Odedeji charges believers to stand out for God

True believers must dare to stand out for the Lord, and dare to be different, no matter the circumstances.

This was the admonition of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev (Dr.) James Odedeji, while delivering his sermon at an online Sunday service at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Bishop, who spoke on the topic, “A chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation,” explained that even in perverse situations, God has a way of distinguishing His people, and believers need to acknowledge their identity and know who they are in Christ.

“Wherever you are, you must recognise that you are a child of God,” he said.

Odedeji explained that the biggest challenge of today’s church is identity, as the Church can no longer be differentiated from the world because it has mixed up with the world. He stated that Christianity is not a matter of convenience, but commitment, because a child of God is bound to face persecution.

According to him, a Christian cannot do whatever he/she likes, but what God wants. “If your life is not holy, you are not part of the chosen generation,” he said.

The cleric noted that it is not only when one enters the altar that one is expected to offer sacrifices to God, and that one’s life must be a living sacrifice.

He observed that Christians are helpless, miserable and fruitless, when they separate themselves from God. He urged all who have backslidden to return to God, because He is ready to restore them. He said as long as one is on earth, one can retrace his/her steps.

hlighting benefits of being a chosen generation and a believer’s qualities, Odedeji said the Holy Spirit guides God’s children in their thoughts, words and behaviour.