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| CAC General Evangelist, Prophet Hezekiah O. Oladeji |
By 'Gbenga Bankole
"There is no level of spiritual growth that should be sufficient for a child of God. The closer we draw to God, the more of Him we will realize we need. Spiritual growth that begins at salvation should continue for a life-time," the General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Prophet Hezekiah O. Oladeji said.
Prophet Hezekiah who stated this in his message titled "Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" at the just concluded CAC 2022 Pastors' Conference said it is abnormal not to grow spiritually, emphasizing that it is a sign of sickness and any child of God who refuses to grow in the various dimensions of God's expectation is spiritually sick.
"As human beings created by God, He expects us not just to grow physically but also spiritually, that is, in grace and in His knowledge. Ability to grow has been implanted in us. Therefore, let us make every effort to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord," he said.
The renowned Prophet also noted that Jesus, our perfect example did not just grow in spirit, He also developed physically, saying that "if we are to enjoy the ministry, we must take good care of our bodies, good eating habit and physical exercises are important for balanced growth."
According to him, God did not intend human beings to be stagnant, saying that He put the seed of growth in them right from the beginning of the world and that is why the first statement of God to create human beings was about growth.
"A life full of unction is a life of continuous growth. Anyone coming to Christ at whatever age is a new baby that has been injected with the seed that is capable of making him/her grow into maturity and be productive. (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:23; James 1:18) However, this seed has to be watered by the word of God and obedience of man before it can grow to become productive (1 John 1:7; 1 Peter 2:1-8)," he stated.
He further said that; "Christian growth is a mandate from God (2 Peter. 3:18). Growth is in the nature of Christian life (2 Pet. 2:2). Growth is a responsibility of every Christian (2 Pet. 1:5-9). Growth is an evidence of life. Growth determines fruitfulness and productivity. Growth should be Christian life's aspiration (2 Cor.13:11). Growth comes by the power of God (2 Cor. 3:6-7). Fruitfulness is an evidence of growth (John 15:16)."
On areas of growth, Prophet Hezekiah said areas of growth are spiritual, physical, emotional, social/relationship, service, marital and mental.