Prophet Hezekiah extols apostolic virtues as CAC Ikeja Zone celebrates 20th anniversary

By Goke Ilesanmi

Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, the General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria and Overseas, has extolled apostolic virtues and urged Christians to emulate them always in a bid to solidify their footing on the apostolic foundation.

Prophet Hezekiah said this on Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Lagos during the grand finale of the 20^th Ikeja Zone Anniversary Celebration tagged ‘Ikeja Day Celebration’, an annual Zonal Anniversary programme for commemorating the establishment of zone.

Speaking as the Guest Minister on the anniversary theme of “Standing on the Apostolic Foundation” in reference to Ephesians 2:20, the General Evangelist described the Apostles as those endowed with the Spirit of God and exhibit the lifestyle of Christ. He identified apostolic virtues as zeal for heavenly things, holiness, selflessness, faithfulness, self-discipline, love for others, contentment, spirit of unity, forgiving spirit, fellowship with others, cheerful giving, etc.

In Prophet Hezekiah’s words, “Apostles are those filled with the thoughts and acts of Christ. They speak like Christ, act like Christ and sing like Christ. They are physically, morally and spiritually unique. They remain steadfast on the foundation of Christ. They are less concerned about themselves but think more about how to better the lot of others. They surrender the totality of their lives and belongings to God.”

The revered Prophet of God said returning to the apostolic foundation is the only way to perfectly walk with God. Prophet Hezekiah added that going back to the apostolic foundation or covenant means embracing the lifestyle of total faithfulness, love, fellowship with others and joint or common ownership of belongings as it was done during Apostles’ time according to Acts 4:32.

The General Evangelist urged the congregation to put the totality of their trust in Christ alone as the most reliable foundation. Predicating his advice on 1 Corinthians 3:11, Prophet Hezekiah said there is no any other solid foundation, except that of Christ. He expatiated that Jesus Christ is the Pillar, Strong Force and Power of His Church.

In his words, “If Jesus Christ is not your foundation, then, you are not an Apostle or Christian. CAC is the Church of those whose ways of life are synonymous with those of the Apostles of old. So, if you are not in Christ or on apostolic foundation, you are definitely not a bona fide member of CAC and benefits of the CAC covenant may elude you.”

Going by way of biblical allusion, the General Evangelist urged the congregation to embrace Christ and by extension, the Holy Spirit and demonstrate the lifestyle of holiness. He said if Christ lives in people, then, they will surely live holy lives and be able to avoid a sinful lifestyle as indicated in I Corinthians 6:15.

According to Prophet Hezekiah, failure to be under the guide of the Holy Spirit or on apostolic foundation has made many people marry wrong partners and have wrong children because it is the Holy Spirit that directs us to take right decisions that lead to positive results.

Prophet Hezekiah also advised elders and deaconesses to strive to achieve scriptural and spiritual maturity as they are supposed to be able to conduct service and other activities perfectly if pastors are not around. Rounding off his message, the General Evangelist urged the congregation to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and avoid covetousness if they must stand firm on the apostolic foundation.

Earlier in his own Welcome Address, Pastor Emmanuel Adetula, the Zonal Superintendent expressed appreciation to the General Evangelist for honouring the invitation of the Zone. Pastor Adetula also used the occasion to thank the CAC Authorities for approving two new Districts for the Zone.

The Zonal Superintendent who equally expressed appreciation to the Anniversary Planning Committee chaired by Pastor Ebenezer Awe, all the zonal ministers and members in general for all their efforts towards accelerating the progress so far recorded in the Zone, urged everybody to remain steadfast and unwavering in their faith in Christ.

In his words, “Also, to remain steadfast on the Apostolic Foundation (Ephesians 2:20) as laid by Christ and the biblical doctrine of the Church according to the theme of this year anniversary, and avoid being tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”

The Zonal Superintendent advised ministers and members to intensify efforts towards having more soul-winning programmes in all assemblies as the Church marches on victoriously to greater heights as the rapture is imminent.

Elder Fola Asekun, the Planning Committee’s Secretary who also doubles as the Zonal Secretary refreshed the memory of the members with the brief history of the zone.