By 'Gbenga Bankole
The DCC Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Oniyo Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), Ekiti, Pastor Olu Akeju has urged Ministers of God to emphasise more on subjects that can lead members to see the need for striving to know God the more.
He also advised ministers and Church leaders to structure the Church in such a way that continual and consistent growth of members will be made possible.
Pastor Akeju stated this while ministering on the topic "Continuous Pursuit of God"at Whatsapp Webinar Session of CAC Somolu Olaleye DCC held on the official WhatsApp group of the church on Friday May 29, 2020.
He said fasting in humility (Isaiah 57:15; 66:2) is one of the principles to apply in seeking or in the pursuit of God, adding that "as Christians, we must consistently and continually cultivate humility, making use of the discipline of fasting regularly as well as episodically. The first century church fasted every Wednesday and Friday until 3pm."
He further said that another principle to apply in seeking or in the pursuit of God is fervent and frequent prayers.
He added that "in our pursuit of God, corporate and personal prayers are essential for us to enjoy the presence and power of God. A good example is the Apostles’ corporate prayer in Acts 4:23-31; 12:1-16; 13:1-3.This is not the type of prayers that are common amidst us today."
Another principle to apply in seeking or in the pursuit of God according to Pastor Akeju is "receiving the word of God similar to the discipline of prayers is the discipline of taking in the word of God. Five things must be done concerning the word of God.Hear it, read it, study it, meditate on it and do it (Deut. 6:4-9, Josh. 1:8)."
"Everyday, pious Jews in the first century would recite from memory a few passages from Deuteronomy and Numbers (called the Shema). They would also read the scriptures to each other, recite from memory various passages and meditate on the word of God. This became the practise of Christians as well. As Christians, we are to pray and read the Bible individually and also study it together as a body. Nothing less than two hours should be set apart for this on a daily basis for anyone seeking or panting after God. Weekly Church services, Bible Studies, daily Devotions, prayer meetings, accountability groups and other church programs are all good avenues for studying the word. Unfortunately in many of our gatherings it is jamboree and no time for the word."
Repentance from known sins, living a lifestyle of perseverance and corporate fellowship with other believers are other principles to apply in seeking or in the pursuit of God, according to Pastor Akeju.
"We are in a period in which the pursuit of the things of this world has replaced the pursuit of God. Most especially with the problem of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which has led to the lockdown of places of congregational worship of God. Many people including notable ministers of God are erroneously teaching that individuals are the church, which is half-truth that is as dangerous as a whole lie. No single individual can be a church, an individual can only be a member of the church which is the body and Christ Himself is the Head. Because of many of the teachings around us today, the pursuit of God what I term “Progressive and Consistent growth in the Lord” is in a serious jeopardy.
"Many Christians have known God by giving their lives to Christ for years, yet they are not aware of what it means to seek God or what God expects from anyone who belongs to him.To be a Christian is to be a follower, an imitator, a disciple of Jesus Christ. He must be someone pursuing God, a lover of God and one who serves God consistently just as Christ modelled for us."
"Seeking after God or the pursuit of God is not just a thing for the non-Christians, but for the real and genuine Christians. Ninety percent of the passages of scripture where the concept of seeking after God is found referred to Christians and not non-Christians. It is an ongoing mind-set and lifestyle of those who desire to know, love, and follow God. Becoming a Christian is a step in the process of seeking God, but only the first step, and the rest of one’s life is to be spent drawing closer to Him."
"Another way to think about seeking God is the concept of attracting the presence of God. As we draw near to God, He draws near to us. Just as the prophet Azariah told king Asa in 2Chro.15:2. 'The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. If you forsake Him, He will forsake you," Pastor Akeju stated.
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