Sixty-six (66) persons were in Umuahia, Abia State confirmed into the Anglican faith while eighteen (18) women and three (3) others were admitted into the Mothers guild and Mothers union respectively , Sunday.
Preaching during the confirmation service held at St Peter’s Anglican parish, Afara-Ibeku, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Ibeabuchi reminded Christians that the Holy Spirit helps greatly in the transformation of the life of a genuine born again Christian.
In his sermon captioned, “The Holy Spirit Is Essential In Our Lives”, drawn from the Bible book of Acts 8:14 – 17, during the confirmation service, Rt. Rev’d Ibeabuchi decried that most Christians through their attitudes stop the Holy Spirit from gaining entrance into their lives.
His words “Do not confuse you. Do not pretend to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the power of God when you have not received Him. You cannot stand as a child of God if you are not filled with the Holy Spirit. You cannot be counted or accepted as a child of God if the Holy Spirit does not live in you”.
The Anglican Bishop who also reminded the congregation that one must receive Jesus Christ as personal lord and savior before he/she receives the Holy Spirit. The Bishop said, “the signature of the Holy Spirit in your life will take you to eternity and not the signature of the Bishop”.
He said the presence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life rekindles the desire/willingness to serve God and the Church; appetite to study the word of God and to pray.
The archdeacon, Ven. Godswill Emeruwa, his wife and other Anglican priests in the Archdeaconry were present during the service.
The newly confirmed faithful and women used the occasional to affirm their commitment to be guided by the Holy Spirit, while promising to be good ambassadors of Christ.
On their own part, the new members of Women’s guild and Mothers union vowed to institute godliness and good leadership in their various homes.
