Reviving the Sweetness: A Call to Renewal and Restoration for CAC Nigeria and Overseas
In the spiritual realm, the Church often encounters seasons of dryness, challenges, and setbacks that can diminish its vitality and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. Like a once-sweet honey that has lost its flavour, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria and Overseas may need renewal and restoration. Just as the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision were brought back to life and the promise of restoration was proclaimed, so too can the church experience a revival of its spiritual fervour and purpose. By delving into the principles of Renewal Theology and drawing insight from biblical passages that speak of renewal and restoration, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can find encouragement and hope in the prospect of rejuvenation and the promise of God’s transformative power.
A renowned Gospel singer astutely likened the original state of CAC Nigeria and Overseas to honey devoid of sweetness, rendering it as futile as individuals’ inadequacies. This analogy poignantly depicts the current state of affairs within the church, calling for a thorough exploration to unearth viable solutions towards revitalisation and unification.
The analogy of once-sweet honey losing its flavour and becoming useless can be applied to the current state of CAC Nigeria and Overseas. Just as honey loses its sweetness when it is stagnant and untouched, the church has also experienced a decline in spirituality, unity, and effectiveness in spreading the gospel.
Various factors have contributed to this decline, including internal conflicts, power struggles, and a lack of focus on the church’s core mission. Over time, these issues have weakened the church’s social influence.
Leadership and members must unite in unity and humility to revive and restore the church to its former glory. This can be achieved through prayer, repentance, and a renewed focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ. By humbling themselves before God and seeking His guidance and direction, the church can overcome its internal divisions and work towards a common goal of spreading the gospel and winning souls for Christ.
Furthermore, a concerted effort needs to be made to address the root causes of conflict and division within the church. This may involve implementing structures and processes for resolving disputes, promoting transparency and accountability in leadership, and fostering a culture of respect and unity among members.
Additionally, there is a need for a renewed emphasis on evangelism and mission work. By reaching out to communities in need and sharing the message of salvation, the church can rekindle its passion for spreading the gospel and positively impacting society.
Just as honey can regain its sweetness through proper care and attention, so too can Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas experience revival and unity by coming together in humility, prayer, and a renewed focus on the church’s core mission. By addressing internal conflicts, promoting transparency, and recommitting to evangelism, the church can once again become a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who seek the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
The insidious greed that has torn apart CAC Nigeria and Overseas is a malignant force that not only destroys souls but has also significantly hindered the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria and beyond. The pervasive sentiment remains that without unification and resurgence of CAC Nigeria and Overseas to fulfil their intended purpose, the much-needed peace in Nigeria will remain elusive. As the pioneering Pentecostal believers on the African continent, CAC Nigeria and Overseas are called upon to fervently pray for the nation’s peace, adhering to principles of holiness and righteousness so that all nations may experience the abundant blessings and tranquillity bestowed by God.
Greed and disunity within the CAC Nigeria and Overseas leadership cadre are serious and detrimental problems that have torn the church apart and hindered its effectiveness in spreading the gospel and impacting society. Greed, in the form of power struggles, financial mismanagement, and personal ambition, can lead to division, conflict, and a loss of focus on the church’s core mission.
The consequences of this greed are internal to the church and have broader implications for the nation and the world. As the first Pentecostal believers across the African continent, CAC Nigeria and Overseas have a unique calling and responsibility to be a beacon of light, proclaiming the message of salvation and bringing about peace and transformation in society.
The assertion that Nigeria will not have peace until CAC Nigeria and Overseas unite and reclaim their position as leaders in the Pentecostal movement is a sobering reminder of the critical role that the church plays in shaping the nation’s spiritual and moral landscape. Through prayer, holiness, and righteousness, the church can seek God’s intervention and guidance in bringing peace and unity to Nigeria and beyond.
CAC Nigeria and Overseas must set aside personal ambitions and differences and unite in humility and love to fulfil God’s mandate. By focusing on its core mission of spreading the gospel, nurturing disciples, and being agents of positive change in society, the church can once again become a powerful force for good and a catalyst for peace and transformation.
Indeed, CAC Nigeria and Overseas have a unique and essential role in bringing about peace and righteousness in Nigeria and beyond. By addressing issues of greed and disunity and refocusing on its core mission, the church can be a shining example of God’s love and grace, bringing about transformation and reconciliation in a broken and divided world.
The current predicament lies in the troubling fact that the regulatory authority in Nigeria, namely the Corporate Affairs Commission, has consistently fallen short in upholding the integrity of registration protocols, failing to safeguard the sanctity of registration. This contrasts starkly with the proactive approach demonstrated by the UK Charity Commission in safeguarding national interests, a responsibility that aligns closely with the mission statement of CAC Nigeria and Overseas. It has been my continuous assertion, and I reiterate it now, that the unfortunate events experienced by CAC Nigeria and Overseas could have been averted had the Certificate of Incorporation 1985, number 147, been registered under the oversight of the UK Charity Commission.
