Nathaniel Bassey Issues Stern Warning to Critics of Hallelujah Challenge
Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, the renowned gospel singer and convener of the global Hallelujah Challenge prayer movement, has delivered a forceful response to critics during a recent livestream event. Speaking from the altar on Day 11 of the challenge, which was streamed on YouTube, Bassey characterized resistance to the program as direct spiritual opposition and warned that divine judgment awaits those who oppose it.
Spiritual Warfare Declaration
Bassey explained that this year's edition of the Hallelujah Challenge has faced unprecedented resistance, which he attributed to satanic forces. He emphasized that the decision to begin with twenty-four hours of continuous praise was intentional, stating that this spiritual preparation was designed to overcome 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," Bassey declared during the livestream. "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."
Biblical References and Divine Threats
The gospel singer drew parallels to biblical accounts, specifically referencing those who mocked King David and faced immediate divine judgment. Bassey made it clear that he views critics of the Hallelujah Challenge in similar terms.
"I pity them. See, let me tell you, the person who tried to mock David in the Bible, God judged them instantly," Bassey stated. "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."
Bassey also cited Genesis 49:10 to emphasize the power of praise through Judah, warning critics to leave believers alone to worship without interference.
Catholic Priest's Earlier Warning
Bassey's comments came just days after Father Joshua Mary Ugbedeojo Abuh, a Catholic priest, advised members of his congregation against participating in the Hallelujah Challenge during the Lenten season. The priest called such participation during this solemn period an insult to Catholic faith and a sign of inconsistency.
Father Abuh clarified that the Hallelujah Challenge program itself is not inherently problematic, but argued that Catholic participation during Lent represents double standards given the season's focus on penitence and sacrifice rather than celebratory praise.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The exchange has sparked vigorous debate across Nigerian social media platforms, with opinions sharply divided between supporters of Bassey's position and those who find his approach unchristian.
Critical Voices:
- Social media user @Chiloveli commented: "This does not sound Christlike."
- @ShalayeProMax added: "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."
- @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."
Supportive Perspectives:
Meanwhile, other Nigerians have defended Bassey's right to protect what he views as a divinely inspired program, arguing that spiritual matters require firm boundaries and that critics should simply avoid the program if they disagree with its timing or approach.
Timing Controversy
The controversy centers largely on the timing of this year's Hallelujah Challenge, which coincides with the Christian forty-day Lenten fasting period observed by Catholics and many other Christian denominations. This overlap has raised questions about appropriate spiritual practices during different liturgical seasons.
Many Nigerians have joined the conversation about whether celebratory praise programs like the Hallelujah Challenge are appropriate during Lent, traditionally a season of solemn reflection, fasting, and penitence leading up to Easter.
Unusual YouTube Observation
In related developments, a young Nigerian woman sparked additional conversation online after noting an unusual aspect of the Hallelujah Challenge YouTube streams. Identified on TikTok as @adeola_alaba, she observed that the YouTube live playback of the program appears to run without advertisements, creating an unusually smooth viewing experience compared to other online content.
This technical observation added another dimension to discussions about the program's digital presence and accessibility, though it remains unclear whether this advertisement-free experience is intentional or coincidental.
The ongoing debate highlights tensions between different Christian traditions in Nigeria regarding appropriate worship practices, the authority of religious leaders, and the intersection of digital media with spiritual life. As the Hallelujah Challenge continues through its scheduled run, reactions from both supporters and critics are likely to remain vigorous and divided.
