By General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Ojo Emmanuel Ademola

The legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola is marked by spiritual purity and a strong commitment to the Gospel. His declaration in Acts 3:6—‘Silver and gold I have none, but what I have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk’—serves as a ministry blueprint. Today, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas stands at a crossroads: Will it uphold this legacy or succumb to materialism and theological distortion?

Distortion of Acts 3:6

Acts 3:6 unequivocally stands as a declaration of spiritual authority, not a commercial proposition. Apostle Babalola embodied this truth—he wielded divine power, not material wealth. To reinterpret this verse in favour of materialism is nothing short of a betrayal of the apostolic mandate. It substitutes grace for greed and undermines the very foundation of revival. This misguided retheologising is not merely erroneous; it poses a significant spiritual danger.

Commercialization of Spiritual Gifts

The commercialization of spiritual gifts—charging for prayers, prophecies, or access to anointing—is an outright betrayal of sacred trust. It transforms the church into a mere marketplace and deeply grieves the Holy Spirit. Apostle Babalola’s ministry exemplified true service, given freely and anchored in divine calling. Selling the gifts of God is nothing short of spiritual malpractice, as clearly condemned in Acts 8:20.

Materialism and Leadership

The increasing materialism observed among certain leaders in the CAC is a troubling issue. Apostle Babalola, a foundational figure in the church, distinguished material wealth from his spiritual mission, staying true to his message until his passing in 1959. This highlights the essence of true leadership, which should reflect apostolic humility rather than a focus on affluence. Until this shift in mindset occurs, any efforts to revitalize the CAC may be delayed.

The message underscores the significance of revisiting the teachings of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, a pivotal figure in the CAC. It stresses the value of faith and spiritual gifts over material wealth, drawing inspiration from the powerful statement, “Silver and gold I have none, but what I have I give to you: In Jesus’ Name, rise and walk.” This call encourages members of the CAC, both in Nigeria and abroad, to enhance their spiritual practices by placing their faith in Jesus for healing and transformation, rather than focusing on material possessions. Emphasizing a return to the authentic understanding of Babalola’s principles is not only timely but essential for deepening the church’s spiritual legacy and core values.

Reclaiming the Power of Faith Over Materialism

Apostle Babalola’s ministry was distinguished by a radical faith that emphasized spiritual power over material wealth. His approach aligns with Acts 3:6, where Peter heals a lame man through divine authority rather than financial means. Babalola exemplified this principle by relying on spiritual practices such as prayer and fasting, instead of seeking political or financial influence. In contrast to his example, many contemporary churches face the challenge of prioritizing material prosperity over spiritual depth. Embracing Babalola’s ethos could lead to a re-centring of the church’s focus on faith, healing, and holiness, shifting away from an emphasis on wealth and status.

Revival Through Prayer and Fasting

The 1930 revival at Oke Ooye, Ilesa, spearheaded by Babalola, stands as one of the most powerful spiritual awakenings in Nigerian history. Driven by intense prayer, fasting, and divine healing, this movement transformed countless lives. Babalola’s ministry thrived not on elaborate programs or financial campaigns, but on unwavering spiritual discipline and genuine divine encounters.

Embarking on a return to this foundational model holds the potential to ignite a remarkable new wave of revival within the CAC, particularly among younger generations yearning for authentic spiritual experiences.

Restoring Apostolic Authority and Simplicity

Babalola’s ministry exemplified simplicity paired with profound spiritual power. He chose to travel on foot with limited resources, despite having access to luxury cars and connections to wealthy individuals, including several kings. His focus was on preaching the Gospel and healing the sick, deriving his authority not from institutional positions or wealth, but from a deep spiritual anointing. In today’s landscape, where church leadership often becomes entangled in politics and bureaucracy, embracing Babalola’s model would mean prioritizing spiritual depth and humility in leaders over their titles or material possessions.

Healing and Deliverance as Core Ministry

Babalola’s ministry was defined by extraordinary miraculous healings, deliverance from demonic oppression, and incisive prophetic insight, all of which were core aspects of his divine calling. His powerful proclamation, “In Jesus’ Name, rise and walk,” was not just a statement—it was a declaration that brought about profound transformation in countless lives. Emphasizing this approach today will undoubtedly reinforce the Christ Apostolic Church’s identity as a dynamic Pentecostal healing and deliverance church, boldly offering hope and liberation to those seeking freedom from spiritual and physical bondage.

