It Is Time to Put Off the Garment of Shame: A Call to Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas
It Is Time to Put Off the Garment of Shame: A Call to Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas
Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
“Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city…” — Isaiah 52:1
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), both in Nigeria and worldwide, is reaching a pivotal moment. The era of division, mistrust, and fragmentation among its members is coming to an end. A powerful spiritual revival is emerging, one that is both undeniable and destined by the Spirit of God.
The message emphasizes the importance of renewal rather than just reconciliation. It calls for a return to the essential truths that previously sparked revival throughout the land. Renewal Theology reminds us that God continues to work within His Church, serving as a restorative force who revives the lifeless. The text underscores that a dedicated remnant is emerging within the CAC to undertake the vital work of rebuilding and revitalizing the community.
We are urged to move beyond mere survival or fond memories of our institutions. The call of the Spirit encourages us to embrace our prophetic identity, fostering a Church characterized by holiness, power, and unity rather than bureaucracy and divisions. These divisions are not just administrative issues; they represent deeper spiritual wounds that require healing through repentance, humility, and a renewed commitment to the Lordship of Christ.
The message emphasizes a critical call to action: we must return to our foundational principles, centered around the altar, the Word, and our mission. It reminds us that the same Spirit that initiated this movement through prayer and empowerment is urging us to reconnect with our origins. This isn’t about going back to the past but rather about reclaiming the spiritual essence that has historically made CAC a powerful symbol of Pentecostal fervor.
The rising remnant is actively taking initiative, driven by a fervent desire to restore God’s glory within the Church. They focus on prayer, proclamation, and preparation, transcending traditional titles and divisions. These individuals are the pioneers of a new era characterized by unity, spiritual authority, and a significant global influence.
The call for renewal is imminent, urging every leader, assembly, and believer to heed the message. The Spirit is actively moving among us, and the question remains: will we choose to move in alignment with His guidance?
Apostolic Legacy Demands Apostolic Unity
Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the founding apostle of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), is a significant spiritual figure characterized by his passionate ministry filled with divine inspiration, a sense of urgency in prophecy, and unwavering dedication to holiness. His role extended beyond that of a typical preacher; he was a true vessel of revival, with his every step resonating with the call of Heaven.
Babalola’s ministry began through a profound supernatural encounter in 1928 when he heard God’s call while operating a steamroller on the Akure–Ilesha road. Responding with extraordinary obedience, he chose to abandon his worldly ambitions in favor of a divine mission. This pivotal moment transformed his life into one of fervent spiritual dedication, characterized by rigorous fasting, passionate prayer, and notable manifestations of God’s power.
In the context of Renewal Theology, which focuses on the active role of the Holy Spirit in bringing the Church back to its original, apostolic foundations, Babalola represents a living altar. He serves as a model of fervent intercession, intense fasting, and miraculous displays of God’s power. Babalola embodies the belief that the Church must embrace these fiery practices to fulfill its calling.
The text reflects on the Importance of Renewal Theology, which emphasizes the continuous work of the Holy Spirit within the Church. It suggests that the teachings of the Holy Spirit are not merely theoretical but are lived experiences that connect the Church to its apostolic roots. This theology promotes a prophetic vision of holiness, viewing it not as an abstract ideal but as a divine imperative. The text highlights the necessity of prayer, urging that it should be seen as a vital connection to Heaven rather than just a ritual tradition. The ministry conducted by the power of the Spirit is characterized by healing and deliverance, asserting that these experiences serve as evidence of faith, reinforcing the call to holiness as a firm and constant authority rooted in Christ’s teachings.
In the heart of Nigeria’s spiritual history lies the 1930 revival at Oke Ooye, Ilesha, led by the influential figure of Babalola. This event was not merely a moment in time, but a powerful manifestation of divine intervention that significantly transformed the nation’s spiritual landscape. During the revival, countless individuals found healing, and previously entrenched demonic strongholds were vanquished, paving the way for the Gospel to spread with extraordinary fervor. This remarkable movement was not orchestrated by human hands, but rather emerged as a sovereign act of God, working through a devout servant dedicated to His mission. Babalola’s ministry served as a lifeline to Heaven, illustrating Christ’s enduring authority through genuine acts of healing and deliverance, rather than mere spectacle.
The Christ Apostolic Church Is poised for a renewal, drawing inspiration from Babalola’s enduring legacy. This legacy is not merely a relic of the past; rather, it serves as a prophetic blueprint for the future. Babalola’s life exemplifies that God continues to call, empower, and commission individuals to walk in holiness, pray without ceasing, and carry divine authority.
