whao what a thread! 4yrs 2months and 4 days after Doshbass asked for people's experience and opinions,

Its still on and goes on, cos its about Christ!

More pllllllleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaSE?

I have an aunt that is a huge cele follower, she doesn't take a decision in her life however small without consulting one alagba woli or the other. I've had two experiences with them and it wasn't so nice.

First one was when I was about 12 yrs old and took my dad's shaving stick and shaved off some hair on the back of my head (I was only a child and I was curious to see what would happen, as I used to watch my dad shave every morning), only for my mum to take me to my aunts church the next day to see one alagba shepherd who claimed he saw a vision where my step mum snuck into my room in the middle of the night and shaved off my hair for some stupid reson he mentioned. I still laugh about it coz I didn't own up to my mum that I actually did the evil deed. You should have seen the huge bill they gave her.

Second was when my aunt invited me to her church and some elder walked up to me and told my aunt and I that I had a spiritual husband that was disturbing me, they later invited me for special prayers where they beat me blue black with fresh brooms and palm fronds, I was like wtf? But managed to survive through the ordeal, I left my aunt and her prayer warriors thanking them for the prayers whilst inwardly cursing them for the punishment I receieved. I got home and told my mum that, I hope her sister is happy now coz that's the last time she'll be smelling me anywhere near her church or her church members. My mum couldn't stop laughing at me.

Cele members needs to be more liberated into reading the bible&depend solely on Gods word for succour. I use to act likewise then as a member. Before embarking on any journey,pray hold candles bla bla bla in for of accident.Since i left i believed more in Gods word

I am a active member of Cele and very proud to be ,but I have to admit that a lot people are heavily reliant on spirtual jobs. It is a cultural thing and tradition laid down by the older generation. Fundamentally there is not wrong with spirtual jobs. It is part and parcel of the church. However I have come to understand that to be a mature christain with the ability of discerning what actually requires spirtual job, what needs to be prayed for or which path to follow, the enrichment of the Word of God in ones spirtual life is key.

However there is a going trend in the fold that is more enlighten in the Word of God. We will get there

We are in the last ship. and we ain't going no where apart from up the younder.

God is not in denominations . He won't ask cele's to line up one side in heaven. Forget this last ship idea. It is unsriptural. If there's any last ship at all , it will be a message , a truth , a revelation , but not a denomination. There are imperfect people in each church. The truth of the gospel is what will cleanse the world.

I use to think cele was last boat of salvation as a member then. Its isnt so. God is for all

When I say last ship I do not mean Cele in the literal sense.

My last ship is living heavenly in the world full of evil
Living in the light in a world full of darkness.

Amos 3:3
Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction
What ever demomination you may belong to, the aim is the same (to gain entrance to heaven by doing the will of God)

John 8:12
I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life

What life? Eternal life


Exodus 19:5
5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6

God used the pronoun "YOU" meaning If I obey him fully and do his will, among all people I will be his treasured possession.
At this junction I rest my case

I thank God for EVERYONE'S opinion. The former members, the current members, the skeptical ones and the total unbelievers of the celestial church. I must say that I recently joined the church through marriage and I would like to share my 1 cent. I feel exceptionally blessed to be a new member of the church because I know why I (keyword) am going. I'm not there for a title, recognition or approval, but I am there to build to my faith and utilize their worship service as a stepping to proper fellowship with God. I've always remembered that a major part of Christianity is a personal relationship with Christ, and when you have seen so much folly in different churches, you should start narrowing your focus to him. When you do that, the negative things that go on around you will appear small, and the few positive things that are around you will become big. Let me just share what I appreciate about the church.

1)Thank God that my Shepherd and Co Shepherd who are both learned men with good intentions for growth and prosperity of the people. (They do preach from the bible, and give the sense that they actually mean what they're saying and warning us against certain misconducts or faithless ways of thinking)

2)Thank God that I wear a white uniform so that I'm not tempted to show off my latest native attire or spend money buying new church clothes every pay check (especially since I'm a woman and like to look nice)

3)Thank God for an environment that encourages thanksgiving and praise towards God every Sunday. We are able to bring our thanksgiving offerings to the altar and dance for God in joy.

4) Thank God for a worship structure that attracts angels, as well as encourages your personal angel to fellowship with you and God in service.

