Pastor (Dr.) S.O. Ajayi
UNDERSTANDING THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS IN CAC AS A PROOF OF GROWTH AMONG MINISTERS’ WIVES.
LECTURE DELIVERED BY PASTOR (DR.) S.O. AJAYI, CAC OKE IYE DCC SUPERINTENDENT, ADO-EKITI AT THE 2023 COUPLES SEMINAR OF CAC SOPHIAAJAYI REGION, ADO-EKITI.
Introduction
Christ Apostolic Church from 1918 believes in holiness, divine healing and all sufficiency of God after its great revivals of 1930. The church derives its doctrine from the Holy scriptures and beliefs of the founding fathers and mothers. The history of the church can be traced directly to Apostle J.A. Babalola who was called by God in November 1928.
Definition of Terms
Faith of Our Fathers: The abundant trust in a loving heavenly father. They learned about him in the scriptures – lessons that presently guide our feet each day, in spite of the dungeon fire and sword.
Growth: It’s adding values and virtues (1 Peter 3:3-8)
· It’s matching your practice with your position in God.
· Doing things in a way that will glorify God.
FAITH OF OUR FATHERS
1. The Church Tenets (what we believe)
If you show the CAC Tenets anywhere in the world, you will know that it is the best and that we are Bible believing Christians and that we have good heritage (Acts 1:1-4)
i. Unity of God head, depravity of human nature and repentance.
ii. Virgin birth, sinless life, Atoning death, triumphant resurrection, Ascension, second coming and millennial reign upon earth.
iii. Justification
iv. Baptism of the Holy spirit
v. Nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and for exaltation and comfort of the Church.
vi. Divine inspiration of the holy scripture
vii. Church government. Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher, Elder and Deacons.
viii. Possibility of falling from grace
ix. Obligation nature of tithes and offerings.
x. Divine healing through obedience to the word of God
xi. Faith in God. Jehovah Jireh, supply all financial needs. Not borrow money with interest. Be contented.
2. Rule of Conduct
i. Never come to the house of God without praying (Matt. 6:7)
ii. Be on your seat at the commencement of the service to be a good example.
iii. Bring your children with you to the church
iv. Make your Pastor your personal friend
v. Make the church your spiritual home
vi. Don’t criticize the servant of God or speak disrespectively or before your children; if you sow to the wind, you may expect to reap the whirlwind.
vii. Take the Bible with you to the house of God.
viii. Enter the church reverently, pray fervently, listen attentively, give praise from a grateful heart and worship God in the beauty of holiness.
3. Various element of Faith of Our Fathers
a. Doctrine of Repentance
b. Baptism of the Holy spirit – that is what make us unique as a CAC member.
c. Water Baptism – After repentance, dip them into water; some receive Baptism a day to their ordination.
d. Gifts of Holy spirit (1 Cor. 12:8-11)
e. Second coming of Christ
4. Church Practices
i. Wedding – should not be taken lightly
· No premarital counselling
· Whether they are compatible spiritually.
· Discouraging the marriage of believer and non believer.
· Bed must not be defiled.
ii. Burial
iii. Holy Communion
· No more preparation, fasting and sanctification
· Various people are taking it now e.g. drunkards, Indian hemp smokers, etc.
iv. Praying to water
v. Prayer house and Mountain prayer
· Discovered by Apostle Babalola, Oba Akinyele – Akinke mountain.
· Mountain has been turned to another things.
vi. Tarry meetings – various groups or societies, Bible study, Choristers meetings, etc.
vii. The Ushering and Worship – qualification of Usher, training of Ushers.
viii. Church Music – Purpose of church music, Characteristics of choir member.
ix. Group activities in the church – CACMA, Good women, Youth, etc.
x. Church dressing – makeup, earrings, etc.
xi. The roles of Ministers' wives in the church
xii. The Don’t (forbidden things)
Food – not all food are spiritually good for the body
Drink – drinking of alcohol and smoking are forbidden
xiii. Money collection in the Church
Tithe and Offering - Missionary fund, Sunday offering, church building collection, offering for the poor, Sunday school offering.
· Give regularly (1 Cor. 16) give willingly, give intelligently, give without seeking earthly recognition.
· Minister should teach the church faithfully and also practice it.
Conclusion: Faith of Our Fathers is a powerful aid in our church; with God, it serves to strengthen our prayers and deepen our awareness of Christ. It unite the church together, it promotes life of dedication and living a holy life.
To promote the faith of our fathers, let us go back to the word of Paul “love, faith and hope, which is the greatest.”