By 'Gbenga Bankole
The General Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Worldwide, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele has told the newly ordained Pastors of the mission to beware of the gospel of prosperity.
He noted that the Gospel is not about eating and drinking, but about righteousness, holiness and peace in Christ.
Pastor Oladele stated this on Thursday December 10, 2020 at 2020 Ordination of Pastors held at Babalola International Memorial Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State. A total number of 1849 Pastors were ordained by the Authorities of CAC Worldwide at the glamorous service.
The Cleric said the gospel of prosperity would not take away covetousness from people, saying that despite the prosperity of King Ahab he was not satisfied, but covetous.
Pastor Oladele stressed that the change needed at this time is not a change of position or status, but a change of heart that takes away worldliness and ungodliness.
He told the newly ordained Pastors that they should remember that there is a king who has been condemned to hell which is Satan.
He added: "don't be carried away by your ordination, know that you are going to the battlefield. The king (Satan) will do everything possible to take away your salvation and ministry (vineyard)."
Taking his text from 2 Kings chapter 21 from verse 1, Pastor Oladele said Naboth's vineyard is a place of negotiation, telling the new Pastors that "the devil will want to negotiate with you in order to have your ministry. Garden of Eden was a place of negotiation between the devil and man. Satan will offer you a seemingly better ministry. Be careful when you are popular or famous. God is not against it, but make sure your popularity is not in exchange of your salvation. Beware of offers because Satan is an offerer."
The General Superintendent said Naboth's vineyard became a place of contention, saying to the new Pastors that ministry is a place of contention between the Pastors and the devil.
According to him, Naboth's vineyard is a place of judgement and he told the Pastors that they will be judged for what they do in their vineyard (ministry).
The Chairman Ordination Committee, Pastor E.S. Famuyide urged the new Pastors to preach the Gospel without adulteration or sentiment.
He said they should pray like the Apostles and CAC founding Fathers, saying that they should also emphasise the primacy of holiness and shun the quest for materialism which is the order of the day.
Pastor Famuyide further said they should exhibit the act of digging the Bible, live and maintain holy living and always keep the eternity in view irrespective of challenges.
The newly ordained Pastors were in training for some months before the ordination. The Student Leader, Pastor Samuel A. Adebambo said the training exercise has been an eye opener and catalyst in so many areas of exploits and discoveries which has helped in sharpening and repositioning them in the ministry that God has called.
"The wealth of knowledge and experience of our seasoned lectures with their materials made available to us a bedrock for excellence that we can never forget. The year 2020 ordination programmer is one with a difference and evidently a special set in the history which cannot be forgotten despite the global pandemic. Today, we stand to celebrate success and fulfillment in our capacity," he said.
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