If I would've focused on the negatives things, which believe me, are surely there, I would've missed something worth knowing for my own spiritual growth in Christ.
Just for the record, I attend Chicago One Parrish, the first Parrich opened in America, which is located in Calumet City, IL.
I admire the Shepherd and Co Shepherd, and pray that they continue being patient throughout all the trials. i am truly benefitting from their presence and leadership styles.

tell them to stop doing spiritual work. I stopped becos of the spiritual works

WHY PPLE ALWAY AFTER CELETIAL WITHIOUT GOING DEEP INTO THEIR BIBLE INCLUDING EVEN PASTORS, THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THOU SHALL NOT JUDGE THAT WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE ANOTHER PERSON SERVANT. IN ROMAS. PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO CONDEM THE OLD TESTAMENT AND JESUS SAID THAT I VE NOT COME TO DETROYED THE OLD BUT I CAME TO FULFILL IT, THAT IS WHY WE ARE NOT GROWING IN THIS COUNYTRY TRYING TO IGNORE THOSE WHO ARE AHEADOF US INSTEAD OF WE LEARNING FROM THEM. THE USE OF THE CANDLE READ your REVELATION VERY WEL AND ALSO SEE IN THAT REVELATION THE LAYING OF CELESTIAL ALTER AND THE SEVEN STICK CANDLE REPRESENT THE SEVEN SPIRIT OF GOD AND A LOT OF PASTOR KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT CELESTIAL AND THEY REFUSE TO SAY THEY ARE ONLY AFTER THE BAD OF THE CHURCH REMEMBER THAT THERE IS NO CHURCH THAT IS NOT BAD BUT WHY CELESTIAL ALL THE TIME COS DEVIL HAS SEEN THE GLORY IN IT AND HE TRYING TO POLLUTE IT SO THAT THE WOLD MIGHT RUN FROM THE CHURCH BUT I BELT U WHEN THE TIME COME THE GLORY OF GOD WILL WE FULLFIL IN THE CHURCH. LOOK AT WHAT ELIJAH TO LEMMAN WHO IS A LEPROSY TO GO TO THE RIVER AND TAKE HIS BATH WHY CAN'T HIM PRAY HE DID NOT PRAY COS HE OBEY GOD INSTRUCTION AND ASK HIM TO GO TO THE RIVER AND ALSO JESUS USED SAND TO OPEN EYES WHY CAN'T HE PRAY, THE WAY GOD DOES IS THINGS IS SOO MESTERIOUS THAT NO MAN CAN UNDERSTAND IT AND WE STAND SOMEWHERE JUDGEING SOME CHURCHE IT IS VERY BAD FOR CHRISTIANS, IF U ARE IN A CHURCH AND U DONT LIKE THE PLACE THEN LEAVE NOT TO CONDEM. PLEASE READ 1 CONR. 15 V 40 IN KINGS JAMES ALTHOGH I VE A LOT TO SAY AND IF U WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT CELE PLS CALL ME ON 08052680041 U WIIL UNDERSTAND THE MESTRY BEHID CELE AND U BE BLESS FROM IT. REMEMBER WHEN MOSES WAS TAKING THE CHILDREN OF ISREALITE OUT OF EGYPT WHEN THEY GOT TO A PARTICUL;AR PLACE, THEY WERE THIRSTY FOR WATER AND THERE IS IS A BITTER WATER BY THEIR SIGHT AND GOD INSTRUCT HIM TO CUT A TREE STANDING BESIDE HIM TO PUT IT IN THE WATER AND THE WATER BECAME SWEET AND THEY ALL DRANK WHY CAN'T HE PRAY. AM NOT SAYING PRAYER IS NOT GOOD. TO OBEY GOD INSTRUCTION IS BETTER THAN PRAYER. AND THERE IS WHAT THEY CALL GRACE IN CELESTIAL IF U WANT TO ENJOY MORE OF IT PLS CALL ME AND U WILL BE GLAD U DID. JULIUS AGBAJE

@ Julius Agba, couldn't read what u posted 'cos:
1. All in capital letters,
2. No paragraphs and little white spaces,
3. Total crap.

