Kingdom Blast

Okowa charges clerics to stop preaching materialism

Published

4 years ago

July 11, 2021

Delta-Governor-Ifeanyi-Okowa

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Sunday, charged clergymen in the country to preach the word of God always and not earthly materialism to entice men.

The governor gave the charge at the consecration of two Bishops-Elect and the Presentation of Archbishop of Niger Delta at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Bishop’s Court, Asaba.

Okowa, who took the first reading at the service, congratulated Primate of Nigeria, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba on his successful ordination and the Niger Delta Archbishop, Most Rev. Blessing Enyinda and the two new bishops.

“Preachers must resist the ever-present temptation to resort to enticing words of man’s wisdom in a vain attempt to make the gospel appealing and acceptable to the secular mind.

“Happenings in our contemporary world and the church are a fulfillment of Paul’s prophecy that the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”

He said that their elevation was an affirmation of God’s anointing upon their lives, their spiritual characters and pedigree.

Okowa said that God’s desire was for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth, adding that hell was not created for man but for the devil and his angels.

He called on clerics and Christians to constantly go on their knees to intercede for sinful humanity and intensify the drive for missions and evangelism.

He urged the Bishops-Elect, Rt. Rev’d Victor Okporu, consecrated as Bishop of Western Izon Diocese and Rt. Rev’d Nneoyi Egbe, Diocese of Calabar, not to follow the crowd or the trend but the righteous path.

“You must stay true to your calling by preaching the undiluted word of God. Every God-ordained preacher of the gospel is not at liberty to exchange God’s truth for his opinions, traditions or philosophies of men.

“The word of God is supposed to change us, not men changing the word to suit their circumstances.

“Hence, the man of God must be diligent to present himself as approved to God – a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly preaching the truth.

“The preacher of righteousness must be prepared to answer the call to duty at any time, not only when it is easy, profitable or convenient.

“The true man of God will answer the call to duty regardless of his/her personal circumstances and no matter where he is sent to; in other words, he should be ready to carry out the Father’s business whether he feels like it or not.

“The preacher must also be very patient with people and persist in delivering God’s message with the sincere hope that people will change and embrace a life of righteousness and holiness.

“He must not be quick to jump to conclusions and write them off,” the governor said.

Earlier, Archbishop Ndukuba commended Okowa for his commitment to the church and for his outstanding accomplishments in the governance of Delta.

He said that he was not surprised that Delta was peaceful “because when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice.

“We are proud of you because you are indeed the people’s governor and a true servant of God.

“The Lord will continue to bless and protect you and make his countenance to shine upon you”.

In his homily, Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Sowale, admonished the clergy to flee from covetousness and follow righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.

He stated that they were called to guide the faith, unity and leadership of the church, adding that a good Bishop was a source of strength and inspiration to his people.

“A good Bishop sets the tone in their words and in their actions and is charged with a daunting role and therefore, must strive hard to protect the integrity of the church at all times,” he said.

(NAN)

Kingdom Blast

Nigerian Christians Begin Lent With Ash Wednesday

Published

6 days ago

March 5, 2025

News Editor

Ash-Wednesday

Nigerian Christians have joined their counterparts around the world to celebrate Ash Wednesday which officially heralds the commencement of the Lenten season.

Lent is one of the most significant periods in the Christian liturgical calendar. The 40-day season, excluding Sundays, is dedicated to penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, leading up to the celebration of Easter on April 20.

The duration of Lent reflects the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert, a period marked by reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual preparation.

It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares Christians for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

During the six weeks of self-examination and reflection, Christians who observe Lent typically commit to fast, or to give up something—a habit, like smoking, watching TV, swearing, or a food or drink, such as sweets, chocolate, or coffee. Some Christians also take on a Lenten discipline, like reading the Bible and spending more time in prayer to draw nearer to God.

Strict observers of Lent do not eat meat on Fridays, often opting for fish instead. The goal of these spiritual disciplines is to strengthen the faith of the observer and develop a closer relationship with God.

In the Catholic Church, ashes are distributed as a mark to remind the faithfuls that they are dust and unto dust they shall return.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year’s palm Sunday, and placing them on the foreheads of participants.

According to the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation, Lent, therefore originated as a mirroring of this, fasting 40 days as preparation for Easter.

Kingdom Blast

Late Pastor Odukoya’s Son, Jimi, Succeeds Him As General Overseer

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2023

News Editor

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya

The first son of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has been appointed to succeed his father as the general overseer of the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos.

Making the announcement on Sunday during the Church Service, a member of the Church’s Board of Trustee, said the late cleric confirmed the succession plan to three different people on the Board before his passing.

Addressing the congregation, Rotimi Okpaise, a pastor, said the late Taiwo Odukoya confided in the board of trustees (BoT) members about the succession plan after his demise.

According to Rotimi, Bishop Okonkwo, others senior clerics will ordain him 30th September

Late Pastor Odukoya, died on the 7th of August in the United States of America. He was buried on September 9, 2023.

Jimmy, who is a Nollywood Actor, got his education at the Oral Roberts University, United States. His sister, Tolu Odukoya Ijogun is the new associate Pastor of the Church.

“Pastor Jimmy also said Pastor Taiwo told him to carry on with the mantle after his departure.

“Subsequently, a board meeting was summoned and we decided to follow the constitution.

“Pastor Jimmy was nominated and he was unanimously voted for by all BoT members. With this, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya is now our Senior Pastor,” he said.

Kingdom Blast

MOB @ 60: Tope Alabi, Alaseyori, Aduke Gold, BJ Sax, Others Set Ekiti Ablaze With 24 Hours Marathon Praise

Published

2 years ago

July 28, 2023

News Editor

Topmost gospel singers, Tope Alabi, Yinka Alaseyori, Aduke Gold, Esther Igbekele, Bj Sax will on Friday, set the capital of Ekiti state, Ado-Ekiti ablaze with 24 hours Marathon praise for the Senate Leader, Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele 60th birthday celebration .

The 24 hours Marathon praise is part of activities lined up to celebrate 60 years birthday of Senate Leader .

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the 24 hours Marathon praise , Prince Akin Olayisade said that the event is meant to thank God for what he has done so far in the life of his son (Senator Bamidele) for the past 60 years .

Other artists expected to perform at the event are Big Bolaji, Jerry Melody, Deborah Ajayi, Tope Flourish, Mr. Gbera, Lanre Alawiselese , Tee Praise, Joy Sax, Evang. Onileola, Olubunmi.

The Chairman said that the event will start by 7am at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic center in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state till 7am Saturday morning .

The statement reads, ” The 24 hours praise which will start from 7am on Friday till 7am on Saturday is meant to celebrate faithfulness of God in the life of Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele for the past 60 years .

” To make the event glorious , foremost gospel artists have been lined up for the event which will be held at Obafemi Awolowo Civic center in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state.

” Many dignitaries are expected at the event to praise God for what he has done so far in the life of Senator Bamidele.”