An Anglican bishop, Rt. Rev’d Justus Modekwu has admonished Christians to refrain from belonging to the crowd rather than being disciples of Jesus Christ.
Modekwu, who is the bishop of Asaba Diocese, gave the charge while delivering a sermon at the 1st Session of the Fifth Synod of Esan Diocese with the theme:” Thy Will Be Done”, derived from the Lord’s Prayer, at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Eguare-Ekpoma, Edo State.
The cleric pointed out that every one in the church could not be regarded as a disciple of Christ, explaining that disciples were those who surrender their all to Jesus.
For instance, the Anglican bishop noted that the Lord’s Prayer was not taught to the crowd by Jesus Christ, but to His disciples.
According to him their many people in Church who Jesus do not reckon with, noting that some follow Jesus because of miracles and other benefits.
To be a disciple, the bishop explained that one must be a slave to Christ, living wholly for him and willing to accept God’s choice and purposes at all times.
“If you are serious with eternal life, you must be a slave to Christ.
Being a slave to Jesus is the best title you can ever have.
“Anything achieved without Jesus is failure. You must be willing to accept God’s choice and purpose. It will not be comfortable all the times, and yet count all joy.
The religious leader therefore enjoined the congregation to be willing to serve God with all their hearts, soul and possessions.
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Bendel Province and diocesan bishop of Esan, The Most Rev’d Friday Imaekhai P.hd has honoured four persons for their contribution to the development of the church in the diocese.
They include, Sir Godwin Esiegbe, Dame Ifeoma Ewani who single-handedly built a church for the diocese, Engr. Emmanuel Osemekhian and Uche Nwosu.