1. I joined CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST AFTER MANY YEARS IN WINNERS.
2. GOD ALMIGHTY anoints different servants for different purposes for example: Deeper Life have the concept of holiness and making Heaven, Winners Bishop Oyedepo says his calling is to free and liberate the captives mainly by the word of GOD, praises etc. He later added Prosperity thru giving, thiting and the seed time/harvest time principle. The man of the synagogue, Tb JOSHUA is gifted with very high healing/librating powers. Dr. Odukoya of Mountain of fire and miracles, has the anointing of deliverance.
I can go on and on. It is only GOD ALMIGHTY who can create more than four billion humans and they all look different. What I mean is that GOD can call a million GENERAL OVERSEERS with different callings and assignments. I reside in Rivers state and before now in pursuit of solution of my life, I attend penticostal church programes in lagos and I notice that the same crowd that attended the HOLY GHOST service in redeem camp flock to POWER MUST CHANGE HANDS OF THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE AND MIRACLES THE NEXT DAY. There is confussion everywhere BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS ARE TOO MUCH. AND TO WORSEN THE PROBLEM MOST OF THE THINGS WE SUFFER WERE CAUSED BY OUR PARENTS GRAND PARENTS ETC. SOME CAUSED IT BY ACTION, OTHERS CAUSED IT BY INACTION. THE STORY IS LONG. SOME PARENTS HAVE SPIRITUALLY CLEARED THE WAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND LINEAGE. THESE ARE PEOPLE YOU SEE, THEY ARE NOT SERIOUS IN CHURCH, THEY DO NOT GO TO NATIVE DOCTORS, YET MOST THINGS THEY DO PROSPER ie THEIR STRUGGLES YIELD FRUITS. LIFE IS WAR. I am short of time so let me summarize. Many christians belong to the wrong church, this is why you see many "christians" still seeking for solutions outside GOD.
For me, celestial church of christ is for people like us who have HARDS SPIRITAUL OBSTACLES IN LIFE. BUT THIS DOES NOT RULE OUT THE FACT THAT LIKE IN ANY OTHER ORGANASATION SOME PEOPLE ARE BAD AND MISREPRESENT THE THE ORIGINAL WAYS.

Here is the truth about 'Cele':

The church itself as a religious entity is okay.
The use of white garment, white candles, perfumes, the alter, holy water and incense and even walking barefooted (ONLY within the church or whenever one is in the 'Sutana' ) are all based in the bible.

Some of these things are cited in the old testament while the rest are mentioned in the new testament especially the book of Revelation.

Either way, they are all from the bible.
I know some christians don't have the old testament in their holy book but if the old testament was no longer useful because Jesus came, He wouldn't have mentioned that He had not come to destroy the law (old testament) but rather to fulfill it.

In any case, I don't see any colors being purer or holier than white. Likewise, if the other things were not holy, they would not have been mentioned in the bible at all.

The problem however, is that owing to the immense spiritual powers and gifts descended on the church and its members especially during the life of the late Pastor and founder, S.B.J. Oshoffa of blessed memory, a lot of half baked converts in the church started using those powers to perpetrate evil.

This is quite evident with the hoard of fake prophets within the Celestial church fold who are actually wolves in sheep's clothing. The Lord knows these evil people and He is doing something about them.

Fake prophets and shepherds in 'Cele' do not therefore mean that the church itself is fake or bad.
I am a Celestian and I know what I am talking about.

The main problem about 'Cele' today is the leadership cum followership.

Most leaders proclaim themselves 'Pastor's because of the huge financial gains they will be open to by way of access to the treasury of the church.
This is because anointment is 'Cele' is paid for by members wishing to move to higher ranks and as such the amount of money the authorities rake in every year through the anointment exercise is mind blowing.
Access to that 'easy money' is what is causing the various models of anarchy in the ranks of the celestial church authorities. Cele was meant to have and continue to have one general Pastor all over the world but at some point earlier this year, we recorded more than 200 self acclaimed 'Pastor's!

Also, the evils that some of the followers (ordinary members) perpetrate in their neighborhoods or in public through their day to day activities have made non-members to see 'cele' as a bad church.
Most members forget that the white garment they wear portray them as ambassadors for Christ but I am personally embarrassed when I see a member in white insulting or even cursing a conductor in a public bus.
Celestians, where is our godliness?

Inspite of all these however, some members and indeed certain 'Cele' parishes have distinguished themselves as focused spiritual entities and have not joined in any evils or soiled their spiritual whiteness.

