 |
| Pastor Samuel O. Oladele |
Paul's admonition to the Roman church in Romans chapter 8 verse 28, was Pastor Samuel O. Oladele's words of encouragement to Christ Apostolic Church, Orekoya Region during his visit to one of the church properties in Agingi, Jos, on Saturday, 9 April, 2022.
The President in his response to the points highlighted as the challenges faced by the church in Agingi, said that challenges work together for the good of the church.
According to him, if God's word is taken to be true, Christians will not see anyone as their enemies.
"If we take it to be true, we do not see anyone as our enemies. Those islamists, bandits, terrorists, that burn down our places of worship, are not our enemies. If God had not allowed it, it would not have happened." He said.
The President therefore, admonished the church to imbibe the mentality of God.
"If we are Christians, we are to imbibe the very mentality of God. So that at least, when anything happens to us we don't look at anyone as our enemies. For we know that all things work together for those that love God." He said.
"I just want us to be kindhearted, not seeing anyone as our enemy. We know it is not palatable. It is a bad experience, but thank God. Jesus said, I will build my church and His promises are very much being fulfilled in our own days and the gate of hell shall not prevail against it." He added.
He stated further that the only way to fight the church is not to fight the church.
"If you want to fight the church successfully, do not fight it. But when you leave the church you don't fight them, then that church will die. When you fight the church, you will see how like the proverbial animal that when you kill it, it rises again". He explained.
In his words of encouragement, Pastor Oladele emphasised the need for the church to keep rejoicing that they know the Lord adding that no matter the challenges, God's promises remain.
"Let us be glad and rejoice in the fact that we know Him. The Bible says that those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits. Challenges of life come and go, but the promise of God remains." He said.
He then assured the church that the complains and challenges presented will be taken back to the General Secretariat in Ibadan.