By Odogwu .E.Odogwu
Christians have been charged to seek eternal life by being watchful and prayerful.
The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim PhD, gave the charge at Church of the Pentecost, Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, during the Eucharistic Thanksgiving Service for the second season of the thirtieth Synod of Awka Diocese.
Most Reverend Ibezim, who warned Christians against careless lifestyles in this time, said it is perilous and listed emergence of false prophets, ingratitude among men, selfishness, normalization of sin, among others as evidence that show that this is the last days and perilous times the scripture talked about, and emphasized the need for Christians to be prayerful at all times.
Regretting that most Christians now live in pretense and ungodly lifestyles, Most Reverend Ibezim reminded Christians that there is no bribery in the heavenly race; as everyone will be judged accordingly on the last day by the holy God who is no respecter of persons.
Earlier in a sermon, the Bishop of Jalingo Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Nedison Foreman, who was a Guest preacher at the special service, while preaching on the topic, “Running the Christian Race in the Perilous time”, reminded Christians that they are in a race and as such, should be conscious and always stick to rules of the race in order to win at the end, as according to him, the prize of the race is for those who endured till the end.
Right Reverend Foreman pointed out that Christians must avoid wrong company at all cost, maintain a walk with God, refuse to be carried away by falsehood and deception, make demand for the grace of God, and recommended that Christians should be watchful and be guided by the holy Bible, and not what men do or say, wait patiently and faithfully even as the coming of Jesus Christ tarries, so that they will not be caught unaware.
In an interview, the Director of Media and Publicity, Province of the Niger, Diocese of Awka and Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, adjudged the Synod great and spirit lifting, explaining that through the program, members were drawn closer to God and the Doctrines of the Anglican Communion revealed to new members through several teachings.
The four-day Synod attracted clergymen and members from across the diocese, and featured choir rendition, thanksgiving, unveiling of the Awka Diocesan Newspapers named, “The Harvesters’ News”, as well as prayers for the church, the needy, Anambra State and Nigeria in general.