If you have had a bad experience with 'cele', I would say it was a personal thing, not general.
If you would want to find out more about the real Celestial church of Christ, the details, the history, the full undiluted truth; email me for the documents and a copy of the constitution. Email address: successprayers@gmail.com

It is amazing that several months after my last post on this thread, various types of reactions have flooded my mailbox.

In all of these, however, one thing has remained clear; the public is appreciative of the fact that they are at-least able to get an insider glimpse into the enigma called 'Cele'

One thing I promised you in my last post on this issue is to call a spade a spade.
If there are issues not yet touched or not clearly highlighted, I will not only through a spot light on it but will actually apply a FLOODLIGHT so we can all understand what exactly is going on in 'Cele.'

In one of the reaction mails I got, someone asked if 'Cele was a true church judging by the leadership problems the church is faced with.

For the benefit of the general public, I decided to paste a copy of my reply to that question here.
Please, see below:

Honestly (on neutral grounds), the ongoing leadership problems in the
Celestial church are basically a temporary political storm which has no bearing
with the spiritual endowment, legality and mission of the said church.

A very simple test of logical reasoning will show that 25 years after
the Founder (S.B.J. Oshoffa of blessed memory) died, the church has
remained 'One CELE' despite all the noise and leadership tussle .
Anywhere you go the world over, walking bare footed in the garment
'Sutana', mode of worship, service periods, annual celebration of
harvest thanksgiving service, use of white candles, incense burning and chanting Halleluyah have remained
the same.
Frankly speaking, no single tenet, doctrine or mode of worship has
changed ever since despite the massive number of parishes and factions that have emerged,
home and abroad.

You see, once a 'Cele' parish or faction changes any of the generic
properties of the native 'Cele' church, then it no longer remains 'Cele' but
another denomination altogether.

No matter what happens, if any worshiper, parish or faction decides to
put on shoes while on 'Sutana' then the whole world immediately tells,
"This is not Cele!"

'Cele' is not a church anyone or group will stand advocacy for. It is
able to stand for and defend itself.

The leadership problems should not have occurred had the board of
trustees not tempered with the succession clause in the Celestial
Church of Christ Constitution that states that the successor after the founder will be
spiritually appointed by God and may be a young man from any of the low ranks.
But men being what they are, became supposedly more intelligent than
God and felt His methods were too sluggish and perhaps stupid, so they amended it to say
the successor could be appointed by the trustee on the order of Rank Seniority
and/or merit.

That action heralded the witnessing of over 200 candidates aspiring to
(and getting to) a single pastoral office which consequently had to be
divided into tiny fragments to accommodate the vast number of
ambitious Pastors!

In summary, Cele is a tightly integrated and highly unified church.
Even if a million Pastors assume the pastoral seat at once and compete
for space, church returns and Supremacy; Celestians all over the world
will always greet one another 'Halleluyah' and sing the same song
'Jeri-Mo-Yamah!'

-- End of reply --

Reader comments, questions, criticisms and reactions are welcome.
Kindly forward a mail to me at successprayers@gmail.com

Remain blessed,
Chris Matthew
(Evangelist, Celestial Church of Christ)
+234-702-801-8256
SUCCESS PRAYER MINISTRY
http://success-prayers..com/

Experience and Opinion of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC)

Let's start with experience - I was in CCC for 6 years. It was a good religious experience but a very bad spiritual experience. Religion to me is the outward action while spiritual is the inward relationship. I sang in the choir and I had prophetic tendencies, so I gave "messages" here and there. I used to have dreams and a few times, I had messages given to me as well. The religious experience in going to church twice a week, wearing a white dress to signify "holiness" and praying in the "Ile anu" (mercyland)  gave an outward appearance of moving towards God, but upon proper examination, CCC was just occultism with a Christ-like look.

I was the first to leave CCC and all my family members left within two years of my leaving. Why did I leave? I was tired of the spiritual attacks. Unknown to me, the form of prayer at CCC (Jehovah, Jesu Kristi, holy Michael) was not a biblical way to pray. God never instructed us in the bible to pray to an angel. I opened the room for religious spirits to distract and disturb me by praying to an angel. Secondly, the biblical way of salvation was not taught at CCC. CCC believes that if one does good works, one would go to heaven. The bible teaches that good works does not save anyone, only the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ does! Thirdly, CCC was patriarchal! The misogynist views were appalling. I developed a "God-was-'unapproving'-of-females" mentality in that church! Women were abused and misused! The last choir I was in, the choirmaster married a second wife from the choir! I was so disgusted. Many of the church leaders had more than one wife, a church that allowed polygyny,  how unequal can you get? There were many horror stories of prophets sleeping around with women and so on.

