2013 XMAS CAROL

BUILDING A LIFETIME MARRIAGE.

BUILDING A LIFETIME MARRIAGE.

A LECTURE DELIVERED BY MOTHER CELESTIAL A. A ADEWALE (JP) AT THE CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST, YEMETU PARISH, IBADAN ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR WOMEN’S PROGRAMME, AS PART OF THE 50^TH ANNIVERSARY AND ADULT HARVEST CELEBRATION

ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2013.

Marriage is a divine institution and a process by which two non-biologically related people who love each other make their relationship public, official and permanent. It is a union designed by God to tackle the problem of loneliness and backed by a sacred vow in the presence of God and man kind.

‘I call upon this person…’

FOUNDATION: Everything in life both living and non-living has its source i.e. origin. Whoever forgets its source will dry off. Christ is the foundation.

And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone,

I will make him a help meet. (Genesis 2:18)

If you buy an electronic gadgets today, there will be a manual attached; this is to guide you on how best to enjoy it if followed properly, otherwise, you may lose the equipment.

God saw the incompleteness of man, hence the need for a help meet. Then, it is wrong for any man to say I can stay without a woman. Likewise, a woman is to be a help meet in WHATEVER form she finds herself.

Furthermore, the Lord God said in Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave

unto his wife and they shall be one flesh.

How many of our men hearkened to this instruction?

ADVICE: Let us stay within the instruction of God about marriage and enjoy a blissful marital life.

The following are the tips to help a marriage last a lifetime:

1. BUILD ON CHRIST

• Allow God’s word to guide you
• Understand that God originated marriage. Therefore, it must not be put asunder.
• Refer every marital problem to Him (God).

Prayer is the only weapon we have as Christians to fight the agents of darkness. Do not wait till problem come, learn to pray when you have no problem or trouble.

NOTE: The family that prays together stays together. (Proverb 14:1, Ephesians 5:16)

2. LOVE

With love, you can do anything to sustain your marriage. During courtship, the type of love that existed between the two lovers cannot be over emphasized. Let us call that kind of love agape love. It is this type of love that graduated to the call of both parent in wedlock. It is advised that this type of love be kept alive THROUGHOUT your relationship.

Look at the love that existed between Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29:20). It made him serve 14 years instead of 7 years.

The book of Songs of Solomon chapter 8 verses 7 says;

Many waters cannot quench love; neither can the floods drown it…

Love never fails, therefore let us be patient in love. Proverbs 10:12

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. Ephesians 5:28-29

3. COMMUNICATION

This gives room for transparency and it gives strength to a relationship, thus eradicating doubt.

Where there is no counsel, the people fall but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

4. BE FOCUSED

Focus means a thing of interest which one strive to achieve. If your focus in your marriage is to make you, so shall it be and if otherwise, you shall reap it. As you set your mind on things that interest you, then it is very evident for you to strive and get them all in spite of the obstacles and challenges of life liable to come across your way.

To achieve this, don’t be a copy cast, try and be yourself. Don’t give room for third party, live a life of contentment, do not copy the standard of your friends but try and make God’s standard on marriage your watchword.

NOTE: Third party people are marriage destroyers. Therefore, BEWARE of them.

5. SEX

It has been observed that the nature of the African culture has worsened the effect of sex in marriage. Several houses have torn apart as a result of this. Paul said in 1^st Corinthians 7:2-5

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and let every woman have her own husband.

Sex is not only for procreation as most women believe but serves as an avenue for intimacy and a tonic that nurtures every relationship.

Our husbands should not see their wives as horses to ride and latter drop; but they (husbands) should try and give room for romance to be able to enjoy sex especially where age is not on our side or when menopause set in. This is vital in any union.

NATURE OF WORK

The job (work) each other does must be supported for a stable home. Most homes have fallen apart because they refuse to understand the nature of their work.

Do not marry the physical being alone but also all that will make each other function in your chosen career. This will allow peace to reign supreme and portray your home as God’s given and for others to emulate.

In-laws from both sides are very important and relevant in your home. Do not exercise the attitude that will send them parking.

DOMINEERING ATTITUDE

Experience has shown that men have the tendency of being domineering. It is also true that wives are to submit themselves unto their husbands as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22) yet the Bible challenges both (husbands and wives) to submit themselves to one another. (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)

It is clear that there is no ideal wife or husband neither is there a perfect home BUT we must be determined to make success of our marriages.

