UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS: CHRISTIAN

ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN)

In 1976, the Christian Association of Nigeria

(CAN) was formed to enable Christians
speak with one voice on social, educational,
political and religious issues.
The following are the presidents of the Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN)
 His Grace, Most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh

 His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle

 Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba

The Christian Association of Nigeria consists

of five groups namely:
i. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN)
ii. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN)
iii. Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of
Nigeria (CPFN)/ Pentecostal Fellowship
of Nigeria (PFN)
iv. Organisation of African Instituted
Churches (OAIC)
v. Evangelical Church of West Africa
(ECWA)
The primary reasons for the formation of
CAN include the following:
1. The take-over of Christian schools
and hospitals by the governments.
2. Fears that government’s recognition
of Shari’a was giving some sort of
preferential treatment to Islam.
3. Insisting on the secular nature of the
Nigeria state.
4. Criticising government about the
position of religious instruction in
schools.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GROWTH

OF THE INDIGENOUS AND PENTECOSTAL
CHURCHES
 The indigenous churches have become so
popular that they are now spread all over the
country and West Africa. Their branches are
scattered all over the world. Many Nigerians who
were not Christians before, have now become
Christians through their activities. Some Nigerians
who formerly belonged to orthodox Churches ,
have left their denomination to join these
Pentecostal Churches. And some, who were
Muslims, have rejected Islam and joined the
Pentecostal Churches.
Various factors are responsible for the rapid
growth of the Indigenous and Pentecostal
Churches. Some of them are:

1.Crusades/Revival: One of the marks of the

Pentecostal Churches is the organisation of
crusades/revivals. Church members travel to
many towns and villages in the nation to
spread the gospel message. Healing miracles
occur during crusades and revivals. Those who
are healed or delivered from evil forces come
forward to give testimonies. Some of those
 present become Christians when they witness
such miracles.
2.Night Vigils: the Pentecostal churches organize
night vigils for their members from time to
time. The night vigil is for members to come
together and pray to find solutions to their
problems. They sing songs of praise and pray
all night. Some receive healing miracles and
deliverance from witchcraft and other demonic
forces.
3.Prayers: prayer has always been the
cornerstone of the Christian Church.

OTHER FACTORS WILL INCLUDE:

A. Prayers
B.Sunday School/ Bible Study
C. Fellowship

CHRISTIAN GIVING
The early Church was mindful of both
spiritual and other things that related to the
well-being of members. The early Christians
had one thing in common and that was
fellowshipping together which included
prayer together, attending the temple
together and partook of food with happiness
and a generous heart.
They lived peacefully sharing whatever they
had together. They encouraged Christian
giving.
For instance, the Church in Philippi was a
good example of Christian giving. They were
kind in sharing Paul’s trouble. Paul
commended them for the spirit of giving. He
also urged the Corinthian Church to give
freely and generously. The Macedonians
gave accordingly to their means, and of their
own free will. The gift expected of the
Corinthians must be ready, not as an
exaction but as a willing gift. Paul said he
who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.
That God loves a cheerful giver. He urged all
Christians to worship God by being
generous.

FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Paul and Barnabas went on their first
missionary journey under the guidance and
protection of the Holy Spirit. They preached
through the Island of Cyprus. At Paphos,
they preached to the ruler, Sergius Paulus.
Elymas, the magician and false prophet,
tried to obstruct the work of God and was
therefore made blind. This made the ruler
believe in the gospel and was baptised.
LYSTRA
At Lystra, the apostles preached and healed
a cripple man who had faith, with the help
of the Holy Spirit. The people took the
apostles to be gods and called Barnabas,
Zeus and Paul they named Mercury. They
shouted in one voice “The gods have come
down to us in the form of men.” The people
wanted to sacrifice to the apostles but the
apostles prevented them from doing such a
heinous act. Paul advised them to turn to
the living God who supplied all their needs.
In annoyance, Paul was dragged out of the
city gate and stoned. Presuming that he was
dead they left him. But the apostles
gathered and prayed for him.

CITIES PAUL VISITED IN HIS FIRST

MISSIONARY JOUREY
The places that Paul visited during his
first missionary journey are listed below
in chronological order.
1. Antioch

Saul (Paul) begins his first mission journey. He and Barnabas eventually
travel hundreds of miles from Antioch to Derbe, and then back again. The first
part of their journey takes them to Seleucia. Acts 13:1-4.(View on map)

2. Seleucia

From Antioch, Paul and Barnabas go to Seleucia, where they sail to Salamis
in Cyprus. Seleucia, also known as Seleucia Pieria, now falls within the
modern boundaries of Turkey, near Syria. Acts 13:4-5.(View on map)

3. Salamis

In Salamis, Paul and Barnabas preach the word of God in Jewish

synagogues. (There were many Jewish communities scattered throughout the
Roman Empire). They then travel across the island to Paphos. Acts 13:4-7.
(View on map)

4. Paphos

In Paphos, Paul and Barnabas are sought out by a community leader named
Sergius Paulus. A false prophet unsuccessfully tries to prevent Paul and
Barnabas from evangelizing. The false prophet becomes blind during his
confrontation. Acts 13:6-12.(View on map)

5. Perga

From Paphos, Paul and Barnabas sail to Perga on their way to Pisidian
Antioch. Acts 13:13.(View on map)
6. Pisidian Antioch

In Pisidian Antioch, Paul tells people in a synagogue that Jesus Christ is the
Messiah who was promised in the Old Testament. Many people turn against
Paul and Barnabas. They leave for Iconium. Acts 13:14-52.(View on map)

