AUGUST 2026 EDITION OF EXCERPTS - Anglican Diocese of Enugu

AUGUST 2026 EDITION OF EXCERPTS FROM SOME OF HIS LORDSHIP’S MESSAGES.

MUCH LOVE AND GREETINGS FROM YOUR FRIEND AND BISHOP – THE RT. REV’D PROF. SAMUEL O. IKE, the Diocesan Bishop of Enugu (Anglican Communion).

Please read, digest and share.

1. The greatest title in this Kingdom is to be called a friend of God.
Titles, positions, and earthly honours may fade, but the privilege of being known as a friend of God is an eternal distinction.
May our greatest pursuit not be earthly recognition, but the grace to walk so closely with God that heaven itself can testify: “This is a friend of God.” (John 15:15; James 2:23; James 4:8).

2. Why God Blesses Men:
His Lordship made a valid point: God blesses us so that we may become a blessing to others.
Friends, you live below God’s expectations when the blessings you receive from Him end with you and do not flow through you to the people around you. God does not bless us merely for our comfort, but also for our impact, service, generosity, and Kingdom purpose. (Genesis 12:2; Acts 20:35; Matthew 10:8).

3. No one can become what others have not, for there is nothing new under the sun. However, God’s Word remains forever.
Cherish God’s Word, obey it, and allow it to shape your life, for what the Word builds in you will speak through you and influence generations after you. (Ecclesiastes 1:10; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17; Joshua 1:8).

4. The Only One Who Can Make a Sinner a Saint:
His Lordship emphasized this as the very essence of the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ. A person may be “made” in this world—educated, successful, celebrated, or accomplished—yet remain unmade in Christ.
It is not enough to be made in the world; we must be made new in Christ. For only Jesus can take a sinner and make him a saint, a vessel for God’s glory and a testimony to His transforming grace. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:1; Titus 3:5 – 7).

5. The Greatest Discovery in the History of Mankind:
Discovering God’s will for your life remains one of the greatest discoveries a person can make in life and destiny. To know God’s will is to discover His purpose, direction, and divine plan for your life. Friends, do all you can to know, follow, and remain in the will of God for your life. There is no greater place of fulfilment, safety, and purpose than the centre of God’s will. (Luke 22:42; Proverbs 3:5 – 6; Romans 12:2; Psalm 143:10).

6. A Broken and Contrite Heart:
Nothing gets God’s attention like a broken and contrite heart. God is not impressed merely by outward appearances or religious activities; He looks for a heart that is humble, repentant, sincere, and completely yielded to Him. May God give us hearts that are tender toward Him, sensitive to His voice, quick to repent, and willing to obey His will. (Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2).

7. When You Can Never Be Late in Life and Destiny:
Friends, as long as you are alive, you are never too old, too young, or too late to repent and turn to God. No matter how far you have gone or how long you have stalled, God’s mercy is still available to/for you. The greatest tragedy is not being late in life; it is leaving this world without reconciling with God. Today is the day of salvation. Do not postpone your return to Him. (2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 55:6; Romans 10:13).

8. No natural man can fight the battles of life without sustaining wounds. It takes spiritual strength and divine empowerment to overcome the battles of life. Friends, the antidote to sin, the pressures of the world, and the battles of life is the Word of God. The Word gives us light, direction, strength, wisdom, and victory. It is the sword of the Spirit and a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Stay in the Word, please. (Ephesians 6:10 – 17; Psalm 119:11; John 16: 33).

9. Encounters set a man apart for exploits: Friends, in all your pursuits in life and destiny, earnestly pursue genuine encounters with Jesus Christ. One encounter with Him can transform a life, redirect a destiny, and empower a man for extraordinary exploits.
Therefore, friends, do not merely pursue success, influence, or earthly achievements; pursue Jesus Christ. When you encounter Him, your life can never remain the same. (Acts 9:3 – 6; Genesis 32:24 – 28; Daniel 11:32).

10. When Men Are Highly Limited in Life and Destiny:
A life void of Jesus Christ is a life fundamentally limited in its true purpose, potential, and eternal destiny. No matter how gifted, educated, wealthy, or accomplished a man may be, life without Christ leaves him disconnected from the Source of true life. Jesus Christ is the answer to the limitations of life and destiny. Choose Him, follow Him, and live for Him. (John 15:5; John 1:4; Philippians 4:13).

11. The Greatest Loss in the History of the Human Race:
When you lose God’s Presence, you lose direction, purpose, and focus in life and destiny. The greatest loss a man can experience is not the loss of wealth, position, relationships, or possessions, but the loss of the Presence of God. His Presence is what gives us direction, wisdom, strength, purpose, and the grace to fulfil our destiny. Never trade God’s Presence for anything. His Presence is your greatest treasure. (Exodus 33:15; Mark 8:36; Psalm 23:4).

12. The Mastery That Puts You on Top in Life:
You may have mastery over many things in life—your profession, business, skills, career, or relationships—but if you desire to truly excel and remain on top in life and destiny, you must develop mastery of the Word of God. (Psalm 119:130; Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17).

FRIENDS, MAY GOD CAUSE YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE FULL-PACKAGE DELIVERY OF HIS PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE, ESPECIALLY IN THIS MONTH OF SEPTEMBER. God bless you richly.

Sermon Excerpts Compiled By:
Rev. Onyekachukwu Ezechukwu
Assistant Bishop’s Chaplain
St. Paul’s Chapel, Bishop’s Court, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.