NOTE: If you fail in your marriage, then regard failure in your entire life and very liable to miss HEAVEN.

HYGIENE

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Both parties are advised to keep hygiene live in their home. Most women have lost their divine husband due to uncleanness on the pretence that my husband should understand. No man is happy to live with a dirty woman.

CONCLUSION

Obedience they say is better than sacrifice. Let us sacrifice everything in regards to our deliberations today to build a lasting relationship.

Thank God for the grace we all are enjoying in Celestial Church of Christ, worldwide. It was due to Pa S. B. J Oshoffa’s obedience. 50 years is a journey that worth celebrating. May God keep us all under HIS grace to celebrate more years on earth.

Thank you.

Long live women forum,

Long live Celestial Church of Christ, Yemetu Parish,

Long live Celestial Church of Christ, worldwide.

AMEN. 

                                                

THE ROLE OF CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE CHRISTENDOM

THE ROLE OF CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE CHRISTENDOM

A LECTURE DELIVERED BY SUPERIOR EVANGELIST (DR.) EMMANUEL O. ADEWALE OF C. C.C. APETE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE  INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (IMC)OF C.C.C. WORLDWIDE AT PANDA EVENTS COMPLEX SABO YABA , LAGOS ON SATURDAY 2^ND NOVEMBER 2013

INTRODUCTION

I am highly honoured to be in this exalted position to deliver a lecture on the significance of our church in the midst of all other churches in the universe at this crucial time in the history of our beloved church.  This becomes important and relevant as an exercise to assess the objectives, the performance etc. of the church in the contemporary world. I want to equally greet the members of the IMC for making themselves available as useful tools for the progress of our church. I guess that God put it in the mind of our Pastor Founder to set up this committee about 30years ago as a result of the geometric increase in the number of parishes and the need to have a 'pastoral  administrative eye' on the parish that is set by him at the International Headquarters Ketu , Lagos. Without this arrangement, what belongs to all could have belonged to nobody. I pray for further strength for you all in Jesus name.

This topic, the role of Celestial Church of Christ in the Christendom requires a review of the concept of the Christendom, the essence of Cele and a discussion of the role of the church in relation to others. All these will be touched before we make our recommendations.

“Celestial Church of Christ is part of the one spiritual, world-wide, united, indivisible Holy Church which came into the world from heaven by DIVINE ORDER on the 29th of September 1947 in PORTO NOVO, REPUBLIC OF BENIN (formerly REPUBLIC OF DAHOMEY) through a single individual, a man who is the founder of the Church, the Reverend Pastor Prophet Founder SAMUEL BILEHOU JOSEPH OSHOFFA.” (Article 1, Second Schedule, Celestial Church Constitution).

Christendom can be described as the worldwide body of Christians. According to the free Wikipedia Dictionary, Christendom is an old religious term which is now replaced with Christianity. The Oxford dictionary defines it as a worldwide body or society of Christians. Hence, for the purpose of this lecture, we can paraphrase the theme to be the role of Celestial Church in the body of Christ or the role of Celestial Church in the society of other churches.

THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA

Christianity was a foreign religion to Africa. Our fore fathers were known for the practice of the religions that involved deities often represented by stones, trees, rivers and all other “special” creations. They believed in an almighty with specific attributes that make them honour, fear, obey and follow the deity and their practices. Christianity however, came to Africa through Egypt in the middle of the first century (Wikipedia). But the establishment of Islam in North African countries made it difficult for Christianity to penetrate fully there.  Hence, the interests of the early missionaries shifted to the southern and western Africa where Nigeria became a huge beneficiary.

The Roman Catholic Mission, the British Anglican Church, Methodist Church and the Baptist Church were the first of churches in Nigeria. Later, some African Instituted Churches sprang up to support the mission of gaining people into God’s kingdom. One of these African Instituted Churches was Celestial Church of Christ.

