TURATSINZE Rodrigue 
URGENT ALERT: BRACE YOURSELVES FOR THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST
By INEZA Nelly
The CEP Decoration Commission’s special week, centered around the theme of ‘the coming back of Lord Jesus’ as mentioned in John 14:1-3, was brought to a memorable close with a spiritual revival Sunday service led by Mr. REVERIEN on August 27.
In the Old campus stadium, the Sunday service commenced with the resounding melody of the 28th hymn in the songs of salvation. In a proclamation of unwavering faith, believers expressed their yearning and anticipation for heaven, their homeland where praise and adoration resonate throughout eternity.
The service comprised of choir performances, praise and thanksgiving, and a sermon delivered by Mr. Manasseh, a 2019 University of Rwanda and CEP alumni. The four CEP choirs and Worship team harmoniously united to deliver a powerful performance, by singing each other’s songs revolving around the imminent return of Jesus.
Elayo family choir took the lead in the song ‘Instinzi; victory’ by El Elyon Worship team, boldly proclaiming the triumphant victory achieved by Christ on cross at Calvary.
Their performance ended with the rendition of the song “Amasezerano; promises” by Enhakore choir that beautifully encapsulates the profound hope we find in the promises that declare the return of the King. The singers not only expressed their unashamed belief but also rejoiced in the imminent glorification that will accompany the King’s triumphant return.
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Following Elayo’s soul-stirring performance, Enhakore choir took the stage in the rendition of the Alliance choir’s song, ‘fly away’ echoing the joyous return of the king. They latter presented another song ‘ijambo ryawe Mana; your word, Lord by Elayo Family Choir emphasizing the significance of scriptures as a guiding light for they contain everything that a pilgrim needs on the path to eternal salvation. Vumilia Choir took their place as the third performers in the performance of the song “Nagaruka: When he returns” composed by Enhakore Choir conveying the message of Jesus’s imminent return, and how this divine event will bring an everlasting cessation to all sorrows.
It urged believers to find solace in one another, uplifting each other with words of hope rather than succumbing to grief like those who are ignorant of the knowledge about God. This same message was conveyed in their second performance of the song “Ntimwihebe: Do not grieve” an original song of El Elyon Worship team.
As the performances came to an end, El Elyon worship team were the second last performers, presenting a song by Alliance choir called “Lord I come to you” about submission and another by Vumilia choir citing the word in John 1: 43-50 on Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael. In a conclusion to the series of choir performances, Alliance Choir sang the final two songs. The first, “Nimukore: Work” by Elayo, conveying the message of the imminent return, symbolizing bountiful harvest that will bring both rewards and punishments, and last an original by Vumilia choir called “Nimuvuge: Proclaim” emphasizing the significance of living a righteous life. Both collectively reminded the congregation of their actions and the consequences that await.
Coming to the thanksgiving and praise session, one of the believers, Mbokani, stood before the congregation, expressing his gratitude to the Lord for protecting him from a potential car accident during his journey to Rubavu. Adding to the atmosphere, the Decoration Commission also delivered a remarkable performance of the song, “Imela” by Nathaniel Bassey.
The highlight of the entire church service was the powerful sermon delivered by Mr. Manasseh that commenced with recitation of scriptures from John 14: 1-3, Job 24:1, and Ecclesiastes 1:8.
In this sermon, the preacher led the congregation into exploring the profound words in John 14:1-3. He argued believers to find solace and peace in the assurance that Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for them, encouraging them not to be troubled amidst life’s trials and tribulations. Mr. Manasseh painted a vivid picture of the houses in heaven in reference to the scriptures as it is written in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived- the things God has prepared for those who love him”.
The congregation was warned against embarking on the road of forgetfulness for it is the source of rebellious and deviant behavior to God. Instead, he pointed out how one’s past should be a source of motivation to serving God diligently.
Quoting the two other scriptures, the preacher once again addressed the topic of the imminent return of Jesus, emphasizing the significance of this event.
He highlighted the fact that when Jesus’s return, he will come to claim his bride and nothing will hinder his arrival. Whether it’s the pursuit of academia, marriages or any other life event, Jesus will come at the right moment determined by divine providence. He thus asked the congregation to consider their own spiritual state and readiness for the glorious return of our savior by asking themselves the question, “Where will Jesus find each individual when he comes?” So, whether one is studying, doing good deeds or sinning, one should do so keeping in mind that this day is sooner and there won’t be any more second chances when it arrives.
As the sermon drew to a close, the preacher delivered his final remarks emphasizing the fleeting nature of the time we have until the day of judgement arrives. He in addition quoted scriptures from James 1:12, “blessed is the one who perseveres under trials because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that Lord has promised to those who love him.” He also argued believer to stand firm in their faith until they can proclaim like apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4: 7 that, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day.”
All these words resonated deeply, stirring a sense of reflection and prompting believers to live their days in preparation for this imminent return.
Concluding, he shared a short testimony on 2010 miracle when God resurrected his seemingly dead mother and about hearing God’s voice which ignited the hope in the present believers compelling them to trust in the omnipotent and fair God.
The sermon closed with a warning from God to believers against taking God’s grace for granted and committing sins deliberately.