I went to the church only because my mother made me, as soon as I turned 18, I declared my independence and left for a pentecostal church.

Let's talk about opinion - CCC is Christianized occultism! Oshoffa was deceived by a religious spirit and he deceived as many as he could. Deception is a force, but it is not the most powerful force. The truth of God's word is STRONGER than the deception of evil spirits. If anyone who is in CCC wishes to know God from his/her heart, let the person STUDY the bible! That was what saved me. I chose to study the bible. CCC leaders encourage their members to read the psalms, but not the whole bible. I chose to study the bible and the God of the bible met with me. 

Anyone that has been to CCC, joined for a few years and then left, should go for deliverance or do self-deliverance, I have done both! If you have horrible dreams or hear voices, it's the demons, the religious spirits trying to talk to you, trying to distract you, bind them and cast them out in Jesus name! Salvation is found ONLY in Jesus Christ, not in any church or prophet! Jesus ALONE is LORD!

i suggest everyone reads the post by "gold22z" The conclusion therein should appease all and sundry, Eni ba lomo!!!

God22z hit the nail on the head.

@Jesuto
you are entitled to your own opinion, however be careful on what you say about SBJ Oshoffa. To say that he decieved people is absolutely untrue. According to your post you attended for 6 years and left when you were 18. This means you were a CCC member between the age of 13-18. In my opinion that is an age of innocence and immaturity in regards to spirituality.

You have exercised your God-given right to move on within the body of christ. Kudos and continue therein. As long as you follow Christ, No wahala bro

God bless

@ doshbass i love your comment and i want you to know its often in the pentecostal church than that of Cele, I know a group of men and they are at one pentecostal church at church street oshodi and they are all cult member (OGBONI) and people know it, Why don't you go to that church and try to see yourself. If you want me to give you there description i can do that, Cos, i fear not those who can kill the body but not the soul

@jesuto OSHOFFA does not deceive anybody and you know that, and you made mention of how celestial member pray (Jehovah, Jesu Kristi, Michael Mimo ), When Called anyone in His Vineyard he gave set his standard before them as GOD did to OSHOFFA and that the way GOD want him to pray. If you don't know the main reason why we call HOLY MICHAEL i'l tell you now, Check your BIBLE and tell me the only person that fight and conquer the devil, Without been told its HOLY MICHAEL and if you don't know, you can check that up yourself in JUDE 1:9 and you will see.If you dreams and you heard voices it is caused by two things its either your possessed evil spirit or you are one of them . e all know that JESUS alone is lord and he will forever be. I know your type when you have problem that's when you remember Cele but after the problem has been solved you says series of shit about Cele, Please tell me the church you attend . Because, i have all their details with me and i will give it to you and you check it out.

@ Goodguy tell them now, They don't know

Eyin Oluwa Eyin Mimo
Fun Jo A'torun Wa Mimo
Ayo T'aiye Ko Le Fun Ni
Oluwa Lo Fi Lele
Lati Ko Rugbin Lo S'orun
S'orun Sodo Baba Mimo
Oluwa yio yan ojise re
sinu Ijo Mimo Yi

That's what we have been expecting and holy spirit said it through papa, Wow OSHOFFA FOREVER,

@ toba , Truly GOD is for all. But, some people are closer to him that others, That is God use some people and some people use GOD, if GOD is using you he can dump you at hi own convenient time, But, if you are using GOD till thy kingdom comes you will be using him and he will forever answer your prayers

@ harbaylee, how do u use God?

