By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Pastor Samuel Oladele, has called on Christians to embrace the message of the resurrection, saying it offers lasting hope in the face of global challenges.
Oladele made the assertion in his Easter message titled “The Gospel of the Resurrection,” drawn from 1 Corinthians 15 and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
Reflecting on the current global situation, the CAC president observed that humanity was grappling with multiple and overlapping challenges, including wars, economic instability, rising insecurity and a growing moral decline.
He noted that these realities had continued to generate anxiety and despair among many, thereby underscoring the need for a message of hope that transcends temporal circumstances.
According to him, the resurrection of Christ remains that message; timeless, unchanging and capable of offering both present assurance and the promise of eternal life.
Oladele explained that news could broadly be categorised into three forms of “old news”, “new news” and “good news”.
He stressed that the resurrection of Jesus Christ stood uniquely as “good news” that never loses its relevance.
“Many of the things we celebrate today as achievements or breakthroughs may excite us for a moment, but they are often short-lived.
“Even if you are told that you will become the President of CAC or even the President of Nigeria, it is good news, but it will not last forever.
“The gospel of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is different; it is old, yet ever new, and eternally good,” he said.
The cleric further affirmed that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ were not mere theological claims but events validated by Scripture and supported by historical witness accounts.
He described the resurrection as a decisive victory over sin, death and the forces of darkness, adding that the triumph had secured redemption and new life for all who believe.
Oladele emphasised that the enduring strength and resilience of the Christian faith were rooted in the reality of the risen Christ, noting that this foundation had sustained the Church across generations despite persecutions and trials.
He also reminded believers that the true identity of the Church was not tied to physical buildings or institutions but to the community of believers.
“The Church is not the physical structure. We, the believers in Christ, are the Church, and we will keep marching on.
“No matter the challenges confronting the world today, the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church,” he said.
Oladele urged Christians across the world to embrace, live out and boldly proclaim the message of the resurrection, stressing that it remained the ultimate source of hope not only for the present time but also for eternity.
He added that the message was relevant in times of crisis, as it reassures believers of God’s power over every situation and His promise of eternal victory.
Earlier in the programme, the Chaplain of CAC All Saints’ Chapel, Ibadan, Pastor Tunde Asokeji, recounted the origins of the Easter service, noting that it began in 2021 as a modest initiative but had since grown into a significant annual spiritual gathering.
Asokeji said the service had become a platform for deep spiritual reflection and vibrant worship, drawing participation from various CAC congregations across Ibadan and beyond.
He commended the collaborative efforts of choirs and young musicians, describing them as the backbone of the event’s musical expressions and spiritual atmosphere.
The service featured rich musical ministrations, including “Ladugbo” by CAC Music Director, Elder ’Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN); “I Don’t Know Why” by Andraé Crouch; and “Let All the Angels of God Worship Him” by George Frideric Handel.
Also featured was “O ti Jinde” by Dupe Aduroja Giwa, which added depth and solemnity to the celebration.(NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