7. Iconium

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas are met with great resistance to the Gospel.
They learn that there is a plot to have them killed. They flee to the nearby
towns of Lystra and Derbe. Acts 14:1-7.(View on map)

8. Lystra

In Lystra, a man who had never been able to walk is miraculously healed
through Paul. The town's people proclaim that Paul and Barnabas are gods.
Paul and Barnabas correct them. Paul is later stoned, dragged out of the city,
and left for dead. He recovers and travels to Derbe. Acts 14:8-20.(View on
map)

9. Derbe

Through the preaching of Paul and Barnabas, many people in Derbe learn
about Jesus and become disciples. Paul and Barnabas later return to Lystra.
Acts 14:20-21.(View on map)

10.Lystra

After returning to Lystra, Paul and Barnabas meet with the new disciples,
encouraging them to remain true to the faith. Acts 14:21-22.(View on map)

11.Iconium

Paul and Barnabas return to Iconium to strengthen the new disciples there.
Acts 14:21-22.(View on map)

12.Pisidian Antioch

Paul and Barnabas return to Pisidian Antioch to encourage and strengthen

the new disciples there. Acts 14:21-22.(View on map)
 13.Perga

Paul and Barnabas preach the Gospel in Perga before heading to Attalia. Acts
14:24-25.(View on map)

14.Attalia

In Attalia, Paul and Barnabas sail back to the Syrian Antioch, the city from
which they had begun this mission journey. Acts 14:26.(View on map)

15.Antioch

In Antioch, Paul and Barnabas meet with fellow Christians and give a report
about their mission journey. Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch for a while,
spending time with disciples. Acts 14:27-28.(View on map)

SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Paul parted ways with Barnabas over John
Mark, and took Silas as his travelling
companion. Paul informed the various
churches about the decision of the
Jerusalem Council. At Troas, Paul had a
vision which says’ Come over to Macedonia
and help us.’
This made him to travel to Philippi a Roman
colony founded by Philip of Macedonia. The
people worshipped Greek gods and
practised magic and fortune telling. There
were a few Jews in Philippi. Paul and Silas
preached to the Philippians and converted
some to Christianity.
Lydia the first female convert along with her
household helped the apostles with their
missionary work.
A slave girl with the gift of telling the future
identified Paul and Silas as servants of the
Most High who had brought the message of
salvation.
Paul readily responded to the call to help in
Macedonia in spite of the risk involved. He
chased the evil spirit in the girl and she
became normal. The ownerof the slave girl
accused Paul and Silas of destroying their
means of livelihood. With these Paul and
Silas were imprisoned.

The places that Paul visited during his second

missionary journey are listed below in
chronological order.

1.Jerusalem
Paul begins his second mission journey.
 Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and other evangelists,
first travel from Jerusalem to Antioch. Acts
15:22.(View on map)

2.Antioch
Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement. They
part ways. Barnabas goes to Cyprus. Paul and
Silas travel through Syria and Cilicia. Acts
15:36-41.(View on map)

3.Tarsus
Paul travels through Cilicia, which includes the
city of Tarsus. Acts 15:36-41.(View on map)

4.Derbe
Paul travels to the towns of Derbe and Lystra,
both of which he had visited during his first
mission journey. Acts 16:1-5.(View on map)

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 100 concise examples of how the Bible's
prophets accurately predicted events involving
the land and people of Israel, the rise and fall
of empires, and the life, mission, death and
resurrection of the Messiah.

5.Lystra
In Lystra, Paul meets Timothy, who becomes
an evangelist. Acts 16:1-5.(View on map)

6.Iconium
It is possible that Paul travels through
Iconium, on his way to Troas, given the
information in Acts 16:1-6.(View on map)

7.Pisidian Antioch
It is possible that Paul travels through Pisidian
Antioch, on his way to Troas, given the
information in Acts 16:1-6.(View on map)

8.Troas
After arriving in Troas, Paul has a vision telling
him to go to Macedonia and evangelize there.
Acts 16:6-10.(View on map)

9.Neapolis
 Paul and Silas sail from Troas to Neapolis, en
route to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Acts
16:11-12.(View on map)

10. Philippi
Paul evangelizes to Lydia, a successful
businesswoman. "The Lord opened her heart
to respond to Paul's message." - Acts 16:14.
Lydia becomes the first known Christian in
Europe. Her family converts, too. Paul and
Silas are wrongly imprisoned. An earthquake
destroys the prison. Paul and Silas comfort the
jailer. The jailer and his family become
Christians. Acts 16:16-40.(View on map)

11. Amphipolis
After being released from prison, Paul and
Silas pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia
on their way to Thesalonica, which has a
Jewish community. Acts 17:1.(View on map)

12. Apollonia
After being released from prison, Paul and
Silas pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia
on their way to Thesalonica, which has a
Jewish community. Acts 17:1.(View on map)

13. Thessalonica
 In Thessalonica, Paul preaches in a
Synagogue. Some Jews and Greeks are
brought to faith. Later, a mob tries,
unsuccessfully, to capture Paul and Silas. Acts
17:2-9.(View on map)

14. Berea
In Berea, Paul again preaches in a Synagogue.
Many Jews and Greeks convert to Christianity.
Others, angered by Paul, seek to harm him.
Paul's associates send Paul out of town to
protect him. He goes to Athens. Acts 17:10-
15.(View on map)