@gbenga 9ja it is better to say wat you know than to say what you don't know, It is better not to know GOD than to know him and break up with him, This shit you said its what i know and every prophets knows about it, Your did over sabi and he thought he had monies , Let me explain whats happened to you, You father bought harvest candle from a church which he was not meant to buy and one of the elders told him not to buy it, Instead of him to speak politely to them he said ' HAVEN'T I BOUGHT YOUR PARISH CANDLE FOR THE HARVEST ' and he insulted them that very day, GOD gave some people monies and he gave some power, But the greatest is power, Cos, you can use it to acquire wealth, There is still more i can say about what your father did on this forum but if you really wanna know this is my email and i can tell you there is a way, thomasmicheal102@yahoo.com

@ blank i used him cos i have is secrets with me and he said his secrets are with his prophets, For the fact that i know his secret i can use him whatever time that suits me, And how do you us yours ?

and tell me what JULIUS AGBAJE wrote that you don't understand ? aaaaaaaaaaaaaa omo youruba pelu inunibini, when are we going to stop this antagonist and work for the upliftment of Christ ? and if you can't read it as you claimed, here is it edited by me,


WHY PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS AFTER CELESTIAL WITHOUT GOING DEEP INTO THEIR BIBLE, EVEN PASTORS, THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THOU SHALL NOT JUDGE FOR YOU NOT TO BE JUDGE. WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE ANOTHER PERSON'S SERVANT ?. IN ROMANS. PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO CONDEMN THE OLD TESTAMENT AND JESUS SAID THAT I'VE NOT COME TO DESTROY THE LAW. BUT, I CAME TO FULFILL IT, THAT IS WHY WE ARE NOT GROWING IN THIS COUNTRY. TRYING TO IGNORE THOSE WHO ARE AHEAD OF US. INSTEAD OF US LEARNING FROM THEM. THE USE OF CANDLE WAS REVEAL IN THE BIBLE READ REVELATION VERY WELL AND ALSO SEE IN THAT REVELATION THE LAYING OF CELESTIAL ALTER AND THE SEVEN STICK CANDLE REPRESENT THE SEVEN SPIRIT OF GOD AND A LOT OF PASTORS KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT CELESTIAL AND THEY REFUSE TO SAY IT ,THEY ARE ONLY AFTER THE BAD OF THE CHURCH REMEMBER THAT THERE IS NO CHURCH THAT IS NOT BAD BUT WHY CELESTIAL ALL THE TIME. COS, DEVIL HAD SEEN THE GLORY IN IT AND HE IS TRYING TO POLLUTE IT, SO THAT THE WOLD MIGHT RUN FROM THE CHURCH. BUT, I BELT U WHEN THE TIME COMES THE GLORY OF GOD WILL WE FULFILL IN THE CHURCH. LOOK AT WHAT ELIJAH DID TO NA-MAN WHO WAS INFLICTED WITH LEPROSY TO GO TO THE RIVER AND TAKE HIS BATH WHY CAN'T HIM PRAY ? HE DID NOT PRAY. COS, HE OBEYED GOD INSTRUCTIONS AND ASKED HIM TO GO TO THE RIVER AND ALSO JESUS USED SAND TO OPEN EYES WHY CAN'T HE PRAY AS WELL?, THE WAY GOD DOES IS THINGS IS MYSTERIOUS THAT NO MAN CAN UNDERSTAND IT AND WE STAND SOMEWHERE JUDGING SOME CHURCH, IT IS VERY BAD FOR CHRISTIANS, IF U ARE IN A CHURCH AND U DON'T LIKE THE PLACE THEN LEAVE NOT TO CONDEMN. PLEASE READ 1 COR. 15 V 40 IN KINGS JAMES ALTHOUGH I HAVE A LOT TO SAY AND IF U WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT CELE PLEASE CALL ME ON 08060532290 U WILL UNDERSTAND THE MYSTERY BEHIND CELE AND U WILL BE BLESS FROM IT. REMEMBER WHEN MOSES WAS TAKING THE CHILDREN OF ISRAELITE OUT OF EGYPT, WHEN THEY GOT TO A PARTICULAR PLACE, THEY WERE THIRSTY AND THERE WAS A BITTER WATER BY THEIR SIGHT AND GOD INSTRUCTED HIM TO CUT A TREE STANDING BESIDE HIM TO PUT IT IN THE WATER AND THE WATER BECAME SWEET AND THEY ALL DRANK WHY CAN'T HE PRAY. AM NOT SAYING PRAYER IS NOT GOOD. TO OBEY GOD INSTRUCTION IS BETTER THAN PRAYER. AND THERE IS WHAT THEY CALL GRACE IN CELESTIAL IF U WANT TO ENJOY MORE OF IT PLEASE CALL ME AND U WILL BE GLAD U DID.

Still can't read it. Its all in capital letters.