The essence of these early churches were mainly to draw Africans away from idol worshipping, human sacrifices, Slave trade, the killing of twins and other mystical beliefs that did not glorify God and Jesus as His son. These  efforts of the early missionaries were quite successfully as they brought along with religion things like education in the 3 Rs , scholarships and overseas training, health, commerce etc. . These made the reading of the Bible available to people with improving attitude towards cruelty, civilization and godliness. The number of church goers kept on increasing with churches spreading to the localities. Yet these churches with their tenets did not produce a 'perfect man'. There was a need for yet another church that will have a tenet relevant enough to deliver man completely from the powers of darkness into the kingdom of God.

 

WHY CELESTIAL CHURCH?

Before the advent of Celestial Church of Christ, some African Instituted Churches like Cherubim and Seraphim through Moses Orimoade and others through Ayo Babalola, Oshitelu etc.  had being in existence. Such ministries had made waves particularly in Nigeria in the 1930s and 40s. Yet God chose to send Celestial Church of Christ into this world. It becomes a thing of worry to see this happen. Why will God send Celestial Church again? Could it be that the first black evangelists were fake or that they were not efficient? Better still, could it be that they lost their calling or what? The answers to these questions are not far-fetched.

By the record of the church constitution, an angel of the Lord told the founder (Prophet S.B.J. Oshoffa) that; "It is the wish of God to send you on an errand of preaching to the world. Many nominal Christians there are who, when confronted by difficulties and problems of this world, they run after fetish priests and other powers of darkness for all kinds of assistance. Consequently, on their death, they cannot see Christ because, by their action, Satan has left his spiritual mark on them. To assist you in your work so that men may listen to and follow you, miraculous works of Holy divine healing will be carried out by you in the name of Jesus Christ. These works of divine healing and God's spiritual mark on you will testify to the fact that God sent you". (Celestial Church of Christ Constitution, Article two, Second Schedule).

Hence, Celestial Church did not just come into existence out of selfish wish of an individual or group of people. God himself purposed the church differently from those of earlier existing denominations. Cele was meant to improve over the weaknesses of the early churches. Those nominal Christians upon slight difficulties run to the idols for help consequently inscribed the mark of the devil on them (Revelation 14:9-11). When they die they have no inheritance with God. What does it profit a man if he has the whole world but loses his soul (Read John 15:5-6). For the redemption of mankind therefore, God used the blood of His only son - Jesus to repossess man to Him and for the total liberation of all.

 

THE ROLE OF CELESTIAL CHURCH IN THE CHRISTENDOM

 If God has specifically fashioned out this church then it may be necessary to understand her purpose and particularly as it differs from other Christian body. Let us begin by studying the role of Christianity in general.

There are diverse opinions about the role of the church. Such roles vary with denominations and in many regards they determine the emphasis that each church places. For instance, the Roman Catholics emphasis on roles that are related to school education and charity for the poor whilst Anglican and the Protestant pay more attention to issues that draw worshippers to God more according to the National Church  Life Survey (NCLS).

The Grace Communion International (in her website) states that there six functions/roles of the church and they include:

                 Worship 1Pet. 2:9; Eph.5:1

                Spiritual discipline

                 Discipleship   2Tim2:2; Col. 3:16

                 Fellowship Romans 1:12                  

                 Service         Gal. 6:10; 1 Cor. 12:7

                 Evangelism Mat. 28:19 -20

 

Any church or organisation will always find its role or function in the reason why it is created.  Myles Munroe says ''when the purpose of a thing is not known, the abuse is inevitable.'' This is true of our church.

 What then is the role of Celestial Church of Christ in the Christendom? Honestly a look at the public impression about this church or a survey of what people think about the significance of Celestial Church of Christ will produce a mixed feeling. What members do or say make the world think that the church is not worth the salt. But haven taken time to study the wish of God for mankind and what this church has produced so far, l come to submit the following as the roles of Celestial Church of Christ:

1.       The church is an organ of spiritual awakening. God sent Cele to the world at a time when churches are no longer strong enough to meet the spiritual needs of the people. Hardly can Christians behave without recourse to other fetish powers but the strong spiritual gift in the church has brought people back.

2.       Cele is a major source of spiritual succour for others. It is clear that almost everyone at all      points of their spiritual needs irrespective of which church they go, run to a parish of this church at one time or the other for results.

 

3.       She is a reservoir of musical inspiration to other churches. l am not aware of any major spiritual song or singer that does not have a link with celestial songs and or instrumentalists. The impact of music in life cannot be over stressed.