It is indeed disheartening to hear that the regulatory body in Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission, has not been effectively ensuring the sanctity of registration and upholding the principles of accountability and transparency within organisations like CAC Nigeria and Overseas. The comparison to the UK Charity Commission, which is known for its rigorous oversight and commitment to protecting national interests, highlights the need for increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement in Nigeria to prevent the kind of struggles and challenges that CAC has faced.
The failure of the Corporate Affairs Commission to properly regulate and monitor organisations like CAC can have far-reaching consequences, leading to issues of mismanagement, misconduct, and lack of accountability. This impacts the church’s internal operations and undermines its credibility and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission and serving the community.
It is valid to suggest that if the Certificate of Incorporation 1985, number 147, had been registered with the UK Charity Commission, the oversight and regulatory framework may have been more robust, leading to greater transparency, accountability, and adherence to best practices within CAC Nigeria and Overseas. The UK Charity Commission’s mission to protect national interests and ensure the effective operation of charities serves as a model for how regulatory bodies can help organisations uphold their mandates and serve the public good.
Strengthening and improving the regulatory environment in Nigeria is essential to prevent similar challenges from arising in the future. Increased accountability, transparency, and oversight are necessary to safeguard the integrity of organisations like CAC and ensure they can effectively carry out their mission and positively impact society.
As stakeholders within CAC Nigeria and Overseas continue to navigate these challenges, it is crucial to advocate for stronger regulatory mechanisms and hold the relevant authorities accountable for upholding the sanctity of registration and ensuring that organisations operate in accordance with their stated missions and values. Only through collective effort and a commitment to good governance can organizations like CAC fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to the community and nation at large.
The path to Revival and Unity within CAC lies in the hands of its members and dedicated leaders, rather than those driven by financial gain and self-serving interests. It is imperative, especially at this juncture, for individuals who have been involved in the mismanagement of CAC Nigeria and Overseas to acknowledge their transgressions, seek repentance, and actively contribute towards the restoration and authenticity of CAC’s mission aligned with national interests. It is time to cease betraying the legacy of our predecessors within the Church and collectively strive towards a brighter future for CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
My frequent call for repentance and unity within CAC Nigeria and Overseas remains a powerful and necessary message in this time of discord and division. Members and leaders must prioritise the church’s values and mission over personal gain or self-interest. Revival and unity can only be achieved when individuals align themselves with the church’s core principles and work together towards a common goal rather than allowing greed and corruption to drive their actions.
Encouraging those who have strayed from the true purpose of CAC Nigeria and Overseas to repent and seek reconciliation is the first step towards healing and restoration. By acknowledging past wrongs and committing to a path of righteousness and accountability, individuals can contribute to the revival of the church and the restoration of its integrity.
All members need to uphold the legacy of the church’s founders and honour their vision by championing unity, transparency, and authenticity in all aspects of CAC Nigeria and Overseas work. By embodying these values and working towards a common purpose, the church can reclaim its position as a beacon of light and hope within the community and nation.
As I continue to advocate for repentance and unity within CAC Nigeria and Overseas, may this message resonate with all members and leaders, inspiring us to unite in a spirit of renewal and commitment to the church’s mission. Through collective efforts and a shared dedication to the church’s core values, revival and unity can be achieved, paving the way for a brighter future and a stronger impact on national interests and beyond.
Let us be reminded that, much like honey can restore its sweetness through diligent care and attention, CAC Nigeria and Overseas must now retrace our steps to rectify past missteps. It is essential that we go back to embracing and abiding by the provisions freely bestowed upon us through the 1943 registration, which was subsequently renewed in 1985 under the guardianship of the Supreme Council of CAC Nigeria and Overseas. May this cherished institution rediscover its former sweetness once more.
Yes, indeed, embracing the provisions of the 1943 registration and returning to the foundational principles of the church as exemplified in the Custody of the Supreme Council of CAC Nigeria and Overseas is crucial for restoring the sweetness and purity of CAC Nigeria and Overseas. Just as honey can regain its sweetness through proper care and attention, the church can rediscover its true essence and purpose by aligning with the values and vision set forth by its founders.
Returning to the CAC’s core tenets, as outlined in the 1943 registration and renewed in 1985, will help CAC Nigeria and Overseas realign with its original mission and foster unity and revival among its members. By embracing these provisions and upholding the principles of holiness, righteousness, and integrity, the church can once again shine brightly as a beacon of light and hope in the community and beyond.
