Pastor Nathaniel Bassey has found himself at the centre of a heated conversation after warning critics of the Hallelujah Challenge to steer clear if they disagree with the programme.
The gospel singer spoke during a livestream on February 19, the eleventh day of the ongoing online prayer session.
A report by GWG said that his comments followed remarks by a Catholic priest, Father Joshua Mary Ugbedeojo Abuh, who had advised Catholics not to join the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent. The priest maintained that saying “Alleluia” during the Lenten season goes against Catholic doctrine and reflects inconsistency.
Responding from the altar, Bassey said this year’s edition of the programme has faced an unusual level of resistance. According to him, the pushback is not ordinary criticism but spiritual opposition.
“Do you know why this Hallelujah challenge is so fought? I’ve never seen a hallelujah challenge that is so resisted by Satan and his host like this one. That’s why the Lord put it on our heart to send Judah ahead. Remember this was the first time we decided to praise God for 24 hours before we enter. Woe betide the devil that stands in front of this train,” he said.
He went further, referring to the biblical story of those who mocked David and were judged instantly. In a strong declaration, he said anyone resisting the Hallelujah Challenge risks divine judgment.
“I pity them. See, let me tell you, the person who tried to mock David in the Bible, God judged them instantly. Let me say it from this altar. Anybody who tries to resist Hallelujah challenge, may the judgment of God come upon them. If you don’t want to watch it, leave it. Say, say leave it. The kingdom of God suffered violent.”
Quoting Genesis 49:10, Bassey spoke about Judah as a lion and the power of praise. He insisted that believers should be allowed to worship freely.
“Judah, when you talk about Judah praise, you’re talking about the lion. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver between his feet until Shiloh come until unto him shall the gathering of his people be. The devil and his host are warned. Say, leave us alone to serve our God. I’m saying it now. If you have loved ones, tell them. Say, if you don’t want to watch it, leave it alone. Do you know why this is so resisted is because there’s so much power.”
His remarks quickly sparked reactions across social media, with opinions sharply divided.
Chioma Nwanne @Chiloveli wrote, “This does not sound Christlike.”
ShalayeProMax @ShalayeProMax commented, “Using the scripture to threaten Christian’s who have opposing opinions about the timing of this event is wild cos nobody has monopoly to being a child of God. As you dey cuss na so God dey return am back to you in multiple folds.”
OddCruise @OddCruise reacted, “Everyone is a preacher in Nigeria. One of my distant cousin failed as an artisan, businessman and gospel artist. He is now a preacher. They always don’t like to be scrutinised. ‘Sow your car as a seed’ and all they want to hear is ‘yes papa’.”
Oluwaecan @Oluwaecan wrote, “Wetin this guy’s dey drink. Like must all of you be arrogant in foolishness.”
justice @The_Official_D1 said, “You can’t enforce your beliefs on others, Because you are Catholic does not mean others are not allowed to do what they believe in….Hallelujah Challenge is not for everyone…Pastor Nathaniel said what he said…. arrest my case.”
Denis @Denisfixit added, “Pastor don issue out warning like Donald Trump 😂 why not move to Vatican City where devils and his hosts no dey”
𝕀𝔻ℝ𝕀𝕊💎𝔾𝔸ℝ𝔹𝔸 @idriisgarba shared, “Pastor faith movements will always attract both support and criticism.Respect goes both ways”
Uranus nee @Wescolowiska555 wrote, “All this people hiding behind the cross and bashing hallelujah challenge are sycophants, fasting is for yourself, hallelujah is a language,glorifying n uplifting the Most high,don’t use lent to bamboo us,if you fast please fast without announcing it please”
barleyoflagos @Beambarleyy commented, “So Hallelujah challenge should stop because of the ongoing lent. Do you think we are all Catholics??? Because I don’t get. Abi is it not the same God we are worshipping???? The way some of y’all think is weird.”
free man @CallistusO15447 said, “My people suffer as a result of lack of knowledge. Priest who is a leader of his church(Catholic church) spoke to his followers as he should which is his duty to. Last I checked he didn’t speak bad about the HC. He simply said is not the time. There is time for everything.”
The conversation has once again exposed deep differences within the Christian community over doctrine, worship style and digital revival movements. While some insist that participation in the Hallelujah Challenge is a personal choice, others believe respect for established traditions during Lent should guide believers’ actions.
For now, the Hallelujah Challenge continues to draw thousands of participants online each night, even as the debate over faith, timing and spiritual authority shows no sign of fading. [GWG]
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