Countering the Prosperity Gospel Trend

The prosperity gospel, which links faith to financial success, has become popular in various communities. In contrast, Babalola’s life exemplifies modesty and resilience; he faced persecution and never pursued wealth. By revisiting his teachings, CAC can present an important counter-narrative: the true essence of power stems from faith, holiness, and obedience to God, rather than material riches.

A Call to Spiritual Reformation

Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola’s legacy serves as a guiding framework for spiritual authenticity, emphasizing that the true treasure of the church lies in Christ. His message underscores the mission of the church to heal, deliver, and transform lives through the Holy Spirit’s power. For CAC Nigeria and Overseas, revisiting this authentic understanding is essential for future revival, as it honours the past while looking forward. However, the promised covenantal revival faces delays, especially amid a trend of commercializing spiritual gifts, which has become evident among certain leaders. This revival is deeply spiritual and contingent upon obedience, humility, and purity of purpose, rather than the commodification of faith.

Why the Revival Is Delayed

In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged among many church leaders and ministries: a shift from genuinely serving the spiritual needs of their communities to outright monetizing spiritual experiences. This includes charging for prayers, prophecies, and access to anointing—an approach that stands in stark contrast to the ministry of Apostle Babalola, who embodied generosity and a true divine calling. The growing attachment to materialism among certain leaders not only undermines the church’s spiritual authority but also dilutes its core mission.

Apostle Babalola is a powerful example of a life defined by sacrifice, simplicity, and unwavering reliance on God—qualities that starkly oppose the pursuit of wealth and status. The essence of revival is inherently covenantal, demanding strict alignment with the original apostolic mandate. When leaders deviate from this path, they compromise their integrity and pollute the spiritual atmosphere, directly obstructing the revival that countless believers desperately seek. This situation cannot continue unchecked.

What Must Be Done

To unlock the revival within the church, CAC must prioritize returning to the altar of prayer and fasting, emulating Babalola’s commitment to spiritual discipline over mere programs and appearances. It is essential to reaffirm the purity of the calling, ensuring that leaders act as servants rather than celebrities, dedicated to healing, deliverance, and preaching the untainted Gospel. The church should also reject the commercialization of its sacred mission, recognizing that spiritual gifts are invaluable tools for ministry rather than commodities for profit. Finally, it is vital to restore the prophetic voice within the church, speaking truth to power, confronting sin, and leading with both boldness and holiness, following the example set by Babalola.

A Prophetic Warning and Hope

The text emphasizes that a delay in revival is not equivalent to a denial of God’s Covenant with the CAC. However, it argues that this revival necessitates a return to repentance and a realignment with the church’s apostolic roots. This return should be guided by leaders who echo the sentiment of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, who famously declared the healing power of faith over material wealth. The concern is raised regarding some CAC leaders who have aligned themselves with materialism and attempted to reinterpret Acts 3:6—traditionally a testament to divine healing—as a means to promote financial gain and the love of money. Such a shift is seen not only as a misinterpretation of scripture but also as a departure from the true apostolic calling that has been passed down to the CAC.

Acts 3:6 – A Sacred Declaration, Not a Commercial Proposition

The phrase, “Silver and gold I have none, but what I have I give to you: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,” emphasizes spiritual authority over financial wealth. Peter and John prioritized healing through Christ instead of material offerings. This aligns with Apostle Babalola’s ministry, which stressed that miracles and God’s Power should not be commodified. A loss of apostolic identity threatens church leadership, as worldly ideologies can undermine the church’s mission. CAC, rooted in revival, should maintain its focus on spiritual heritage rather than material wealth.

The influence of prosperity theology has further complicated this issue, infiltrating various congregations within the CAC. This doctrine promotes the notion that material wealth signifies divine favour, which starkly contradicts the sacrificial life exemplified by Christ and His apostles.