15. Athens
In Athens, Paul is distressed by the extent of
idol worship. He preaches about Jesus and the
resurrection. Some oppose him. Others
become believers, including a man named
Dionysius and a woman named Damaris. Acts
17:16-34.(View on map)

16. Corinth
From Athens, Pauls travels to Corinth and
evangelizes. He meets a Jew named Aquila
and his wife Priscilla, who moved to Corinth
after Roman Emperor Claudius ordered Jews
to leave Rome. Acts 18:1-4.(View on map)
 17. Cenchrae
Paul leaves Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla,
ang goes to Cenchrea (or Cenchrae) and has
his hair cut off. He does this to fulfill a vow,
but we are not told what that vow was. He
later sails to Ephesus. Acts 18:18.(View on
map)

18. Ephesus
Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, sail to Ephesus. Paul
evangelizes at a synagogue. Paul leaves for
Caesarea. Priscilla and Aquila stay behind in
Ephesus. Acts 18:19-21.(View on map)

19. Caesarea
From Caesarea, Paul travels to Jerusalem,
which is inferred from verse 22, before
traveling to Antioch, from where he later
would begin his third mission journey. Acts
18:22.(View on map)

THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Paul fulfilled his promise to the Ephesians by
visiting them again. Paul’s preaching and
miracles of healing led to the conversion of
many people to Christianity. Magicians, who
later accepted Jesus, burnt their books on
magic (juju). Ephesus was the centre for the
worship of Artemis or Diana, the goddess of
fertility. The silversmiths at Ephesus sold
silver images of Artemis to pilgrims, and
made a lot of money. The Christian message
threathened the worship of Artemis, and the
income of the silversmiths.
Demetrius organized the silversmiths and
worshippers of Artemis to protest against
Christianity. Paul’s companions were
arrested and he himself was nearly killed.
The town clerk was able to disperse the
crowd to restore peace in Ephesus.
The places that Paul visited during his third
missionary journey are listed below in
chronological order.

1.Antioch
Paul begins his third mission journey. "After
spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out
 from there and traveled from place to place
throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia,
strengthening all the disciples." - NIV English
translation of Acts 18:23.(View on map)

2.Tarsus
Paul travels from Antioch to Ephesus. Tarsus is
on the way, and based on Acts 18:23, Paul
might have re-visited disciples there.(View on
map)

3.Iconium
Paul travels from Antioch to Ephesus.
Iconiumn is on the way, and based on Acts
18:23, he might have re-visited disciples there.
(View on map)

4.Ephesus
In Ephesus, God performs miracles of healing
through Paul; many people are brought to
faith. Later, idol makers who worship the
goddess Artemis encourage a riot in rebellion
to Paul's faithful teachings about Jesus. Acts
19:1-41.(View on map)

5.Troas
After the uproar in Ephesus ends, Paul travels
through the countries of Macedonia and
 Greece. He might have re-visited communities
that he had previously traveled to or through
as an evangelist, such as Troas. Acts 20:1-6.
(View on map)

6.Neapolis
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through as an evangelist, such
as Neapolis. Acts 20:1-6.(View on map)

7.Philippi
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through as an evangelist, such
as Philippi. Acts 20:1-6.(View on map)

Proof of the accuracy of Bible prophecy

 100 concise examples of how the
Bible's prophets accurately predicted
events involving the land and people of
Israel, the rise and fall of empires, and
the life, mission, death and resurrection
of the Messiah.

8.Amphipolis
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Amphipolis.
Acts 20:1-6.(View on map)

9.Apollonia
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Apollonia. Acts
20:1-6.(View on map)

10. Thessalonica
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Thessalonica.
Acts 20:1-6.(View on map)
11. Berea
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Berea. Acts
20:1-6.(View on map)

12. Athens
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Athens. Acts
20:1-6.(View on map)

13. Corinth
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Corinth. Acts
20:1-6.(View on map)

14. Berea
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Berea. Acts
20:1-6.(View on map)
15. Thessalonica
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Thessalonica.
Acts 20:1-6.(View on map)

16. Apollonia
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Apollonia. Acts
20:1-6.(View on map)

17. Amphipolis
Paul travels through the countries of
Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-
visited communities that he had previously
traveled to or through, such as Amphipolis.
Acts 20:1-6.(View on map)

18. Philippi
After traveling through Macedonia and Greece,
Paul goes to Philippi before sailing to Troas.
Acts20:6.(View on map)

19. Neapolis
 Acts 20:6 informs us that Paul travels from
Philippi to Troas. After leaving Philippi, it is
possible that he set sail from a port in
Neapolis, just south of Philippi, en route to
Troas. Neapolis today is called Kavalla. Acts
20:6.(View on map)

20. Troas
Paul delivers a lengthy sermon in the upper
chamber of a building. A young man named
Eutychus was sitting on a window sill listening
to Paul. Eutychus falls asleep and tumbles out
of the third-floor window to his death on the
ground below. Paul heals the man, bringing
him back to life. Acts 20:7-12.(View on map)

21. Assos
Paul leaves Troas and travels by foot to Assos.
Acts 20:13.(View on map)

22. Mitylene
From Assos, Paul and others sail to Mitylene.
Acts 20:14.(View on map)

23. Kios
The day after arriving in Milylene, Paul and
others set sail to Kios (Chios). Acts 20:15.
(View on map)
24. Miletus
In Miletus, Paul meets with church elders from
Ephesus. He tells them, "I consider my life
worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the
race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has
given me—the task of testifying to the gospel
of God's grace." (Acts 20:24). Acts 20:15-24.
(View on map)

