Introduction: A Call to Study for Divine Approval

The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), both in Nigeria and across the world, stands at a defining juncture in its spiritual journey. The question before us is whether our study, our devotion, and our collective pursuit of truth are truly aimed at demonstrating our approval before God. The Apostle Paul exhorts us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual discipline that calls us to holiness, discipleship, and nation-building.

In this column, I seek to explore the uniqueness of CAC today, where we stand on holiness and discipleship, our role in nation building, and whether we still remember the landmark and hallmark of our calling. Drawing from Renewal Theology within Pentecostal thought, I will argue that our future depends on rediscovering the fire of revival that birthed our movement and recommitting ourselves to the Spirit-led mission of transformation.

Rediscovering the Foundations of Our Calling

The Christ Apostolic Church was birthed in revival, prayer, fasting, and prophetic witness. Our fathers in the faith were men and women who sought God with tears, who believed in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives, and who were willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. The foundations of our calling are not in institutional structures or denominational pride but in the living presence of God among His people.

Renewal Theology reminds us that the Church must continually rediscover its roots in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must not be content with outward forms of religion but must seek the inward renewal that transforms lives and communities. The uniqueness of CAC today lies in its heritage of revival, prayer, and prophetic witness. We are heirs of a movement that was birthed in tears, fasting, and fervent intercession, and our relevance in this generation depends on whether we still embody that spirit.

The Uniqueness of CAC Today

What makes CAC unique today is not merely its history but its continuing emphasis on prayer, holiness, and the prophetic. In a world where many churches are tempted to conform to secular values or to dilute the gospel for popularity, CAC has the opportunity to stand as a beacon of uncompromising truth.

Our uniqueness lies in three areas. First, in our emphasis on prayer and revival. The prayer mountains and revival meetings that have characterised CAC are not relics of the past but living testimonies of God’s power. Second, in our commitment to holiness. Holiness is not legalism, nor is it mere outward conformity; it is the inward transformation wrought by the Spirit of God. Third, in our prophetic witness. CAC has always been a church that speaks truth to power, that calls society to righteousness, and that refuses to compromise with sin.

Rediscovering Our Heritage by Seeking God’s Power to Break the Wall of Factionalism

The Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas must urgently confront the wall of factionalism that has divided our heritage and weakened our witness. Where is our sweetness? Where is the light and salt we are called to be in this generation? Jesus declared in Matthew 5:13–14 that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Yet factionalism has dimmed our light and diluted our saltiness. This must end now. We cannot continue to fracture the body of Christ and expect to demonstrate divine approval. The heritage of CAC is revival, unity, and holiness, not division and rivalry. To rediscover our heritage, we must seek God’s power afresh, break down the walls of factionalism, and stand together as one body in Christ. The time for compromise is over; the time for unity is now. Let every leader, every member, and every assembly hear this call: factionalism must end, and the Christ Apostolic Church must rise again in the power of the Holy Spirit as a united witness to the nations.

Where Are We Going?

The trajectory of CAC must be towards deeper engagement with the Word of God, greater commitment to discipleship, and a renewed passion for evangelism. The world is shifting rapidly, and Nigeria itself is at a crossroads of political, social, and moral challenges. If CAC is to remain a prophetic voice, we must embrace nation-building as part of our divine mandate.

Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us to “seek the peace of the city” where we dwell, for in its peace we shall find our own. Thus, holiness and discipleship cannot be divorced from the responsibility of shaping society with righteousness and justice. Our future lies in being a church that not only preaches salvation but also demonstrates the kingdom of God in every sphere of life.

Holiness: The Hallmark of Our Faith

Where do we stand today on holiness? Holiness remains the hallmark of our faith, yet it is often misunderstood or neglected in contemporary Christianity. Holiness is not about rules or regulations; it is about being set apart for God, living in purity of heart and life, and reflecting the character of Christ.

The Bible declares in Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” This is not optional; it is essential. CAC must recommit itself to teaching and living holiness, not as a burden but as a joy, not as a restriction but as freedom. Holiness is the pathway to intimacy with God, the foundation of discipleship, and the witness that convinces the world of the reality of Christ.

Discipleship: A Lifelong Journey

Discipleship is not a programme but a lifelong journey of following Christ, learning His ways, and teaching others to do the same. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This is the heart of the Great Commission.

CAC must move beyond mere church attendance to intentional discipleship. We must train believers to read and understand the Bible, to pray with power, to live in holiness, and to witness boldly. Discipleship involves accountability, mentoring, and community. It is about shaping lives that reflect Christ in every area—family, work, society, and nation.

Nation Building: Our Prophetic Responsibility

Nation-building is not often seen as part of the Church’s mission, yet it is central to our calling. The prophets of Israel spoke not only to individuals but to nations. They called kings to righteousness, condemned injustice, and proclaimed God’s standards for society.

Nigeria today faces challenges of corruption, insecurity, poverty, and moral decay. CAC cannot remain silent. We must be a prophetic voice that calls for justice, integrity, and righteousness. We must train our members to be salt and light in every sphere—politics, business, education, and culture. Nation-building is part of discipleship; it is about shaping society according to the values of the kingdom of God.

Remembering the Landmark and Hallmark of Our Calling

Do we still remember the landmark and the hallmark of our calling? The landmark is the revival fire that birthed CAC, a fire that consumed sin, ignited faith, and propelled mission. The hallmark is the heart-rending cry for holiness and renewal that distinguished our fathers in the faith.

If we forget these, we risk becoming a mere institution rather than a movement of the Spirit. Renewal Theology reminds us that the Church must always be reforming, always returning to the Spirit’s leading, and always seeking fresh outpourings of grace. We must not be satisfied with past glories but must seek new revivals, new outpourings, and new movements of the Spirit.

Renewal Theology and Pentecostal Vision

Renewal Theology, from a Pentecostal perspective, insists that the Church must continually rediscover its roots in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is about renewal, revival, and reformation. It is about being open to the Spirit’s leading, about seeking fresh outpourings, and about being willing to change when God calls us to.

Pentecostal vision is about power for mission. Acts 1:8 declares, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.” This is the vision of CAC. We are called to be witnesses, empowered by the Spirit, committed to holiness, and engaged in nation-building.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The call today is clear: we must study not for intellectual pride but for divine approval. We must act not for institutional survival but for kingdom advancement. We must remember not for nostalgia but for renewal. CAC Nigeria and Overseas is uniquely positioned to be a beacon of holiness, discipleship, and nation-building in this generation. The question is whether we will rise to the challenge, rekindle the fire, and demonstrate our approval before God in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

The Christ Apostolic Church must not lose sight of its heritage, its uniqueness, and its calling. We must recommit ourselves to holiness, discipleship, and nation-building. We must remember the landmark and the hallmark of our faith. We must embrace Renewal Theology and Pentecostal vision. Above all, we must study to demonstrate our approval before God, rightly dividing the word of truth, and living as workmen who need not be ashamed.