Empowering Revival and Unity: Embracing Jesus’ Prayer for Oneness in CAC Nigeria and Overseas
By: Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
In the fervent plea of Jesus’ valedictory prayer for unity in John 17, we find the timeless call for believers to come together as one body, united in purpose and mission. This call for unity echoes through the ages, resonating deeply within the hearts of believers in Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas. With a shared mission of spreading the Gospel under the motto of “One Fold One Shepherd,” there is a growing recognition of the need for believers to heed Jesus’ prayer for unity, standing firm on the foundation of faith and seeking a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As the Remnants within CAC rise in the power of their conviction and commitment to righteousness, they are poised to usher in a new era marked by revival and unity, bringing glory to God and transforming the Church from within.
It is crucial to recognise that God will use the remaining faithful individuals to expose and remove false leaders, leading to a genuine revival and unity within CAC Nigeria and Overseas. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to truth and integrity, those devoted to God’s will and righteousness will play a significant role in restoring authenticity and unity in the church.
There may be a convergence between leaders who gained their positions through rebellion and those who took advantage of vulnerabilities within the church leadership of CAC Nigeria and Overseas. Despite the situation’s complexity, congregants must seek guidance and discernment from the Holy Spirit.
Through prayer and reflection, insight can be gained into the chosen leaders for revival and unity within the church. It is essential to uphold principles of truth and integrity, avoiding rebellion and exploitation of vulnerabilities. By adhering to these values, the triumph of truth and the flourishing of revival and unity can be achieved in CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
By prioritising spiritual discernment and moral principles, the congregation can move towards a unified vision led by the Holy Spirit, leaving behind any deceptive or rebellious actions or motives. Through a commitment to seeking truth and following divine guidance, the church can progress towards peace and spiritual growth, ultimately bringing glory to God and thwarting the schemes of Satan.
It is worth noting that some may support ministers or pastors not affiliated with CAC Nigeria and Overseas or the lineage of Ayo Joseph Babalola. While this is not an issue, seeking God’s guidance for the revival and unity of CAC Nigeria and Overseas is recommended.
If you are a faithful follower of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, you likely have a connection to or knowledge of these organisations to contribute. If not, offering prayers for the revival and unity of the church is a meaningful way to support.
Reflecting on biblical examples during remnant times, individuals were either aware of Israel’s path or followed their ancestors faithfully. Similarly, we have inherited a significant heritage and responsibility in CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
It is time for us to embody the teachings of our forefathers and take appropriate action. As we delve into the era of Remnants in CAC Nigeria and Overseas, could there be a correlation between Revival and Unity? In the era of the Remnants within CAC Nigeria and Overseas, a period marked by the faithful few who remain dedicated to God’s will and righteousness despite adversity, a profound revival and unity will arise. The steadfast commitment of these individuals to truth, integrity, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will play a pivotal role in bringing about a spiritual awakening and a sense of cohesion within the church community. Their unwavering faith and adherence to principles will lead to a genuine revival and unity among believers, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and direction in CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
Could the Sons of Issachar and the Maccabees serve as archetypes of the Remnants? If so, how did their lifestyles contribute to Revival in their eras, and how might these principles be relevant for addressing the current crisis and factionalism in CAC Nigeria and Overseas?
The Sons of Issachar and the Maccabees are remnants who played crucial roles in bringing about revival and unity in their respective times.
The Sons of Issachar, as mentioned in the Bible in 1 Chronicles 12:32, were known for their understanding of the times and what Israel should do. They were wise in discerning God’s will and faithfully following it. This attribute allowed them to provide leadership and guidance to the nation of Israel, particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty.
Similarly, the Maccabees were a Jewish rebel army that fought against the oppressive rule of the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BC. Led by Judah Maccabee, they stood up against religious persecution and fought for the restoration of Jewish religious practices and independence. Through their courage, faith, and unwavering commitment to God, the Maccabees were able to spark a revival among the Jewish people and eventually gain autonomy for their nation.
Drawing from these examples, the Sons of Issachar and the Maccabees demonstrated key principles that can be applied to the current situation in CAC Nigeria and Overseas amidst prolonged crisis and factionalism:
1. Discernment and Understanding: Like the Sons of Issachar, believers in CAC Nigeria and Overseas should seek to understand the times and discern God’s will in the midst of crisis. By relying on prayer, study of scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, individuals can gain insight into the best course of action to bring about revival and unity.
2. Courage and Faithfulness: The Maccabees exemplified courage and faithfulness in standing up for their beliefs and fighting against injustice. In the face of factionalism and crisis, members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas need to exhibit similar courage in upholding the truth, resisting deception, and working towards reconciliation and unity within the church.
3. Commitment to God’s Will: Both the Sons of Issachar and the Maccabees remained steadfast in their commitment to following God’s will and righteousness. By prioritising spiritual values, integrity, and unity, believers in CAC Nigeria and Overseas can pave the way for revival and restoration within their community.
In essence, by emulating the characteristics of the Sons of Issachar and the Maccabees – discernment, courage, faithfulness, and commitment to God’s will – members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas can navigate through the current crisis and factionalism towards a renewed sense of revival and unity, inspired by the examples of these biblical remnants.
Could Jesus’ farewell prayer for unity hold the key to fostering harmony within CAC Nigeria and Overseas as well? Absolutely, Jesus’ valedictory prayer for unity, as recorded in John 17, provides a powerful model for fostering harmony and unity within the Body of Christ, including CAC Nigeria and Overseas. In this prayer, Jesus expresses His desire for all believers to be united as one, just as He and the Father are one.
