By Goke Ilesanmi
The President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, has said spiritual gifts are ignitable ingredients necessary for sustaining spiritual fire on the altar.
The CAC President made this disclosure as Guest Minister during the thanksgiving service of CAC Ikeja Zone’s 21st Anniversary Celebration, christened “21st Ikeja Day Celebration”, in commemoration of the creation of the zone, which held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the zonal headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking on the anniversary theme of “Spiritual Gifts as Ignition for Constant Fire on the Altar” in reference to Leviticus 6:13, Pastor Oladele, who was represented by the General Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Ezekiel Mapur, said, “Keeping the fire constantly burning on the altar is the assignment given to us as ministers of God. For the fire to keep burning on the altar, ministers have a lot of work to do spiritually.”
He stressed that as children of God, we are called to serve God without blemish. According to him, “If we are to serve God, then we need some tools to use, that is, the spiritual gifts. They are given to us as tools to serve God.”
Commending the CAC Sunday School Department for the thematic focus of this year’s pamphlet on spiritual gifts and the knowledge impartation to members, Pastor Oladele expressed his happiness that any CAC member you meet would be able to tell you something about spiritual gifts.
The President explained that there are 15 spiritual gifts and they are abilities given to us believers by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building the church and service.
In his words, “These 15 gifts are those of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, exhortation, giving, administration, mercy, healing, miracle, faith, discernment, diverse tongues and interpretation.”
He advised everyone in the Body of Christ to endeavour to operate based on the specific gift(s) endowed with by the Holy Spirit. Alluding to 1 Corinthians 12, the President said these gifts complement each other and there is no gift that should be neglected or regarded as inferior to another gift.
He highlighted spiritual gifts as being catalysts for church unity, edification, evangelism, spiritual growth, mission and service as well as glorification of God.
On those who can receive the spiritual gifts, the President explained that it is only those who truly believe in Christ and surrender to Him as the Lord and Saviour.
Pastor Oladele disclosed that the fire on the altar signifies the presence of God, purification, worship, separation of the holy fire from the strange or profane fire.
On how to ensure the altar fire continues to enjoy consistent spiritual ignition, the President said it is through persistent spiritual commitment; continuous self-purification; seeking God always and consistent study of God’s Word.
Earlier in his own Welcome Address, Pastor Emmanuel Adetula, the Zonal Superintendent expressed appreciation to God for His protection and grace at work in the Zone and CAC at large.
The Zonal Superintendent equally thanked the CAC President for honouring the invitation of the Zone as well as the entire members of the Zone for their persistent efforts at making the Zone move forwards.
In Pastor Adetula’s words, “What we are doing today is a call to soul-winning by Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. The Lord will continue to renew our strength and bestow more spiritual gifts on us for the expansion of His Kingdom in Jesus Christ’s Name. With the unity and cooperation of all of us in the Zone, I believe the work will be easy, hence, all of us should please be involved.”
Elder Fola Asekun, the Secretary of the Zone took the entire congregation through the historical journey of the creation of the Zone 21 years ago. He expressed optimism that the Zone would achieve the exalted status of a District Coordinating Council very soon.
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