruler who sought eternal life but turned away sorrowfully when instructed by Jesus to sell his possessions and give to the poor.
“We have no reason to lack faith in God,” he said. “We are encouraged to remain steadfast in faith and obedience, as stated in Hebrews 11:1–2. Faith assures us and gives us confidence that what we hope for is real. It enables us to trust in God’s promises, that obedience is worthwhile and that there is a greater reward.”
The elder further cited the faith of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8:5–10, who asked Jesus to simply speak a word for his servant to be healed, as well as the woman with the issue of blood who was healed after touching the hem of Christ’s garment in faith.
He also recounted the story of the Canaanite woman whose daughter was healed after she persistently and humbly expressed faith in Jesus despite being tested. According to him, her unwavering trust demonstrated the power of genuine faith.
“When you have real faith in God, He empowers you and gives you the ability to face every situation,” he said.
Dr. Anbua concluded by reminding believers that true faith must be accompanied by obedience to God’s will, noting that Jesus Himself relied completely on God during His earthly ministry, overcoming death and emerging victorious over the grave, urging Christians to remain faithful and responsive to God’s voice at all times.