 

4.       The church provides opportunities for talents to spring up and grow. Many renowned evangelist, preachers, pastors and singer have the roots of their success stories traceable to Celestial Church of Christ.

 

5.       One of the enviable pillars of the church is LOVE. Many churches have credence of this for their growth from the church.

 

6.       Like in the days of Elijah and the other prophets, Celestial Church provides divine guidance to people in power hence helping in nation building and reducing reliance on diabolical powers.

 

7.       The church is fashioned to be the last ship of salvation purifying the soul of people and preparing them for eternal glory irrespective of their religious affiliation.

 

8.       As one of the most populous churches, celestial Church of Christ by her membership provides a source of strength for the whole Christendom.

Going by the above, it is clear against popular belief that God has made Celestial Church a torch light and a source of inspiration as well as a place of refuge to others in the Christendom. A lady spoke to me one day and said ''Dad, you know l have been to various churches in this country, l am not sure if there is one that l have not visited, so l can tell you that there is nowhere else where the gift of prophecy is paramountly effective more than Celestial Church of Christ''. The efficacy of this gift gives Cele the distinction in the Christendom.

 

CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST AND HER ROLE IN CHRISTENDOM

It is crystal clear that God has a special assignment for this church inspite of all distractions. God said that it is decreed from heaven that this church continues to grow till all afflictions of the world disappear and till Jesus comes the second time. All the five ministries required to function have been given by God As the last boat of salvation, she is supposed to use all the God provisions to ensure the goal getting. But experiences show that this leadership role of the church was only achievable for the first forty years.

Thereafter, integrity, sincerity, commitment, orderliness, love, and all the glorious virtues of the church are now doubted by everybody. Imagine the number of quality members of the church that have found it convenient to start afresh elsewhere. The discipleship principles and practice of the church has now turned to PREPARATORY. This is because when people have issues they run to the church for assistance and as soon as their problems are over they see that there are Bible believing churches around. Before you know it they proudly tell you that they are now born again and that they are now candidates of heaven.  Some of such people are not ashamed to come back to Cele at the least spiritual attacks. We need a change. God cannot be a liar.  

 

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

No matter what might have gone wrong with the fold, God can still build us up from the pieces of our yesterday. One interesting thing that is worthy to note about God is that He will not forget His covenant. Although, He may change the operators to be used but certainly He will fulfil it. God promised to take the Israelites to the promise land through Moses but He only did through Joshua and Caleb.  God will not forget His promise for the Church

If the future is this bright and sure, then we should all take positive steps to restore the glory of Celestial Church of Christ. I want to suggest an action in the following directions:

1.       Our ministry of teaching must be improved upon. People perish for lack of                                          knowledge.  The high volume of grace and love that the church started with made people              pay less attention to teaching, discipline and control. Instead we acted on 'we have                       Abraham as our father '.

2.       Let us sanitize ourselves on the purpose of the church.

3.       Let us pray ceaselessly less the devil takes advantage of us.

4.       Let us sheath our swords and forge ahead into the future.

Taking drastic steps at this time is not negotiable.  Heaven is waiting and Christ is watching us. The responsibility is that of all of us. May God help us.

GROWING IN CHRIST WITH FAITH

 Christians are Christ followers who are expected to behave in Christ-like manner. Faith is the basis of Christianity; no wonder the Bible says that the just shall live by faith. Hence it is a sin not to live in faith (Hebrews 10:38). The dictionary defines faith as an unquestionable confidence or believes in divine truth without proof. As a matter of fact, Faith is a living thing, so it has the capacity to grow (Hebrews11:1).

Effects of not growing in Christ with faith

·         Stagnancy

·         Non experience of miracles

·         Limitations from all sides

·         Spiritual deafness and dumbness

Stages of the growth of faith in Christianity

·         Beliefs: this is a feeling that something is real and true. An important example was the man at the pool for 38years (John5:3-7). This man had the belief that unless he is being assisted into the pool, there is no other means of healing. The problem of this stage of faith is that it may be totally wrong at times, just as it is in this case.

·         Reluctant faith: this is a kind of faith whereby a Christian reluctantly believes what he hears. Prayers rarely get answered in this case except God is determined to do it notwithstanding one’s belief. The healing of Naaman, the Syrian army was a typical example (2Kings5:11-15). 