25. Cos
From Miletus, Paul sails to Cos. Acts 21:1.
(View on map)

26. Rhodes
From Cos, Paul sails to Rhodes. Acts 21:1.
(View on map)

27. Patara
From Rhodes, Paul sails to Patara. Acts 21:1.
(View on map)

28. Tyre
From Patara, Paul and his companions find a
ship that is sailing for Tyre. They pass by
Cyprus, sailing south of the island, and stop at
Tyre. They meet with disciples and stay with
them for seven days. Acts 21:2-6.(View on
map)
29. Ptolemais
Paul and others continue their voyage, sailing
from Tyre to Ptolemais, staying there for a day
to meet with disciples. Acts 21:7(View on
map)

30. Caesarea
Paul travels to Caesarea. A prophet named
Agabus tells Paul that Paul will be bound and
handed over to the Gentiles if he returns to
Jerusalem. Paul responds, "I am ready not
only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem
for the name of the Lord Jesus." Acts 21:8-16.
(View on map)

31. Jerusalem
Paul arrives in Jerusalem. A riot is started by
people who claim that Paul has defiled
Judaism with his teachings about Christianity.
Paul is bound and arrested by Roman soldiers.
Acts 21:17-40 and all of Acts 22. Paul
eventually is taken to Rome, as a prisoner.
PAUL BEFORE THE ROMAN GOVERNORS
Paul arrived Jerusalem and gave account of
his missionary activities. He was:
a. Told of the accusations made against
him by some Jewish Christians.
b. He was also advised to fulfil a Jewish
vow to clear himself.
Paul was accused of taking a Greek into the
temple. The Jews wanted to kill him because
of the accusation made against him. Paul
was rescued:
a. Rescued by the Roman soldiers.
b. Accused of being an Egyptian ring
leader, but he denied it.
c. Brought before the Jewish council to
defend himself.
Paul had a problem with the high priest.
 a. He preached about Christ with respect
to the resurrection from the dead that
he was on trial.
b. This brought disagreement between
the Pharisees who believed in the
resurrection from the dead and the
Sadducees who did not
c. The scribes who supported the
Pharisees declared Paul innocent.
d. This led to the violence and Paul was
rescued by the Roman soldiers.
Paul appeared before Felix to defend himself
against charges by the Jews.
a. The Jews charged Paul with rebellion
and for being the ring leader of the
Christians who profaned or defiled the
temple.
b. Paul denied the charges as false.
c. Paul claimed to be a Christian but
obedient to the Jewish law and
custom.
d. Paul said it was because of his belief in
the resurrection from the dead that he
was on trial.
 e. Felix kept Paul in prison because he
(Paul) did not bribe him.
f. Paul remained in prison till the arrival
of the next governor, Porcius festus.
g. Paul’s defence shows the right of
Christians to defend their faith before
civil authorities.
h. God wants all Christians to defend
their faith in Jesus Christ.
Festus visited Jerusalem and the Jews
persuaded him to try Paul there.
a. Festus said he would try Paul in
Caesarea.
b. The Jews accused Paul before Festus
but could not prove anything.
c. Paul declared the charges false.
d. Festus suggested that Paul be tried in
Jerusalem in order to please the Jews.
e. Paul refused because he would not get
a fair trial and he later discovered that
the Jews wanted to ambush him on his
way to Jerusalem; he therefore
appealed to Caesar.
King Agrippa visited Caesarea and
Festus told him about Paul.
a. King Agrippa decided to listen to
Paul himself, and Paul was brought
before him the next day.
b. Festus presented Paul’s case,
stressing that he was innocent.
c. Paul spoke of his early life as a
strict Jew and a member of the
Pharisees.
d. He said he was on trial because of
his belief in the resurrection from
the dead.
e. He was formerly a prosecutor of
the Christians.
f. He spoke of his preaching and
teaching to both the Jews and the
gentiles.
g. King Agrippa was convinced of the
truth and even told Paul that he
wanted to make him a Christian. He
would have released Paul if not
that Paul had already appealed to
Caesar.
ORTHODOX CHURCHES
Orthodox churches are those churches that the
early missionaries that brought Christianity to
Nigeria established.
Missionary activities in Nigeria started the mid-
19th century with the arrival of the Wesley Methodists
at Badagry in 1842.
The key pioneers were Thomas Birch Freeman and
De Graft from the Gold (Ghana). They came in
response to the requests of the Christian freed
slaves who had settled in Nigeria (Abeokuta) they
wrote to let Missionaries in Ghana know of the
need to come and help them as well as make
converts. They
preached and built a mission house in Badagry. A
man called Pa Anthonio, a former slave from Sao
Tome came from Brazil to Lagos and helped the
Christians there.
So the first Nigerians to become Christians were
either slaves or freed slaves. Some of them
became missionaries and helped in the spread of
Christianity to all parts of the country. The
Orthodox churches include the Roman Catholic,
Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Qua Iboe,
Presbyterian, ECWA and later the Seventh Day
Adventists.
These churches sent missionaries from America
and Europe who worked hand in hand with
Nigerians to extend the gospel to the entire
nation.
ROMAN
CATHOLIC
The Roman Catholic mission in Nigeria is
associated with the work of two French priests
Father Lutz and Jean Marie Coquerd. Their work
were supported with that of Bishop Joseph
Shanaham.