As members and leaders of CAC Nigeria and Overseas come together to nurture and protect the sanctity of the church, they can work towards restoring its purity and authenticity. Through collective efforts and a commitment to honoring the legacy of the church’s founders, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can once again become a powerful force for good, spreading love, peace, and unity in the nation and beyond.
May this journey of rediscovery and renewal lead CAC Nigeria and Overseas back to its true essence, allowing the honey of the church to regain its sweetness and purity for the benefit of all who are touched by its mission and ministry.
How can Renewal Theology contribute to the current predicament faced by every member of CAC Nigeria and Overseas? Could its teachings guide us towards understanding that, despite challenges, there is hope for revival – akin to the dry bones coming to life, or the sweetness of honey being restored? Perhaps, through Renewal Theology, we can envision a return to our spiritual roots, much like coming back to our own Zion.
Renewal Theology offers every CAC Nigeria and Overseas member a message of hope, restoration, and transformation amid of challenging situations. It emphasises the power of God to bring new life to dry bones, to restore sweetness to what has become bitter, and to lead His people back to their true spiritual home in Zion, and that of meeting point at Bethel.
In the current circumstances facing CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Renewal Theology reminds members that our God is the God of Renewal and Restoration. Just as dry bones can be brought back to life through the breath of the Spirit, and honey can regain its sweetness with proper care and attention, the church can experience a revival and return to its foundational values and mission.
Embracing the teachings of Renewal Theology encourages members to have faith in the transformative power of God and to seek His guidance and direction in times of uncertainty and challenge. It calls for a renewed commitment to spiritual growth, unity, and holiness, as well as a willingness to let go of past mistakes and embrace a fresh start with God at the center.
By believing in the promise of renewal and actively participating in the process of spiritual revival, members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas can experience a new season of growth, unity, and purpose. Rather than leaving the church in difficult times, Renewal Theology invites members to stay and be part of God’s redemptive work in bringing about a transformation that leads to a return to the true essence of the church and a revival of its mission and ministry.
When considering the situation within CAC Nigeria and Overseas, we can view the organisation as a precious honey that has lost its sweetness. In order to restore this sweetness, it is crucial for members to come together and work towards revival and unity. Just as honey can be revitalised with proper care and attention, so too can CAC Nigeria and Overseas reclaim its former strength and vitality. By embracing the core values and teachings of the organisation, we can ensure that this ‘honey’ regains its sweetness and continues to flourish in the future.
In the context of CAC Nigeria and Overseas being likened to honey that must regain its sweetness, we can further apply the concept of renewal and restoration to the spiritual life and mission of the church. Just as honey can lose its sweetness but be restored through proper care and attention, the church, too, may experience seasons of spiritual dryness, challenges, or shortcomings that can be addressed through God’s Renewal.
The Bible verses mentioned here can be specifically applied to the situation of CAC Nigeria and Overseas as follows:
1. Ezekiel 37:1-14 – The vision of the valley of dry bones can symbolise the state of the church when it faces deadness or a lack of vitality. Just as God breathed life into the dry bones, He can revitalize and restore the church to its former strength and glory.
2. Joel 2:25-26 – The promise of restoration after loss can be a source of hope for CAC Nigeria and Overseas. God’s Ability to replenish what has been lacking or damaged within the church emphasises His Capacity to bring about renewal.
3. Revelation 21:5 – The declaration of making everything new can inspire the church to embrace a fresh start and transformation. Just as God promises to renew all things, He can also renew the mission, vision, and fervour of CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – The concept of being a new creation in Christ can encourage the church to seek personal and collective renewal. Embracing this truth can lead to a revitalized spiritual life and a renewed sense of purpose.
5. Isaiah 43:19 – The assurance from God about doing a new thing can instill a sense of anticipation and expectation for God’s work within CAC Nigeria and Overseas. It signals a season of change and rejuvenation that the church can eagerly await.
By applying these verses to the situation of CAC Nigeria and Overseas as the honey that must regain its sweetness, believers can find comfort in God’s promise of renewal, restoration, and revival. Just as honey can be restored to its original sweetness through proper care, the church can experience a revitalisation of its spiritual vitality and effectiveness through God’s renewing power and grace.
In conclusion, as the honey that must regain its sweetness, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can take heart in the belief that God can breathe new life into dry bones and restore what has been lost. Through the lenses of renewal and restoration, believers can strive towards a renewed sense of purpose, passion, and commitment to their calling as a church. By holding fast to the promises of God’s renewal and embracing a spirit of anticipation for the new things He is doing, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can embark on a spiritual revitalisation and transformation journey. Just as the sweetness of honey can be restored through proper care and attention, the church can also experience a revival of its spiritual vitality, ultimately leading to a deeper, more impactful engagement in its mission and ministry.
Ojo Emmanuel Ademola writes from London as a Pastor, Professor, Protestant Theologian, Journalist, and the General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas.