LOBAMBA – “Let’s not just be Christians by name.”
These were the words of Her Majesty the Indlovukazi yesterday while preaching during the Easter service held at the national church in Lobamba. Her powerful message of genuine faith, forgiveness and unity echoed throughout the ceremony as the Indlovukazi urged emaSwati to live out their Christianity, beyond mere identity during a moving Easter service attended by thousands.
The service, held as part of Easter commemorations, drew throngs of worshippers from across the country, with large groups from Zion churches and the Jericho sect forming the majority of attendees. Many others from a wide range of Christian denominations also gathered, creating a vibrant and unified atmosphere of worship.
Proceedings began with a prayer led by Umshumayeli Sandile Sibandze, setting a solemn tone for the day. The programme featured at least seven pastors who delivered sermons drawn from the Bible, each reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the meaning of His sacrifice and the importance of forgiveness in the Christian Faith.
It was also characterised by song from various churches including Apostle Church of Christ Emadvodzana, Temple of Christ, Insidiso yema Krestu, African Apostolic Faith Mission, Christian Bantu Church, Eladini Christian Church in Zion, Melika Jericho Church in Zion and Kukhanya Kwenkanyezi.
Among the clergy who shared the Word of God were Archbishop Maseko, Apostle Church representatives from Indlovuyemhlaba and Matse, as well as preachers, including Khanyisile Dube, Bishop William Dlamini, Nomathemba Dladla, Jethro Shongwe from Shiselweni, Lady President Bethusile Mwale, Vusi Nhleko and Bishop Makhosi Dlamini. Their messages consistently returned to the central theme of forgiveness, emphasising Christ’s words on the Cross and His willingness to forgive even in suffering.
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PM praises unity
Lobamba – The Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini addressed the congregation and expressed gratitude for the large turnout, noting that the gathering reflected unity among believers.
“There are different kinds of worshippers here today, and this is what unity looks like,” he said. “As we listened, the preachers have been speaking about salvation. Through Jesus Christ, we receive salvation and eternal life.” The PM also introduced the Indlovukazi, who delivered the keynote message of the day. Present at the service was the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, who was introduced as Umbheki webukhosi.
In her address, the Indlovukazi reflected on the teachings shared by the pastors, particularly the message of forgiveness. “We have heard pastors remind us of the death of Christ. They have reminded us of forgiveness. It is not easy to forgive as Christians, but Jesus, who came from Heaven, forgave all of us while we were still sinners,” she said.
She emphasised that forgiveness remains a cornerstone of Christian life, noting that Christ’s sacrifice removed the burden of sin and offered humanity a chance at redemption. “Forgiveness is an important factor. He took away our sins and we remained people whose sins were forgiven,” she said.
Drawing from biblical teachings, she referenced the guidance of King David to his son Solomon, highlighting the importance of obedience to God’s word.
“David told his son that if you listen to the words I give you, you will be able to walk with God. When you walk with God, everything will be possible,” she said. The Indlovukazi challenged believers to move beyond superficial expressions of faith.
“Let’s not just be Christians by name. If we walk in God’s ways, He will do everything for us. We should be believers who are faithful,” she said. She further reminded congregants that one day they would be called to account for what they had learned and how they had lived according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
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