Preaching at the service from 1Peter 2:5, the Archbishop urged the people to build up their spiritual houses. Noting that physical building is in phases – acquiring land, laying the foundation and the actual building – he posited that same also applies in the building of spiritual houses. “There must be land for building. Spiritual land is needed for the spiritual house. When you have Jesus, you have gotten the land. You then need a foundation which is baptism into the Lord. This is followed by laying of blocks and building up to roofing and completion;” he said.

The Ecclesiastic concluded by enunciating the following 7 items as constituting the stages of building up a spiritual house: Word of God, Prayer, Avoidance evil, Fellowship, Kindness to the Poor, Preaching and Living with Eternity in view.

Odutemu attended the service with his wife, Mrs Ufuoma Odutemu (Mama Bendel), who is also the President of the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild and Girls’ Guild of the Diocese of Ughelli and Province of Bendel; the Administrative Secretary of the Diocese of Ughelli, The Rev. Canon Christopher Idonor and the Archbishop’s Chaplain, The Rev. Samson Onohwohwakpo.

By Princewill Ireoba

The Bishop spoke at the 3rd Session of the 8th Synod of the Diocese of Ughelli, themed: “We are Christ Fragrance unto God: A Critical Examination of Christian Life,” held at Bishop Agori Iwe Memorial Anglican Church Ovwodawanre (BAMACO), Ughelli from April 24 to 28, 2021.

Odutemu explained that fragrance is perceived in different aspects of the Christian’s life and spirituality, which include righteousness, humility, faith, evangelism, and charitable deeds. He, however, regretted that the life of some Christians contradict the gospel and so, could be anything but pleasant and acceptable to God and man.

Earlier in his special Sunday service for the Synod, Bishop of the Niger-West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Ekwe, described fragrance as a pleasing, sweet smelling and attracting aroma, which overwhelms bad odour. He added that Christian fragrance is in such Christian character as humility and sacrificial love. He quoted Thomas Jefferson who said that Christianity without character is a fraud. The Synod Bible Study was led by Bishop of Idoani, Rt Rev. Adegoke Agara and was attended by over 30 Bishops and Archbishops from all parts of the country, including Delta State Governor and Deputy Senate President.

By Princewill Ireoba