THE CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST TENETS


Celestial Church of Christ tenets may mean many things to many People. To me, the tenets are divine in origin and grounded in the scriptures. Tenets: it should be noted are not peculiar to Celestial Church of Christ but when one practices what is not Pedestals, one is open to suspicion and even, attack from other groups. It may be necessary at this juncture to find a simpler meaning of expression of tenets. Tenets, according to Oxford Advanced Leaner's Dictionary of Current English means: Principle; belief; doctrine. And if we break one of the above definitions, doctrine, into smaller words, we have the following also in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary Of Current English: Body of teaching; belief and teachings of a church, political party, school of scientists. I say therefore, that what I do know about the beliefs and teachings of Celestial Church of Christ and want to share with you is that not only did the Celestial Church of Christ tenets come through divine revelations to our beloved Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa, the Prophet, Pastor, and founder of the Church, but also have their basis in the Bible. In short, the Celestial Church of Christ tenets are mostly part of God's statutes given to our forebears with the definitive term that they should be kept from generation to generation.

It is lack of understanding of the scriptures that make many people think that Celestial Church of Christ tenets art either peculiar or the thoughts of a clever mind, or even the rationalization of a philosopher-religionist. Our beloved Pastor, Founder, my father in Christ, saint S.B.J. Oshoffa was but a carpenter whom it pleased God Almighty to elect for the establishment of Celestial Church of Christ with tenets divinely dictated, So far for the preamble.
TENETS:

My term of reference - Celestial Church of Christ tenets - has a very wide scope which I am afraid cannot be adequately covered within the period of a lecture of this nature. I shall endeavor in this lecture to highlight only the salient ones that are easily misconstrued.
1. ADMISSION into membership of Celestial Church of Christ:

There are no preconditions for admitting any willing person into the membership of Celestial Church of Christ. However some steps need be taken to ensure a clean break between the old and the new system of life. Our Lord said to Nicodemus in John 3:3-5, "No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit". There are three vital step: Sanctification, baptism, anointment.
(a) i. Sanctification:

Sanctification is the first rite a prospective member of the Church should undergo. Sanctification in Celestial Church of Christ falls into three categories. The first one is for new members to remove their filth and stain of darkness in consonance, with the words of God in Ezekiel 36:25-30, 11:17-20; Exod. 19:10-22; Lev. 10:3. As Adam was driven out of Eden, because of sin, there was also the restoration of the second Adam through Sanctification into new Jerusalem in Christ Jesus. Hence the hymn given to Celestial Church of Christ, a hymn of invitation to a rebirth: 'Jesu lo npe o tantan, ma bo, elese wa' etc.

After sanctification the new member is numbered among the children of promise in the new faith in Christ Jesus. Materials used for sanctification are spirit-in-word, water, and fire.

In this first case, the following are needed: water, sponge, soap and a stick of candle which when lit is symbolic of the spirit of God like tongue of fire which descended on the first apostles to sanctify them on the day of Pentecost - Act. 2:1-4. Following immediately the sanctification of a member is the sanctification of the person's place of abode. A clean man remains clean if he resides in a clean environment; a clean man in a filthy environment is unclean since man is a product of his environment. Acts 19:18-19 supports the essence of ridding a house of all acts that are not related to the spirit of God whenever one starts a new life in Christ Jesus.
ii. Purification:

The second category of sanctification practiced in Celestial Church of Christ is the purification exercise that a woman undergoes after her monthly period, and after giving birth to a child. This is very important and God does not take it lightly. Lev. 12, Lev. 15:16-18; 15:19-24; 29-30. Many people discountenance it but Christ established it beyond reasonable doubt: Mark 5:25-34. The weight of the impurity was so much felt by Jesus Christ that he could not resist asking who touched him. The Apostles-also warned the Antioch converts to steer clear of 'blood' Acts 15:29.
iii. Consecration:

The third category of sanctification is consecration into priesthood as it is explained in Exod. 40:12-15. It should be noted that in Celestial Church of Christ, candle is used to replace lamb, goat, sheep prescribed in the scriptures Prov. 20:27.
b. Baptism

