By 'Gbenga Bankole
The Planter and Minister in Charge of Christ Apostolic Church, Church of Boanerges, Prophet Ade Ologbonyo, has urged Christians across the globe to be the living evidence of Christ and His resurrection.
He further urged that we should be true members of the body of Christ, spread the life and love of Christ.
Prophet Ologbonyo stated this in his Easter Sunday message titled "Don't be an empty Church on Easter Sunday" obtained by CAC NEWS.
In his exact words: "this is an Easter like no other that the World has witnessed in the history of humanity. Every church building is closed down on this Easter Sunday because of an unseen COVID-19. Who thought this could ever happen in history? The empty church on a special day like this, should teach us a few hard truths and make us ponder on the big question WHAT is the CHURCH of the Lord Jesus Christ?"
"Is it the buildings, the congregation, the denominations, the gatherings or what really is the church?
Many people today understand the church to be a building or a denomination.This is not the biblical understanding of the church.The root meaning of "church" is not a building, but of a people. The called out."
"What did Jesus mean when he said, "upon this rock I will build my church?The name Peter, (Petros) means "rock" or rock-man. In the next phrase Christ used Petra (upon this rock), a feminine form for "rock" not a name. Christ used a play on words. He did not say "upon you, Peter" or "upon your successors, " but"upon this rock" - upon this divine revelation and profession of faith in Christ. Peter was blessed because he had come to a correct conclusion about the person of Christ and the great blessing would be brought into his life.The Church is built on Peter's testimony, and not on buildings or foundation stones."
"As the angel said to the Apostles, when they went to the empty tomb of Jesus, "He is not here, he has risen as he said (Matthew 28:6), the physical buildings do not house the Lord or His Spirit. God no longer desires to live in houses made by human hands. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands (Acts 7:48; Isa. 66:1-2 &
Acts 17:24).So, God does not dwell in buildings and therefore, the church is not the buildings.
Just like the empty tomb didn’t have Christ, and is useless, the church buildings without the souls of believers, is useless."
"Many great church buildings in Europe and other developed countries are now being converted to other uses.The church by definition is the body of those who believe in Christ Jesus, have a personal relationship with Him and have placed their faith in Him for their salvation. The church are those who are consecrated, purified and made holy in Christ Jesus; selected and called to be saints."
"The church are those who call upon and give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus.This time calls for us to rethink how we have always seen our Faith, Our relationship with God, and how we live our lives as members of the body of Christ, especially in our relationship with humanity.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a celebration of God's redemption and sacrifice. It exemplifies forgiveness in advance, compassion and genuine love. It signifies His renewal of the world and a second chance or opportunity to repent."
"If we be members of His body, there is no better time than now to share His love and sacrifice with all and sundry.This is what Jesus exemplifies. There is no better time to be Christ-like than now, to restore healing and peace to the world. Light has finally overcome darkness and we must remember: light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overpower it. (John 1:5). For you were once darkness but now you have light, walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)."
"Easter is more than a gathering in physical edifices; it’s more than celebration and merriments and it’s much more than the ceremonies and rites of various denominations. Now, that mankind is passing through one of the darkest periods in history, let the light of Christ so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16). Be the light and shine forth the light of Christ, wherever you are, and in whatever way you can amongst those in your immediate environment."
"As the church, if you really want to receive the eternal blessings of the kingdom of God, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take care of strangers, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit the prisoners. Build people than structures. Anyone you have the opportunity to help and care for, are your brothers and sisters. If you do these for any, you have done it for Christ Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46). We must remember we are all sick, if one of us is sick; we are all hungry, if anyone of us goes to bed hungry and we all remain poor as long as one of us is poor. Nothing calls on our common humanity like now. Don’t be like an “empty tomb” or empty church that carries no life. Be the living evidence of Christ & His resurrection. Be a true member of the body of Christ. Spread the life and love of Christ."
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