The Service began at 8am with the processional hymn from I.O.M 580 on page 107 of the Diocesan Service Book (DSB). After the Bible Study session with the topic “Christians’ Knowledge of God: God as Life” was taken by the Mrs. Esther Afolabi, Sis. Oluwanifemi Akintomide led the Praise/ worship session.
Call to worship, Psalm, First and Second lessons were taken in that order.
Rev Sunday Oladoyinbo led the intercessory prayer session:
In his sermon, the Ven. O Afolabi advised all to change their modus operandi to be in conformity with Jesus Christ. That to achieve this, Christians have to contend with things that do not portray a Christlike act. Some of which include:
– Choosing not to be ignorant. That ignorance which leads to certain wrong believes keeps one on a spot. He went on to state that not being ignorant leads to informed decisions.
– Sin: That Christians should contend with sin, citing one of the trials of Jesus where he was so hungry and was tempted by the devil to turn stone to food, yet he contended with the temptations with the words of God. Hence Jesus was not ignorant of sin/temptation as well as the words of God by which He rebuked the devil. On the other hand, same could not be said of Gehazi. He couldn’t contend with temptation and failed.
– Reckless dressing: It is important that as Christians our dressing or identity symbolizes Christ.
– Disorderliness: God is a God of order. This attribute is evident since creation where he worked for 6 days and rested on the 7th. Hence advised the congregation to endeavor to plan their lives and be orderly.
– Carelessness : Living a careless life should be avoided in its entirety. He stated that these days youths do not pay much attention to their health and the side effects of what they consume. Citing instances of how many youths carry alcoholic drinks in the guise of soft drinks in camouflage bottles. He admonished the youths and anyone in this category to avoid alcohol consumption and care more about their lives and future.
– Unfaithfulness: That members of the congregation should learn to put their faith in God and always claim positive pronouncements with faith. He cited the Widow of Zarephat as an instance.
– Stinginess: He admonished all to always assume a position of a giver by faith. Referencing Luke 6:38, he said for something to come something has to go out. He used the medium to encourage all to take care of men of God & People around.
– Debt: Christians should contend with debt in all things and make up their mind to be a lender. “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” Prov. 10:22
– Cheating: Christians should avoid cheating anyone. He said all should bare in mind that what goes around comes around.
– He closed his sermon by advising all under his ministration to always do good, singing the popular Yoruba song “E se rere, ko ba leye wa o”.
Afterwards, the congregation gave offerings to God, and the Women Organization arm of the Church had their weekly thanksgiving.
The Congregation also rejoiced with those who celebrated their Birthdays during the week.
The service closed with the Hymn from I.O.M 375 (DSB pg. 89)