Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Shokunbi delivered a soul-searching sermon titled “Calling to Repentance”, emphasizing the need for sincere self-examination, confession, and a change of heart.
Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Shokunbi delivered a soul-searching sermon titled “Calling to Repentance”, emphasizing the need for sincere self-examination, confession, and a change of heart.
On a deeply reflective Sunday morning, Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Shokunbi delivered a stirring and convicting sermon titled “Calling to Repentance” — a spiritual wake-up call centered on the urgent need for personal and communal repentance in the body of Christ.
The message began by differentiating between sin and wickedness. While both are unrighteous before God, Evang. Shokunbi described wickedness as a deeper spiritual decay — where the individual is not only engaged in wrongdoing but is morally corrupted and uninterested in righteousness.
“A wicked heart is not just rebellious — it delights in evil and resists the voice of God.”
Referencing Isaiah 1 and Ezekiel 18:26-27, the preacher reminded the congregation that God is merciful and slow to anger, willing to forgive even the worst transgressions — if the sinner is willing to turn back.
Like the father of the prodigal son, God waits with open arms. But this grace, the preacher warned, must not be taken for granted.
“Even if you have lived in darkness, if you return and do what is lawful and right, your soul shall live.”
There is no unrighteousness hidden from God, and His justice is sure. Drawing from Isaiah 10:1-18, Shokunbi emphasized that God can use anyone or anything — even enemies — to fulfill His purpose and correct His people.
“There is someone watching and recording everything. God will hold us accountable not only for what we do, but for what we permit in our hearts.”
Every gift from God — wealth, knowledge, influence, the Holy Spirit — is given not for self-exaltation, but for the benefit of others and for ministry. When we use divine gifts for pride, manipulation, or oppression, we provoke God’s judgment.
Using references from Isaiah 45:5-7 and Jeremiah 7:2-3, the preacher strongly condemned spiritual arrogance, immorality, and the abuse of religious or social positions.
“No one is above God’s law. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Evang. Shokunbi stressed the Word of God as the ultimate measure of truth, the only means by which we can discern between righteousness and deception.
“To know the Word is to know freedom. Without it, you are vulnerable to every form of spiritual deceit.”
Referencing Jeremiah 33:6-8, the preacher declared the beautiful promises of God to those who turn from wickedness:
Health and healing
Abundance of peace and truth
Restoration and cleansing from all iniquity
“No one is beyond redemption. If you return, He will restore.”
From Acts 24:10-23, Shokunbi pointed to Apostle Paul’s trials as an example: though wrongly accused, Paul stood firm, and God used his defense to glorify His name. Trials are not punishment, but divine preparation.
“God is with you in your trials — and His glory will shine through you to confound your enemies.”
The message also reminded the congregation that salvation is not communal or inherited — it is personal. It belongs to those who genuinely repent and commit to walking with God.
During the offering message, Malachi 3:10-12, Proverbs 3:9, and Deuteronomy 28:1 were cited. Evang. Shokunbi emphasized that tithing is a divine instruction, not optional. It unlocks spiritual blessings, rebukes devourers, and opens the windows of heaven.
“You cannot say you serve God and withhold what is rightfully His. Tithing is a key to covenant blessing.”
In his final charge, Evang. Shokunbi echoed the warnings of Jonah to Nineveh and Ezekiel’s prophetic declarations: judgment may be delayed, but it is sure. Repent today — not tomorrow.
“There is no other way, no other God. Return to your Maker while mercy still speaks.”
Reported by:
Media & Communications Team
Celestial Church of Christ – Harton Street Parish
United Kingdom & Northern Ireland National Headquarters
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” – Isaiah 55:6
