Pastor Gideon O. Obiwale
By 'Gbenga Bankole
The Chairman of Christ Apostolic Church Men's Association (CACMA), Pastor Gideon O. Obiwale has told men that they cannot be better without sound doctrine and any man without sound doctrine cannot grow enough.
Pastor Obiwale stated this on Wednesday June 14, 2023 while delivering the welcome address at 2023 CACMA Conference, 71st edition holding at CAC Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
Defining sound doctrine, the Cleric said it is the godly teaching that makes one's soul or mind healthy (Tim 1:10), it is the gospel truth without errors or heresy, it is teaching of the scripture from the men and women who are growing in grace and knowledge of Christ and it's the true message of Christ which empowers our minds to overcome the world system (II Tim 4:3-4).
He further stressed that sound doctrine builds confidence into a Christian so as to console, correct, encourage and strengthen baby and backsliding christians (Titus 1:9), it comes from God's Word via the tongue of the men of Holy wisdom (Prov 12:18b) and it is the medicine that strengthens the body of Christ and makes the bones strong (Prov 3:8).
"Sound doctrine or word can be learnt so as to become who God created us to be (II Tim.1.13). Every man without sound doctrine cannot grow enough to be the head that functions rightly. Every man without sound doctrine cannot grow to be the real image of God and cannot reveal the glory of God through his life. Every man without sound doctrine cannot grow to become responsible enough to guard God's resources and become a guide to God's heritage put in his care like Adam failed in the garden of Eden," the Superintendent of Kosofe DCC, Lagos said.
According to Pastor Obiwale, it takes a long walk with God before real capacity of man begins to manifest, adding that growth makes man become spiritually sensitive, mentally active, and physically productive.
He also added that "growth helps man to be a graceful leader, appointed preserver of Godly virtues at home and society (Eph. 5:23). Growth enables a man to be a wonderful lover (Eph 5:25a), peaceful priest (Eph 5:26). Growth helps man to pray without wrath and doubt in his heart (I Tim 2:8). Growth puts man in position of authority (Judges 13:8-12) and this growth happens as you submit yourself to be groomed through sound doctrine."
Quoting Proverbs chapter 31 verse 23 which says '...her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land', Pastor Obiwale noted that many men are not known at the gate because they have not been functioning right at home, many fathers are far away from their responsibility, making it harder for their family to become strong and functioning.
He said: "fathers, go back to the gate of your families and societies as Judges and Officers (Deut 16:18) and display the grace and truth of God loaded in you as rebuke is at the gate (Amos 5:10). As you grow by God's word, you become a man who can say to gates of this world system to be opened and the King of kings comes into your home, church and society (Ps 24:5,7)."
Conclusively, Pastor Obiwale said fatherhood in life is about involvement, consistency, awareness and nurturing, and every father who cares to provide those qualities must allow sound doctrine to make him grow so as to produce those qualities.
The Day One of the conference was loaded with different impactful sessions which includes powerful praise session by the conference choir led by Pastor Titus Oyerinde, prayer session by Regional Revivalist of CAC Akilling Region, Pastor S.O. Fowowe and first lecture by the DCC Superintendent, CAC Oke-Isegun, Ondo, Pastor Dr. A .A Abayomi.