·         Religious faith: this is the kind of the Pharisee’s kind of faith that promotes self-righteousness and man induced doctrines above the will of God.

·         Staggering faith: this kind of faith that is not consistent due to disturbing external factors. This level of faith does not give a consistent good result. Peter’s case is a perfect example (Matthew14:29).

·         Mountain moving faith: the Roman Officer’s faith (Luke7:6-8)

·         Persistent faith: this is the kind of faith that a Christian put into practice constantly notwithstanding any disturbing external factors. Christians at this stage of faith do not care if things seem to be going on well or otherwise, they just belief all the way and their faith often make them whole (Matthew15:21-28).

·         Violent faith: this is the highest level of faith that can be exercised by a Christian. Such people at this stage violently ask and often receive. A good example was Bartimaeus of the Bible (Mark10:47-52) and the paralyzed man who was taken to the presence of Jesus via the roof top (Luke5:17-24).

= how can we grow our faith in Christ?

Our faith in Christ can be improved through the diligent practice of the following

·         Reading, meditating and using the word of God consistently

·         Always mind your company of friends: move with optimists, discard the pessimists

·         Constantly get accustomed with Testimonies; share your own and listen to other people’s Testimonies.

It is a great opportunity that God has raise up prophet for us in CCC like our late pastor founder (OSHOFFA) who laid a spiritual legacy which numerous people like you and me , prophets, prophetesses, Dreamers, Visioneers and host of others are benefiting from today. Jer29:15
 To we Celestial in general, and prophet and prophetess as a whole, it is high time we stop all negative and malicious though concerning the church as a body and his founder but we should acknowledge the positive contribution of the pastor founder in individuals life, family, organization, e.t.c without him this kind of gathering and celebration can not be possible
                                                                                                               curled from Covenant Echoes


CCC Apete wishes us all Happy celebration.....
long live Celestial Church Worldwide .........
long live Celestial Church of Christ Apete......
Long live You and me.......
Amen

WALK BUT AS WISE

WALK BUT AS WISE

E MA RIN GEGE BI OLOGBON

Texts: Leviticus 11:1-11 & Ephesians 5:1-20

1. INTRODUCTION

• Service is all about ATTITUDE (Ephesians5:10)
• God is perfect, clean and righteous; so He wants us His children to follow Him in His path of righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 5:1, Psalms15:1)
• To be perfect, we need to understand and be wise. Ephesians5:15b, 17
• You need to remember that man consists of the body, soul and spirit. Ephesians 5:9
• Hence, for the body to be perfect you have to be clean. Leviticus 11:1-11
• Man in flesh cannot please God.

2. WHAT WE NEED TO AVOID!

1. Fornication, uncleanliness or covetousness (Ephesians5:2).
2. Filthiness (Ephesians5:3)
3. Foolish Talking and Jesting (Ephesians5:3)
4. Idolatry (Ephesians5:5)
5. Fellowship with unfruitful work of darkness (Ephesians5:11)
6. Walking as fools or like the unwise who do not understand the will of God (Ephesians5:15). To be wise is to understand the will of God.
7. Being a drunkard (Ephesians 5:18).

3. WHAT WE NEED TO DO: God requires that we follow him as his dear children (Ephesians 5:1). So like the wise, we must learn to:

1. Walk in love at all times (Ephesians 5:2, 1John4:7, 8, 16 and 20).
2. Walk as children of light (Ephesians5:8). Avoid unclealiness.
3. Reprove all unfruitful work of darkness (Ephesians5:11).
4. Redeem the TIME in prayers (Ephesians5:16, 1Thes5:17).
5. Understand the will of God (Ephesians5:17)
6. Make ourselves happy in the Lord by singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Life is meant to be enjoyed not endured. This attitude of praise will gladden your heart, strengthen your body and heal your soul. Ephesians5:19
7. Give thanks to God for all things always (Ephesians5:20, psalms103)

4. MY CHARGE

I therefore charge you as sojourners on this planet who desires a place in heaven above: Awake, thou that sleepest and arise from the dead (slumber) and Christ shall surely give you the light (Ephesians 5:14). 

                                                                                      sup.Evang. Adewale