Apostle Abel Damina, the General Overseer of Power City International, has once again stirred controversy with his bold theological assertions.
Known for his unorthodox interpretations of the Bible, Apostle Damina recently made a striking statement that has sent ripples across the Christian community and beyond.
In a sermon delivered at his church, the preacher declared that Adam and Eve did not eat any fruit in the Garden of Eden, challenging a long-held belief among Christians regarding the original sin.
According to him, the biblical account of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in Genesis has been misinterpreted for centuries.
He argued that the "fruit" mentioned in the Bible was not a literal fruit but rather a metaphorical representation of disobedience to God's command.
"Adam and Eve didn’t eat anything," Apostle Damina proclaimed.
He went on to explain that the account in Genesis should not be taken literally but should be understood as a symbolic narrative designed to convey spiritual truths.
This radical interpretation has sparked widespread debate among theologians, pastors, and Bible scholars, with many questioning the basis of his claim.
Apostle Damina’s comments didn’t end there.
He further delved into other contentious issues within Christian doctrine, particularly the moral and spiritual implications of consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
In his sermon, he emphatically stated that neither drinking alcohol nor smoking cigarettes constitutes sin in the eyes of God.
"Alcohol is not a sin. Smoking a cigarette is not a sin," he declared to his congregation.
He clarified that these activities are not explicitly condemned in the Bible and, therefore, should not be treated as moral transgressions.
The preacher argued that many religious leaders have imposed man-made rules and restrictions on their congregations, equating personal convictions with divine commandments.
He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between cultural norms and biblical instructions, warning against creating doctrines out of human preferences.
Apostle Damina’s position on alcohol and smoking has not only drawn applause from his followers but also intense criticism from more conservative quarters of the Christian faith.
Critics argue that while the Bible may not explicitly label these activities as sins, they can lead to behaviors that are detrimental to one's health and spiritual well-being.
They caution that such statements could encourage permissiveness and moral laxity among believers.
However, Apostle Damina remains resolute in his stance.
He highlighted the need for Christians to focus on the core message of the Gospel, which he said is about faith in Christ and the transformative power of God’s grace rather than adherence to rules and regulations.
In addressing the controversy surrounding his interpretation of Adam and Eve’s story, Apostle Damina pointed out that the Bible often uses symbolic language to convey spiritual truths.
He cited several examples where biblical texts are not meant to be interpreted literally but rather as metaphors for deeper spiritual realities.
"The Bible is a spiritual book," he said.
"It requires spiritual discernment to understand its message."
His approach, however, has not been universally accepted.
Some theologians have argued that while certain parts of the Bible are indeed symbolic, the account of Adam and Eve’s disobedience has historically been regarded as a literal event with profound theological significance.
For them, the literal interpretation of the story is foundational to understanding concepts such as sin, redemption, and the need for salvation.
Apostle Damina also used the opportunity to address what he described as "religious hypocrisy" within the Christian community.
He criticized those who focus on outward appearances and behavior while neglecting the essence of the Gospel.
He stressed that salvation is not about what one consumes or abstains from but about accepting Christ’s finished work on the cross.
“Jesus didn’t come to police our lives,” he said.
“He came to give us life and life more abundantly.”
These declarations have ignited a storm of reactions across social media platforms, with many users expressing their thoughts on Apostle Damina’s teachings.
Supporters of his message argue that his boldness in challenging traditional beliefs is refreshing and necessary for a deeper understanding of Scripture.
They commend him for encouraging believers to prioritize their relationship with God over strict adherence to man-made doctrines.
On the other hand, critics accuse him of promoting a watered-down version of Christianity that downplays the importance of holiness and righteous living.
They warn that such teachings could mislead vulnerable believers into thinking that their actions have no spiritual consequences.
Apostle Damina is no stranger to controversy.
Over the years, he has built a reputation for his unconventional views on Christianity and his willingness to challenge widely accepted doctrines.
He has consistently called for a re-evaluation of traditional beliefs, urging Christians to study the Bible for themselves rather than blindly following religious leaders.
Despite the backlash, Apostle Damina appears undeterred.
He remains committed to his mission of preaching what he describes as the "undiluted Gospel of Christ."
His followers, who affectionately refer to him as "Papa," continue to express unwavering support for his ministry, praising his courage and dedication to biblical truth.
As the debate over his recent statements rages on, Apostle Damina’s teachings have once again brought to the forefront the ongoing tension between traditional and progressive interpretations of Christianity.
While some view his assertions as a necessary challenge to outdated beliefs, others see them as a dangerous deviation from biblical orthodoxy.
What is clear, however, is that his message has struck a chord with many, prompting renewed discussions about the nature of sin, the role of personal conviction, and the interpretation of Scripture.
Whether one agrees with Apostle Damina or not, his teachings have undeniably sparked important conversations about the essence of Christianity and the need for believers to engage with the Bible more critically and thoughtfully.
For now, the debate continues, with no signs of slowing down.
Apostle Damina’s bold declarations have not only challenged traditional Christian beliefs but also highlighted the diverse perspectives within the faith.
As his words reverberate across churches, homes, and social media platforms, one thing remains certain: his voice will not be easily silenced.
In an age where questions about faith, morality, and doctrine are more relevant than ever, Apostle Damina’s controversial teachings serve as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of religious belief.
Whether his message will lead to a paradigm shift in Christian theology or remain a contentious footnote in the history of the faith, only time will tell.
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