By drawing on the principles articulated in Jesus’ prayer, members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas can strive towards unity and reconciliation in the midst of division and conflict. Some key aspects of Jesus’ prayer for unity that can be applied include:
1. Love and Mutual Respect: Jesus emphasised the importance of love among His followers, stating that the world would know they are His disciples by their love for one another. By cultivating a spirit of love and mutual respect within CAC Nigeria and Overseas, members can bridge divides and work towards common goals.
2. Praying for Unity: Jesus specifically prayed for the unity of believers, acknowledging that a unified front would bear witness to the world of God’s redemptive work. Similarly, praying for unity within CAC Nigeria and Overseas can help align hearts and minds towards a common purpose and vision.
3. Submission to God’s Will: Jesus’ prayer also included a submission to God’s will, acknowledging that unity among believers would bring glory to God and further His Kingdom. By aligning themselves with God’s purposes and seeking His direction, members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas can work towards unity under His guidance.
4. Mission and Purpose: Jesus prayed that believers would be united in purpose and mission, reflecting the unity between the Father and the Son. By focusing on the shared mission of spreading the Gospel and discipling believers, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can find common ground and work collaboratively towards this overarching goal.
Centrally, Jesus’ valedictory prayer for unity serves as a timeless blueprint for fostering harmony and oneness within the Body of Christ. By embodying the principles of love, prayer, submission to God’s will, and a shared mission, members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas can apply the teachings of Jesus’ prayer to navigate through times of crisis and factionalism, ultimately working towards unity and revival under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Can CAC Nigeria and Overseas find common ground by centering their efforts on the shared mission of spreading the Gospel, guided by the motto of One Fold One Shepherd, and disciplining believers? Could this collaboration lead to the establishment of a new CAC rooted in righteousness and the glorious manifestation of the Holy Spirit through Revival?
Absolutely, by honing in on the shared mission of spreading the Gospel under the unifying motto of “One Fold One Shepherd,” the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria and Overseas can pave the way for a renewed sense of purpose and unity among its members. This motto encapsulates the core belief in Jesus Christ as the singular Shepherd guiding His flock towards salvation, emphasizing the unity of believers under His shepherding care.
Central to this mission is the task of discipling believers, nurturing them in the teachings of Christ and equipping them to be effective ambassadors of the Gospel. Through intentional discipleship efforts, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can cultivate a community of believers who are firmly rooted in their faith, passionate about sharing the Good News, and committed to living out the transformative power of the Gospel in their daily lives.
Furthermore, the pursuit of revival within CAC Nigeria and Overseas is intricately tied to this mission of spreading the Gospel and discipling believers. Revival, as a spiritual awakening and renewal of faith, has the potential to revitalise the Church, ignite hearts with passion for Christ, and usher in a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This revival promises to bring about a transformation within the Church, leading to a new CAC characterised by righteousness, holiness, and a glorious manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work.
The quest for revival within CAC Nigeria and Overseas is not merely a desire for emotional fervour or sensational experiences but a more profound longing for a revival rooted in the Word of God, marked by a return to the foundational principles of the Gospel, and grounded in the practice of genuine faith and obedience. As believers are stirred to seek God’s face in prayer, repentance, and consecration, the stage is set for the Holy Spirit to move in power, bringing about a revival that transcends individual experiences and impacts the entire body of believers.
In embracing the mission of spreading the Gospel, discipling believers, and pursuing revival under the banner of “One Fold One Shepherd,” CAC Nigeria and Overseas can align themselves with God’s redemptive purposes, stand united in faith, and move forward in unity towards a future marked by righteousness, holiness, and the glorious manifestation of the Holy Spirit. As the Church embodies these core values and commitments, it becomes a beacon of light and hope in a world hungry for truth, love, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
How can the Remnants in CAC Nigeria and Overseas harness the power of their conviction to usher in Revival and Unity within the church? The Remnants within CAC Nigeria and Overseas are called to move in the power of their conviction, fervently seeking revival and unity within the Church. By embracing their shared mission of spreading the Gospel under the motto of “One Fold One Shepherd” and discipling believers towards righteousness and holiness, the Remnants can pave the way for a new CAC marked by a glorious manifestation of the Holy Spirit. It is time for the Remnants to rise up with boldness, stirring up hearts with passion for Christ and fostering a spirit of unity that transcends divisions and factionalism. As they press forward in faith, prayer, and obedience, may revival and unity prevail in CAC Nigeria and Overseas, ushering in a season of spiritual awakening and transformation that brings glory to God and empowers the Church to be a light in a world in need of His love and grace. Let us ponder: How can we, as the Remnants of CAC, ignite the flames of revival and unity within our midst, and what role can each of us play in bringing about this transformative movement in the Church today?
In conclusion, as we reflect on the imperative of unity and revival within CAC Nigeria and Overseas, we are reminded of Jesus’ valedictory prayer for unity in John 17, where He prayed for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This prayer serves as a powerful reminder of the importance and urgency of unity among believers, as we seek to fulfill the shared mission of spreading the Gospel and discipling believers towards righteousness and holiness. The call to unity under the banner of “One Fold One Shepherd” is not just a mere slogan but a divine mandate given by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As the Remnants move in alignment with God’s purposes and seek His will above all else, they can pave the way for a new CAC marked by the glorious manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Let us heed Jesus’ prayer for unity, standing united in faith and purpose, as we press forward towards a future where revival and unity prevail, bringing forth a shining testimony of God’s power and grace in our midst. As we look within and consider our role in fostering unity and revival within the Church, let us move forward in boldness and confidence, knowing that He who calls us is faithful to fulfill His promises and bring about a mighty transformation within CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, a Pastor and the General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas writes from London