CMS
(Anglican)

The key pioneer missionary of the CMS church

missionary society is Henry Townsend. He worked
in Abeakuta. His work received a great boost with
the missionary effort of Bishop Ajayi Crowther was
the first African Bishop who translated the Bible
into Yoruba language.

NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS IN NIGERIA

Nigerian Christians broke away from the historic
church to establish New Religious Movements. The
new religious movement came in through
Nigerians who found it necessary to find their own
churches.
1. Garrick Sokari Braide’s prayer band led to the
Christ Army church been founded.
2. Moses Orimolade’s prayer band brought into
being the Cherubim and seraphim Church.
3. Joshua Ositelu’s prayer band became the
Aladura Church of the Lord.
4. Joseph Babalola’s prayer band led to the
establishment of the Christ Apostolic Church.
5. S.B.J Oschofa’s prayer band became the
Celestial Church of Christ.

The New Religious Movements in Nigeria

presented Christianity in a form suitable to the
African way of life. They worshipped in the African
way and used local musical instruments and sang
traditional songs in their liturgy. They helped the
Africans to fight evil forces, to solve the personal
problems and to forecast the future.
The New Religious Movements succeeded in
adapting Christianity to the African way of life. The
New Religious Movements have created problems
of Church unity.

LESSON
God want all Christians to help with the adaptation
of Christianity in Nigeria to suit the African way of
life in a unified church.

Man is a sacred being. The role of the church is to

uphold and defend the sacredness of man through
caring for his body, mind and soul. The church
fights against ignorance, disease, poverty,
discrimination, racism, injustice and oppression.
Great men and women of the church have been
inspired by the role of the church to fight against
these.

PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN NIGERIA AND

THEIR FOUNDERS
Apart from the indigenous Churches, there are
the Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria. They don’t
wear white garments. They lay emphasis on being
Born Again. To become a member, one has to
respond to an altar call. Here, one is made to
confess his or her sins, and accept Jesus Christ as
his or her personal saviour. Here one learns how
to speak in tongues.
Some of them are:
1.Deeper Life Bible Church= William Kumuyi
2.Redeemed Christian Church of God= Enoch
Adeboye
3.Winners Chapel= David Oyedepo
4. Church of God Mission= Margaret Idahosa
5.Christ Embassy= Chris Oyakhilome
6.Evangelical Church of Yahweh Worldwide=
Theophilus Olabayo
7.Latter Rain Church= Tunde Bakare
8.Christ Life Church= Francis Wale Oke
9.World Evangelism Bible Church= Samson
Ayorinde
10. Christian Central Chapel
International=EmmahIsong
11. Bible Standard Christian Ministry=
UmohEkwo
12. Revival Valley ministry= Edem Ikon
13. Uma Evangelical Association= Uma Ukpai
14. Powerline Bible Church= Lawrence Osagie
15. Household of God= Chris Okotie
16. Living Christ Mission= Victor Onukogu
17. Foursquare Gospel Church= Wilson
Bajedo
18. World of Life Bible Church= Ayo
Oritsejafor
 19. Throne Room (Trust) Ministry=Emmanuel
Nuhu Kure
20. Foundation Faith Church= Sam Amaga
21. Victory Christian Church= Nkechi Anayo-
Iloputaife
22. Mountain of Fire and Miracles= Daniel
Kayode Olukoya
23. Greater Evangelism World Crusade= G.D
Okonkwo
24. The Redeemed Evangelism Mission= Mike
Okonkwo
25. Christ for the World Mission Incorporated=
Idem Ikon
The Pentecostal Churches have become
popular and are growing every day.
MOTHER THERESA
Mother Theresa of Calcutta in India fought against
ignorance, disease and poverty in India and other
countries. Her real name was Agnes
GonxaBojaxhin from Albania in Eastern Europe.
She was born in April 27th, 1910 in Skopje in the
then Yugoslavia in Eastern Europe. She was
baptised into the Roman Catholic Church. As a
child, she had great interest in helping the poor.
At the age of eighteen, she joined one of the
female missionary bodies of the Catholic Church,
the Sisters of Loretto. Her aim was to devote the
rest of life fighting against ignorance, disease and
poverty. She later took the name Theresa. She
founded the Mission of Charity, the Pure Heart
Home and a leper colony. She continued in her
charity and humanitarian work and established a
leper colony in 1964 in west Bengal in India. She
died peacefully in her sleep on the 5th of
September, 1997 at the age of eighty seven (87)
years.

MARTIN LUTHER KING

Martin Luther King was an African American
born in January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia
in the United States of America. Both his
father and his mother’s father were Baptist
ministers and he grew up to become a
Baptist member too. He graduated from
Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1948 and
completed his advance studies at the Croser
Theological seminary in 1951. He obtained a
doctorate degree from Boston University in
1956. Martin Luther King became a Baptist
minister in 1954 in Montgomery, Alabama.
He was moved by the concern of the church
with the sacredness of man to fight against
discrimination, racism, injustice and
oppression in the American society.
In the time of Martin Luther King, the
African-American in Montgomery. This won
the support of religious and labour
organizations throughout the United States
of America. The result was another Act by
the U.S congress. This was the Voting Rights
Act of 1965. It allowed all races to vote
without discrimination.
Martin Luther King was an apostle of non-
violence. He followed the footsteps of Jesus
Christ in saying that no one should use
violent means to solve human problems but
peaceful means. Although Martin Luther
King hated violence, he often became the
target of violence. He was stabbed in New
York and stoned in Chicago. His home in
Montgomery was bombed. He died violently
when a white American assassinated him
after he had a peaceful demonstration
against other forms of discrimination in the
country. This was on the 4th of April, 1968
when he was thirty nine years old.

PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN NIGERIA AND

THEIR FOUNDERS
Apart from the indigenous Churches, there are
the Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria. They don’t
wear white garments. They lay emphasis on being
Born Again. To become a member, one has to
respond to an altar call. Here, one is made to
confess his or her sins, and accept Jesus Christ as
his or her personal saviour. Here one learns how
to speak in tongues.
Some of them are:
26. Deeper Life Bible Church= William
Kumuyi
27. Redeemed Christian Church of God=
Enoch Adeboye
28. Winners Chapel= David Oyedepo
29. Church of God Mission= Margaret
Idahosa
30. Christ Embassy= Chris Oyakhilome
31. Evangelical Church of Yahweh Worldwide=
Theophilus Olabayo
32. Latter Rain Church= Tunde Bakare
33. Christ Life Church= Francis Wale Oke
34. World Evangelism Bible Church= Samson
Ayorinde
35. Christian Central Chapel
International=EmmahIsong
36. Bible Standard Christian Ministry=
UmohEkwo
37. Revival Valley ministry= Edem Ikon
38. Uma Evangelical Association= Uma Ukpai
39. Powerline Bible Church= Lawrence Osagie
40. Household of God= Chris Okotie
41. Living Christ Mission= Victor Onukogu
42. Foursquare Gospel Church= Wilson
Bajedo
43. World of Life Bible Church= Ayo
Oritsejafor
44. Throne Room (Trust) Ministry=Emmanuel
Nuhu Kure
45. Foundation Faith Church= Sam Amaga
46. Victory Christian Church= Nkechi Anayo-
Iloputaife
47. Mountain of Fire and Miracles= Daniel
Kayode Olukoya
48. Greater Evangelism World Crusade= G.D
Okonkwo
49. The Redeemed Evangelism Mission= Mike
Okonkwo
50. Christ for the World Mission Incorporated=
Idem Ikon
 The Pentecostal Churches have become
popular and are growing every day.

FACOTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GROWTH OF

THE INDIGENOUS AND PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES

The indigenous churches have become so

popular that they are now spread all over the
country and West Africa. Their branches are
scattered all over the world. Many Nigerians who
were not Christians before, have now become
Christians through their activities. Some Nigerians
who formerly belonged to orthodox Churches ,
have left their denomination to join these
Pentecostal Churches. And some who were
Muslims, have rejected Islam and joined the
Pentecostal Churches.
Various factors are responsible for the rapid
growth of the Indigenous and Pentecostal
Churches. Some of them are:
4.Crusades/Revival: One of the marks of the
Pentecostal Churches is the organisation of
crusades/revivals. Church members travel to
many towns and villages in the nation to
spread the gospel message. Healing miracles
occur during crusades and revivals. Those who
are healed or delivered from evil forces come
forward to give testimonies. Some of those
present become Christians when they witness
such miracles.
5.Night Vigils: the Pentecostal churches organize
night vigils for their members from time to
time. The night vigil is for members to come
together and pray to find solutions to their
problems. They sing songs of praise and pray
all night. Some receive healing miracles and
deliverance from witchcraft and other demonic
forces.
6.Prayers: prayer has always been the
cornerstone of the Christian Church.

OTHER FACTORS WILL INCLUDE:

D. Prayers
E.Sunday School/ Bible Study
F.Fellowship
 UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS: CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN)
In 1976, the Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN) was formed to enable Christians
speak with one voice on social, educational,
political and religious issues. The current
president of CAN is Ayo Oritsejafor. The
Christian Association of Nigeria consists of
five groups namely:
vi. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN)
vii. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN)
viii. Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of
Nigeria (CPFN)/ Pentecostal Fellowship
of Nigeria (PFN)
ix. Organisation of African Instituted
Churches (OAIC)
x. Evangelical Church of West Africa
(ECWA)
The primary reasons for the formation of
CAN include the following:
5. The take-over of Christian schools
and hospitals by the governments.
6. Fears that government’s recognition
of Shari’a was giving some sort of
preferential treatment to Islam.
7. Insisting on the secular nature of the
Nigeria state.
8. Criticising government about the
position of religious instruction in
schools.

CHISTIAN GIVING
The early Church was mindful of both
spiritual and other things that related to the
well-being of members. The early Christians
had one thing in common and that was
fellowshipping together which included
prayer together, attending the temple
together and partook of food with happiness
and a generous heart.
They lived peacefully sharing whatever they
had together. They encouraged Christian
giving.
For instance, the Church in Philippi was a
good example of Christian giving. They were
kind in sharing Paul’s trouble. Paul
commended them for the spirit of giving. He
also urged the Corinthian Church to give
freely and generously. The Macedonians
gave accordingly to their means, and of their
own free will. The gift expected of the
Corinthians must be ready, not as an
exaction but as a willing gift. Paul said he
who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.
That God loves a cheerful giver. He urged all
Christians to worship God by being
generous.
PAUL BEFORE THE ROMAN GOVERNORS

