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The Anglican Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt Rev James Olusola Odedeji has emphasised the need for the Church to be united while noting that the name of Jesus is what brings every believer together.
He made the observation in a new year message at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja Lagos on January 1.
Odedeji said, ‘it is the name of the Jesus that has brought us together as one. It does not matter where you come from. But that name is a unifying factor for us as believers. It does not matter how angry you are, you must be reminded that the name of Jesus connotes unity and we must ensure that things work together.’
He urged Christians to use the name of Jesus in their daily living while also assuring that Nigeria will experience God’s exceptional touch in the new year.
Bishop Odedeji who spoke on the topic, the implication of Jesus’ name, said, the believer has a great advantage in the name of Jesus.
According to him, the name of Jesus has a lot of implications for Christians.
He observed however that many Christians have not been using the name the way they should.
His word, ‘There is authority in the name of Jesus. His name symbolises the ultimate authority over creation, over death. When we use the name of Jesus in prayers, we do it with the recognition of calling on one who has authority over everything.
‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are saved. It is at the mention of the name of Jesus that every knee will bow.’
The Anglican Bishop also noted that the name of Jesus gives assurance for salvation. ‘The name of Jesus has transformative power. When we call the name of Jesus we must call it with boldness. We may be alone. But we are not lonely because he is always with us.’ He said.
He said the identity of the believer is also transformed through the name of Jesus. ‘His name is our identity’ he said, adding also that ‘the name brings physical and emotional healing to those who believe in it.’
He said further that the name of Jesus gives assurance in times of trials. ‘it is not a pretence when we say let the weak say I am strong. A child of God knows that whatever he is going through that God is with him.”
While congratulating Nigerians on a new year he stressed the need for Christians to know who they are in Christ
. ‘It is your knowledge of Christ that will see you through challenges. Pray boldly in the name of Jesus. Build a community anchored on love. I can assure you that the result that will accrue to you will remove insult in your life. You will have reason to jubilate. The name of Jesus is tested and trusted. It is the reason we enjoy accelerated blessing.” The Anglican bishop said.
