By; Opeyemi Olawore & Bola Ayangbenro
The President of the Ibadan Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Bamidele Oyekola, has encouraged Christians to persevere in their faith.
He stated this during the retirement service of Rev. Dr. Adewale Ojedayo in his sermon, titled “Keep Your Faith and Raise It Till You See Christ.”
Rev. Dr. Bamidele Oyekola charged believers to consistently examine their lives and attitudes whether they are still in faith. He warned against self-deception, noting that many people claim to have reached their spiritual destination while they are still far from true submission to God.
According to the preacher, distractions, pride, and lack of integrity pose serious threats to Christian faithfulness, especially among ministers and church workers. He emphasized that believers must not compromise their integrity or get involved in anything that would tarnish piety.
Rev. Dr. Bamidele Oyekola also admonished spouses to remain faithful to each other. He stressed that although ministry and service may be beautiful, they must be sustained with discipline, and constant self-evaluation.
Highlighting the importance of time, the preacher described it as prime, warning against spiritual backsliding, particularly after retirement from active service. He reiterated that some ministers fall into ungodly practices after retirement, urging believers to remain firm in faith until they meet Christ.
The retirement service of Rev. Dr. Adewale Ojedayo was held amid prayers, reflection, and solemn exhortation.
The retirement service marked the conclusion of Rev Dr. A.D. Ojedayos fifteen years of service and dedication in Gods vineyard, drawing ministers, church members, and well-wishers at the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he pastored for fifteen years.
Earlier, Rev. Kehinde Adegbite while speaking during a special prayer session organized as part of the retirement programme expressed confidence that God is able to uphold his servant from the fear of unknown, while reiterating that the joy of fulfilment and blessings of departure is guaranteed for those who are obedient to the voice of the Lord. He prayed for Gods continued guidance and protection over Rev. Dr. Adewale Ojedayo and his household.
Dignitaries at the retirement service included; Rev. Dr. Matthew Oladosu Olaniyan, former Secretary, Oyo West Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Oyekola Bamidele, President, Ibadan Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Layo Ojo, Moderator, Eruwa West Baptist Association, Chief Olaide Ojedapo, Baale of Aborerin, Eruwa, Rev Dr. Samuel Oladiran, President, Lagos Baptist Conference, Rev J. A Ayoola, New Eruwa Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Sunday Okunlola, Interim Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. J.A Aladetoyinbo, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Rev Dr. Wale Adebayo of Oke Oba Baptist, Rev Dr. S.A. Adegbite, Araromi Baptist Church, Rev Dr. J.A Ogunbode, First Baptist Church, Songbe, Rev. Dr. Oladejo Olufemi, Ifeoluwa Baptist Church, Feesu, Iwo, Mr. O.D Oladiran. Church Secretary, Mr. S.A Olabisi, Chairman, Retirement Committee, Mrs. R.F. Aderibigbe, Music Director and other distinguished members of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Aborerin, Eruwa and invitees, among others.