The call for the Church to rise is”not rooted in nostalgia, but rather in a fervent, apostolic zeal. A new generation of dedicated individuals is urged to embrace the mantle of leadership, recognizing that it has not been abandoned. Central to this message is the belief that a church committed to prayer will thrive and garner divine favor, while one that disregards prayer risks fading into obscurity. This highlights the critical importance of a strong prayer foundation, as it is through consistent prayer that a church deepens its connection with the divine and secures its ongoing relevance and support.
We need to reflect on whether we have lost our inclination to humble ourselves in prayer and seek divine guidance. It appears that we may have prioritized the corporate and political agendas of the boardroom over the spiritual fervor and unity that characterized the early days of faith in the Upper Room. This shift invites us to reconsider our commitment to genuine spirituality and the power of collective prayer.
The Gathering of the Eagers Must Begin Again
CAC is being called to awaken through the assembly of the Eagers—those who are spiritually hungry for revival and committed to unity in the face of division. Reflecting on the pivotal years of 1943 and 1985, when divine guidance helped past generations navigate challenges, we find ourselves with an opportunity for similar leadership today. To access this guidance, we must humble ourselves and dedicate ourselves to a common purpose.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face… then will I hear from heaven…” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
One Fold, One Shepherd
The vision of CAC emphasizes unity, embodied in the principle of “One Fold, One Shepherd.” This concept should transcend mere words and manifest as a genuine spiritual reality within the church. It is time for those who are spiritually attuned—such as intercessors, prophets, and watchmen—to step forward and actively pray for the church’s well-being and growth.
We call upon the God of our ancestors, the God of Joseph Ayo Babalola, to cleanse our communities of the negative influences of rebellion, pride, and self-interest that have been affecting our gatherings.
“Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” — Matthew 15:13
The Gathering of the Eagles: A Divine Mandate
The gathering of the Eagles of the Lord marks a significant moment for those endowed with prophetic insight and apostolic passion. These spiritual warriors rise above the turbulent currents of politics and self-interest, remaining steadfast in their commitment to truth. Unlike ordinary churchgoers, they have not succumbed to fleeting temptations or compromised their beliefs. This divine convergence transcends a mere conference; it embodies a spiritual uprising against those who have exploited the sacred values for personal gain and power within the Church of Christ.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” — Isaiah 40:31
Confronting the Rebels
The Eagles are called to rise and confront the internal rebels who exploit the vulnerabilities of our heritage, turning the sacred legacy of sacrifice into a realm of selfish manipulation. The God of Joseph Ayo Babalola is vigilant and is calling forth His Eagles to dismantle the altars of compromise, restore the broken walls, and reclaim the purity of the apostolic vision. This moment demands boldness and action; it is a time for prophetic confrontation and spiritual reformation, rather than silence.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression…” — Isaiah 58:1
A Call to the Altar
The message emphasizes the urgency of a spiritual awakening, urging individuals to move beyond mere meetings and discussions. It calls for a deep personal repentance and a united effort towards revival. The focus is on shedding the shame that holds individuals back and embracing a more glorious identity. This is a heartfelt invitation to experience transformation and renewal.
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion… to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” — Isaiah 61:3
Allow the elders to take their stand. Allow the prophets to share their wisdom. Let the watchmen raise their voices. Let the flames ignite once more.
“The God who answered by fire in 1930 is still the same. But He will not answer a divided altar.” — Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola
Conclusion
The current moment calls for active engagement with divine purpose instead of passive reflection on the past. The legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola serves not only as a tribute, but also as a directive for the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) to awaken with renewed spiritual wisdom, strong conviction, and unified commitment. The spirit of revival remains vibrant, inviting those who are willing to embrace tradition while envisioning a prophetic future.
This is a call to action for all assemblies, pulpits, and altars within the CAC to unite and heal the divisions among them through repentance. We need to reignite the memories of past glory into a passionate spiritual fire. A new generation is encouraged to seek not just relevance, but true righteousness, focusing on transforming hearts rather than merely restoring outdated institutions.
The goal is to move beyond simply acknowledging historical power and to actively seek the tangible experience of Pentecostal fire. History should be viewed not as something to preserve, but as a living testament to God’s ongoing work. The Spirit that inspired Babalola continues to speak, inviting the Church to listen to and respond to its message.
Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Pastor, Professor, Journalist, Protestant Theologian, and General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