Additionally, over time, institutions may drift from their original vision and purpose. Without prophetic correction and a commitment to spiritual renewal, even longstanding traditions can become tainted. A critical aspect of maintaining the integrity of church practice is accountability; when leaders are not held to biblical standards and apostolic heritage, they may justify unbiblical practices under the pretext of new revelations or contemporary relevance. Thus, it is vital for church leaders to remain rooted in their calling and accountable to their foundational principles to biblical standards and apostolic heritage, they may begin to justify unbiblical practices under the guise of “new revelation” or “modern relevance.”

The Danger of Selling the Gift of God

The text firmly addresses a pressing issue regarding the commercialization of spiritual gifts within the church, characterizing it as more than a mere theological misstep—it is outright spiritual malpractice. Referencing Acts 8:20, where Peter rebukes Simon the sorcerer for attempting to buy the Holy Spirit’s power, it underscores that such actions compromise the sacred trust that faith embodies. Selling prayers, healings, or prophetic words reduces the church to a mere marketplace and deeply grieves the Holy Spirit.

For CAC to genuinely realize the revival foretold by Apostle Babalola, decisive steps must be taken: we must boldly expose and reject false teachings, reaffirm the purity of the gospel, restore apostolic humility and power, and elevate prophetic voices to confront and challenge the corruption within the church. It’s time for us to take a stand and reclaim the sanctity of our faith.

If Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola were to address the leadership of CAC Nigeria and Overseas today, his words would likely serve as a prophetic rebuke, urging a return to the core values of the church in light of the growing materialism and the misuse of Scripture, particularly Acts 3:6. He would call for a spirit of repentance among the leaders, emphasizing the importance of restoring the church’s original mandate and mission. Babalola’s message would focus on the need to prioritize spiritual truth over material wealth, encouraging the church to remain grounded in faith and service to others.

Here’s a prayerful reconstruction of what he might say:

The Lord calls the leaders of the CAC to return to the ancient ways characterized by fire, holiness, and truth. He admonishes them against trading His gifts for material wealth and reminds them of the covenant established by their ancestors, urging them not to turn the church into a profit-making enterprise.

Reflecting on Acts 3:6, the message emphasizes that true power lies not in riches, but in the Name of Jesus. The speaker acknowledges that, despite lacking silver and gold, they possessed the profound spiritual authority to heal and perform miracles. This challenges the leaders who have come to equate power with material possession and anointing with affluence. The message serves as a call to repentance, warning that the Spirit of God cannot be purchased and that neglecting these truths could lead to the departure of divine fire from their altars.

On Materialism in the Church

“Woe to the shepherds who feed themselves and not the flock! You wear fine garments, but your people are naked in spirit. You build empires, but neglect the broken. You speak of prosperity, but your hearts are far from the cross.”

“I walked barefoot, yet I carried the glory of God. I slept in the bush, yet angels ministered to me. I had no mansion, yet I dwelt in the secret place of the Most High. Why then do you measure success by what perishes?”

A Call to Return

“Return to the mountain of prayer. Return to the fasting that break yokes. Return to the tears that birth revival. Return to the Word that convicts and heals. For only then will the covenant of revival be fulfilled.”

“The fire is waiting. The cloud is moving. But the vessels must be cleansed. The revival will not come to a church that has made peace with Mammon.”

Final Admonition

“I, Joseph Ayo Babalola, was not called to be rich—I was called to be holy. I was not sent to build kingdoms of men, but to prepare the way of the Lord. Let no man use my name to justify what I never lived. Let no one link my legacy to what I never embraced.”

To facilitate a genuine revival, the Church must prioritise a return to prayer, fasting, and holiness. Leaders are called to resist the commercialization of sacred practices, uphold apostolic integrity, and reaffirm the purity of the gospel message. A true revival cannot flourish in an environment that compromises with materialism.

Conclusion

Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola’s legacy is a powerful spiritual inheritance grounded in sacrifice, simplicity, and divine power—far removed from materialism. We must honour his genuine values and steadfastly reject any misuse of his name for actions that betray his life principles. The CAC must reignite its apostolic fervour, boldly confront the growing materialism of our times, and prepare earnestly for the promised revival from God. The call to return to these foundational principles is urgent and necessary; we must act now.