Paul arrived Jerusalem and gave account of his

missionary activities. He was:
c. Told of the accusations made against him by
some Jewish Christians.
d. He was also advised to fulfil a Jewish vow to
clear himself.
Paul was accused of taking a Greek into the
temple. The Jews wanted to kill him because of
the accusation made against him. Paul was
rescued:
d. Rescued by the Roman soldiers.
e. Accused of being an Egyptian ring leader,
but he denied it.
f. Brought before the Jewish council to defend
himself.
Paul had a problem with the high priest.
 e. He preached about Christ with respect to the
resurrection from the dead that he was on
trial.
f. This brought disagreement between the
Pharisees who believed in the resurrection
from the dead and the Sadducees who did
not
g. The scribes who supported the Pharisees
declared Paul innocent.
h. This led to the violence and Paul was
rescued by the Roman soldiers.
Paul appeared before Felix to defend himself
against charges by the Jews.
i. The Jews charged Paul with rebellion and for
being the ring leader of the Christians who
profaned or defiled the temple.
j. Paul denied the charges as false.
k. Paul claimed to be a Christian but obedient
to the Jewish law and custom.
l. Paul said it was because of his belief in the
resurrection from the dead that he was on
trial.
m. Felix kept Paul in prison because he (Paul)
did not bribe him.
 n. Paul remained in prison till the arrival of the
next governor, Porcius festus.
o. Paul’s defence shows the right of Christians
to defend their faith before civil authorities.
p. God wants all Christians to defend their faith
in Jesus Christ.
Festus visited Jerusalem and the Jews persuaded
him to try Paul there.
f. Festus said he would try Paul in Caesarea.
g. The Jews accused Paul before Festus but
could not prove anything.
h. Paul declared the charges false.
i. Festus suggested that Paul be tried in
Jerusalem in order to please the Jews.
j. Paul refused because he would not get a fair
trial and he later discovered that the Jews
wanted to ambush him on his way to
Jerusalem; he therefore appealed to Caesar.
King Agrippa visited Caesarea and Festus
told him about Paul.
h. King Agrippa decided to listen to Paul
himself, and Paul was brought before
him the next day.
 i. Festus presented Paul’s case, stressing
that he was innocent.
j. Paul spoke of his early life as a strict
Jew and a member of the Pharisees.
k. He said he was on trial because of his
belief in the resurrection from the dead.
l. He was formerly a prosecutor of the
Christians.
m. He spoke of his preaching and teaching
to both the Jews and the gentiles.
n. King Agrippa was convinced of the truth
and even told Paul that he wanted to
make him a Christian. He would have
released Paul if not that Paul had
already appealed to Caesar.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, elected

SupoAyokunle as its new president.
Mr. Ayokunle, a reverend, is the current national
president of Nigerian Baptist Convention and takes
over the CAN leadership from Ayo Oritsejafor.
The election was conducted at the National
Ecumenical Center, Abuja.
At the poll, Mr. Ayokunle defeated his rival, Joseph
Otubu of the Motailatu Church Cherubim and
Seraphim Movement, MCCSW, with 54 votes to 28.
It was the immediate past president of the body,
Mr. Oritsejafor, that announced the result of the
election and declared Mr. Ayokunle his successor.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE HOLY BIBLE
The Holy Bible contains sixty- six (66) books in the
Protestant version and Seventy –three books in
the Catholic version.
The Bible has two main parts: The Old Testament
and the New Testament. A Testament is an
agreement. The old covenant between God and
the Israelites on Mount Sinai, was made between
God and the Israelites. The promise made in the
Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.
In the Old Testament, there are Thirty-Nine Books
or Chapters are found in the Protestant Bible while
Twenty- Seven Books are found in the New
Testament.
Each book of the Bible is divided into chapters and
each chapters into verses. This makes for easy
reference when we want to trace any information
given in a particular book of the Bible.

THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Old Testament books can be divided into
three sections. These are the Law, The Prophets
and the Writings..
THE LAW
The Law refers to the first five books of the Old
Testament. They are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers and Deuteronomy. They are called the
“Pentateuch”. From the Greek word ‘Five Books’.
They are also referred to as the books of Moses
because it was believed that Moses wrote all of
them. The Law also talks about how the Jews
were to behave towards God and each other.

THE PROPHETS
The books of the Prophets are divided into two
groups. These are The Former and the latter
prophets.

THE FORMER PROPHETS ARE

Joshua,The Book of Judges, first and second
Samuel, first and second Kings. These books are
described as books of the prophets because they
teach valuable lessons about God’s relationship
with man.

THE LATTER PROPHETS

The books bear the name of the individual
prophets. These are Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
The rest are Hosea, Haggai, Zechariah and
Malachi. Baruch is another latter prophets
recognized by the Catholic version. These
prophets were called by God to teach His people
to obey His commandments. The prophets
encouraged the people to be of good behaviour
and warned them of the consequences of
disobeying the commandments of God.

THE WRITINGS
The rest of the books of the Old Testament are
called the writings. They are the Psalms, Proverbs,
Job, Songs of Solomon, Ruth and Lamentations.
The rest are Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra,
Nehemiah, and first and second Chronicles. Other
writings recognized in the Catholic version of the
Bible are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach,
1Maccabees and 2 Maccabees. These books are
called the writings because much of the materials
in them are in the form of poem. The writings
teach us valuable things about God and His
relationship with man. For example, the Psalms
show us how we are to trust God by calling upon
Him to help us in times of trouble. The Psalms also
teach us how to show gratitude to God in times of
trouble. The Psalms also teach us how to show
gratitude by praising God and thanking Him for all
the wonderful things he has done for us, and will
continue to do for us.
THE NEW TESTAMENT
The New Testament has twenty-seven books or
chapters. They are: The Gospels, the Act of the
Apostles, The Epistles or Letter and The
Revelations or The Apocalypse.
THE GOSPELS

The Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The word Gospels means Good News. The good
news is that God has come down in the person of
Our Lord Jesus Christ to teach us the final means
Of salvation. This means of salvation is seen in the
life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

This is a book about the history of the Early
Church. It describes how the apostles were able to
continue with the work of Jesus Christ through the
help of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were able to
establish the Church in Jerusalem and to extend it
to all parts of Judea, Samaria and the rest of the
world known to them. With the help of the Holy
Spirit, the apostles were able to overcome all the
problems that faced them in their attempt to
spread the Gospel.

THE EPISTLES OR LETTERS

These were written by the apostles especially Paul,
to the elders of the various Churches which were
established by Paul and his companions on their
missionary journeys. Some of these churches were
in Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi and
Thessalonica. The letters were to help them solve
their various problems. the letters were also to
help them establish good relationship with God
and with one another.

REVELATION OR APOCALYPSE
This is a book about prophecy. It warns of the
difficulties that Christians will face in the world. It
also tells of the victory that will be ours if we
follow Jesus Christ faithfully to the very end of our
lives on earth.

THE OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS

THE LAW:
1.GENESIS
2.EXODUS
3.LEVITICUS
4.NUMBERS
5.DEUTERONOMY
FORMER PROPHETS
6.JOSHUA
7.JUDGES
8.1 SAMUEL
9.2 SAMUEL
10. 1 KINGS
11. 2 KINGS
LATTER PROPHETS
12. ISAIAH
13. JEREMIAH
14. EZEKIEL
15. HOSEA
16. JOEL
17. AMOS
18. OBADIAH
19. JONAH
20. MICAH
21. NAHUM
22. HABAKKUK
23. ZEPHANIA
24. HAGGAI
25. ZECHARIAH
26. MALACHI
THE WRITINGS
27. PSALMS
28. PROVERBS
29. JOB
30. SONGS OF SOLOMON
31. RUTH
32. ECCLESIASTES
33. ESTHER
34. LAMENTATIONS
 35. DANIEL
36. EZRA
37. NEHEMIAH
38. 1 CHRONICLES
39. 2 CHRONICLES
OTHER BOOKS FOUND ONLY IN THE
CATHOLIC BIBLE
40. TOBIT
41. JUDITH
42. WISDOM
43. SIRACH
44. 1 MACCABEES
45. 2 MACCABEES
46. BARUCH (A Latter
Prophet)

THE NEW TESTAMENTS

THE GOSPELS
1.MATTHEW
2.MARK
3.LUKE
4.JOHN
5.THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
THE EPISTLES OR LETTERS
6.ROMANS
7.1 CORINTHIANS
8.2 CORINTHIANS
9.GALATIANS
10. EPHESIANS
11. PHILIPPIANS
12. COLOSIANS
13. 1 THESSALONIANS
14. 2 THESSALONIANS
15. 1 TIMOTHY
16. 2 TIMOTHY
17. TITUS
18. PHILEMON
19. HEBREWS
20. JAMES
21. 1 PETER
22. 2 PETER
23. 1 JOHN
24. 2 JOHN
25. 3 JOHN
26. JUDE
27. THE BOOK OF THE
REVELATIONS OR APOCALPYSE
THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH
The mission of the church is to spread the
Christian faith to all parts of the world.
Jesus commissioned His disciples saying “Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father
and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This is the Great commission Jesus gave His
apostles after His resurrection. It was in obedience
to this command that the early disciples spread
Christianity among the Jews and foreigners in the
Roman Empire.
Apart from the twelve disciples, other apostles
joined in the early Christian activities. This led to
the founding of the christen communities. One of
the apostles was Paul who after his conversion
spread the Christian message to many parts of
Europe.
Although Paul and his companion receive
opposition from the natives, yet they were able to
establish churches in major cities of Europe,
Philippi, Ephesus, Thessalonica and Corinth. From
there Christianity spread to all parts of Europe,
America, Asia, Australia and Africa.
CLASS WORK

1. MENTION ANY THREE BOOKS CONTAINED

IN THE LATTER PROPHETS
2. WE HAVE TWO TYPES OF BIBLE MENTION
THEM.
3. THE WRTINTINGS IS WRITTEN IN THE
FORM OF ____
4. MENTION FIVE BOOKS FOUND IN THE
WRITINGS
5. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, MENTION THE
BOOKS WRITTEN BY THE APOSTLE JOHN
HOME WORK
1. EXPLAIN THE TERM PENTATEUCH
2. MENTION THE BOOKS FOUND IN THE
PENTATEUCH AND WHO WROTE THEM
3. THE BOOK OF PSALM WAS WRTTEN BY:
4. MENTION ANY THREE BOOKS FOUND IN
THE FORMER PROPHETS
5. MENTION THE BOOKS OF THE SYNOPTIC
GOSPEL
6. THE PROTESTANT BIBLE HAS __ BOOKS
AND THE CATHOLIC BIBLE HAS __ BOOKS
7. WHO WROTE THE APOCALYPSE?
8. MENTION ANY TEN BOOKS WRITTEN BY
SAINT PAUL
9. WHAT IS ANOTHER NAME FOR EPISTLES
10. WHAT IS ORAL TRADITION?