By Cajetan Mmuta
The Bishop of the Anglican communion of the Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Rt. Revd. Babatunde Johnson has urged Christians to shun hypocrisy and worship God with all sincerity of heart despite life challenges.
Akinpelu made the call on Sunday at Saint Stephen’s Church, Anglican Communion, Ihiala, Ihaila Local Government of Area of Anambra.
Speaking on the theme of his homily “Worship Acceptable to God” to mark the end of the Second Session of the fourth synod of the diocese of Ihiala, the cleric urged Christians to as a matter of obligation to represent the true life of Jesus Christ at all times.
Akinpelu also called on the faithful to show true commitment in the worship of God and shun hypocrisy as such attributes were not associated with God.
”Seek God’s will and do it as a disciple without counting gain or loss, help to build up the society as desired by God. Christians are not to be found among those that break the law that governs the state, they are not desperate about worldly things, they seek God’s face, make inquire of God of any life-changing decisions,” he said.
According to him, ”As Christians we should be the bible we want people to read so they can be converts for God, do not live a life that would mock God.”
He commended the diocese for the choice of their theme and urged Christians to worship God in a manner that would make him show up for them in times of need.
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Earlier, the bishop of the diocese, Rt Rev. Israel Okoye said that the 2021 synod was a testimony because it was successful.
He said, ”In spite of the full light of insecurity in Anambra, where political killings have threatened the peaceful existence of the citizens, we successfully held the year 2021 synod, God thank You so much.”
Okoye said “History will be incomplete without a mention to major transformation projects since 2019 as initiated by our Lord Bishop, Rt. Rev’d Prof. Israel Okoye and wife Dr Ogechukwu.
“These includes the construction of the church auditorium with modern facilities, double four bedroom flat for clergy residence, a story building office complex, evangelism hall, and Episcopal house,” he said.
He aids that they had their joys and sorrows but to God’s glory, the joy outnumbered their sorrows.
Okoye prayed that God will lead all the visitors back to their destinations while he would sustain the home base faithful for the good work of evangelism.
Ven Nwabufo Okigwe, one of the synod bible study facilitators said that the huge success attained during the synod was a testament that God lives and encouraged the faithful not to sell their trust to material gains but should at all times and situations place their worries before God.
”We enjoyed safety and peace all through the synod days, there was no security threat or sudden illness among the planners, everything went well,” he said
Mrs. Ifeoma Okechukwu, a parishioner said that the theme was far-reaching and prayed that all was said would yield great fruits into the lives of the people for a better lifestyle acceptable to God.
Dr. Faith Okoye, wife of the bishop and president of Mother’s Union, Women Guild, and Girls Guild said that this year’s theme was apt and perfect for the present situations in Anambra state.
She urged women as homemakers to be true worshippers of God so they can be able to raise godly homes and create a better society.
She also advised women to be careful in the role they play in the political situation of the state to ensure they are in line with God’s directives and to shun activities that are not acceptable to God.
