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| Pastor Dr. A .A. Abayomi |
By 'Gbenga Bankole
The Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), Ondo State, Pastor Dr. A .A. Abayomi has implored Christians, particularly men to get themselves daily ready for the rapture.
While stating holiness as one of the major criteria to rapture with Christ, Pastor Abayomi said holiness has become a great want in Christian churches all over the world whereas holiness is the trademark of genuine Christianity.
He noted that holiness is the original destiny for mankind, he was designed for holiness, created in holiness and destined for holiness. Unfortunately, sin destroyed this legacy in the Garden of Eden. Consequently, holiness has never been the driving force of mankind.
Pastor Abayomi stated this on Wednesday June 14, 2023 while ministering on the topic "The Man and His spiritual Growth" at the 2023 National Conference of CAC Men Association holding at CAC Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
The Cleric charged the men on the importance of daily renewal of sonship before God through daily quiet time, saying that when you wake up in the morning before your family altar, you stay alone with God for you quiet time observance.
"You must observe praises, worship, thanks and adoration, prayers for confession of sins, intercession and petitional prayers, critical Bible study in a digestive mood with pen and paper to jot down vital discoveries, inspirational and powerful prayers charged by the Holy Spirit and observation of silent time," he stated.
Pastor Abayomi further told the men to pay tithes of each day though prayer and be involved in series of fasting at least twice a week, long fasting and marathon.
For a child of God to grow in the spirit, he needs further learning at Jesus' feet. 'Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted' (Mat. 5:4). Mourn here does not depict mourning for loss of a relation, friend or spouse or children. It rather means child of God who is robbed of his privileges or right, or denied an opportimity because he is a Christian. It further means being humiliated or exhibition of inhuman acts to a child of God because he is a Christian. Take for an instance, Sarah versus Hagar in Gen 16;19 and Hannah versus Peninnah, 1st Sam. 1:1-20. These two episodes are typical examples of humiliation for righteousness sake," the Clergyman stated.