- By Israel Ade ‘Dunia
Archbishop Prof. Williams Osazee, has emphasised the need for reconciliation and a blameless life modeled after Jesus Christ.
Speaking at the consecration and enthronement of bishops, Osazee exhorted ministers of the Gospel to embrace a Christ-like life rooted in self-denial and spiritual dedication.
“Living a Christ-like life is not a puerile affair; it demands total self-denial and hard work. It’s a call to action, and I must tell you, there’s a lot to be done,” Osazee declared.
He stressed that no one is truly qualified to hold spiritual offices such as bishop, archbishop, pastor, or apostle without Christ. “Without the grace of God in Christ, none of us is qualified. But with Christ in us, we can live a blameless and holy life if we think and act on pure and good things, as the Bible teaches in Philippians 4:8, modeling our lives after Christ.”
Osazee also reminded the audience that the positions held by spiritual leaders are not for self-adulation, nor are the long crosiers they carry mere decorations. These symbols, he explained, signify spiritual authority and readiness for spiritual warfare in higher realms.
He urged bishops, archbishops, pastors, apostles, evangelists, and other ministers to recognise that their elevation is a call to greater responsibility. Their mandate is to reconcile people, communities, and nations to God as Christ’s ambassadors on earth.
The sermon was the highlight of the Sacred Service of Consecration and Enthronement of the Matriarch of the Gospel and Bishops-Elect held at the Light of Life Ministries International in Ipaja, Lagos.
The event, organized by Queen Esther Ministries International (USA) in collaboration with Zion Ministries International, Alabama, USA, celebrated the elevation of proven leaders in ministry.
In an exclusive interview, Archbishop Dr. Faith Modupe Isijola, the Matriarch of the Gospel and founder of Queen Esther Ministries International, Atlanta, Georgia, described the event as recognition of dedicated and spirit-filled individuals. Established in 1991. Queen Esther Ministries focuses on identifying and elevating those truly called to serve, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to homes, communities, and nations.
Read Also: 13 burnt to death in Ondo accident
“While the world is full of people chasing wealth and money, Queen Esther Ministries seeks out those who are truly called and dynamic, walking not after the flesh but after the true Word of God through the Holy Spirit,” Isijola affirmed.
His Eminence Ebenezer Bankole, who joined Archbishop Prof. Williams Osazee in consecrating the bishops-elect, reiterated the need for them to live exemplary lives patterned after Christ.
Among the bishops-elect were Smith Okotie from Germany, Matilda Egbumokei, Olugbenga Ademilokun, and Mrs. Odetola (JP), among others.
Dignitaries at the event included Dr. Wale Ewebiyi of Queen Esther Ministries, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, who served as the Chief Guest of Honour and Life Patron of Queen Esther Ministries, and other distinguished guests.
Additionally, the occasion featured the launch of the International Fellowship of Communion of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles, and the Episcopal Body of Christ (IFECOBAAPEB), further enriching the momentous celebration.