A prospective member may be presented for the rite of baptism only after he has participated in the worship and adhered to the rules of the church for 12 months Acts 11:26. That length of time is for the person to examine the doctrine and the mode of worship thoroughly before taking the plunge. Baptism therefore is the first rite performed to admit formally a worshiper into full membership of the church after which such a member becomes spiritually equipped and elevated to partake of holy communion and join other members of the church in spiritual works according to the prompting of the holy spirit. Baptism in Celestial Church of Christ follows the immersion pattern, the type which Christ our Lord underwent in Jordan through the hand of John the Baptist - Matt. 3:13-17.
c. Anointment:

A member is not considered ripe for the rite of anointment in Celestial Church of Christ until such a person has steadily worshipped in the Church for three years, two years after baptism. Exod. 30:30-33. By the time a member is being presented for anointment, there should be adequate evidence that such a person is a committed Christian worshipping in Celestial Church of Christ. Saul otherwise known as the Apostle Paul was for several years referred to as "Brother" until he and Barnabas were formally commissioned to proceed on a missionary journey - Acts 9:17; 13:15.
2. FESTIVALS:

In consonance with one of the statutes of God to mankind Exod. 23:14, Celestial Church of Christ tenet gives prominence to three festivals: Christmas, (the birth of Christ at the end of the year); Easter (Palm Sunday, passion week featuring washing of feet, holy communion: and Christ's resurrection); and Harvest.
i. Christmas:

God in his infinite mercy is ever looking for ways of reconciling man to himself. It was on this mission of reconciliation that Jesus Christ the only begotten son of God volunteered to go. Christ took it upon himself, put his glory in heaven aside and came, into the world to save mankind. And when He came, He became the chief priest and king. No wonder the rite of anointment coincides with Christmas festivities and more precisely falls on December 25th every year, the day which is throughout Christendom universally accepted as the day on which Christ was born. For by anointment, in Jesus Christ, a member of Celestial Church of Christ is made a priest unto the Lord and a king to reign over the earth. Rev. 5:9-10.

The world Congregation of Celestial Church of Christ assembles annually on 24 December at an appointed place as directed by the Lord Himself through our Pastor and founder, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa to celebrate. It is an event in Celestial Church of Christ which every committed member looks forward to with fervor.
ii. Easter:

To Celestians, this is celebrated in remembrance of the Exodus, the time of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage as it is also the time the deliverance of God comes through our Lord Jesus Christ to humanity. Exodus 13:1-4; 34:18. The significance is that the Passion Week marks the time when the only begotten son of God surrendered his life an atonement for the sins of the world. (Jesus Christ is often referred to as the firstborn of the father) Heb. 1:6. The Passion Week (Palm Sunday night to Holy Saturday) is an eventful week for all Celestians, the only week when it is statutory for Celestians to fast. On Palm Sunday, Christendom proclaims the kingship of Jesus Christ. This is otherwise known as the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Zech. 9:9-10; Lk. 19:32-38; Matt. 21:5-9; Mk. 11:1-10; John 12:12-15. One of the events - washing of feet takes place on Holy Thursday.

The rite of washing of feet in Celestial Church of Christ has a great significance. By the rite, it is believed that the eternal curse Gen. 3:15 on the descendants of Adam is removed, John 13:8. All the signs of the curse should be washed off before one can enter the Kingdom of God.

Here is the story of one Senior Elder Olowoloba a member of Celestial Church of Christ at Arepo Village in the sixties. For about three years consecutively, he and the entire parish missed the service of washing of feet. He became seriously ill to the point of death. In a state of comma he saw a very long white ship into which Celestians were filing. tie hurriedly put on his sutana and ran to the ship only to discover that there was a roll call. At the end of the roll call, he did not hear his name. He moved near and protested since he too was a Celestian. He was asked to show a sign that he was truly a Celestian. They looked thoroughly at his feet and saw no mark; he was then asked to run back to Makoko, get his feet washed before he could qualify to enter the ship. When he came round, he gathered himself up and with all his family and the church members came to Makoko where the service of washing of feet was coincidentally in progress. He narrated his experience, washed his feet, and all the members of his family and members washed their feet too. Eventually he got well soon after; but he died the same year.

A full service and administration of Holy Communion follow washing of feet on Holy Thursday evening. Mark 14:22-26; Lk. 22:14-20; 1 Corin. 11:23-32. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Blessed are ye if know these things and do them" John 13:17. Again he said, "This do in remembrance of me "Lk. 22:19. It has become statutory in Celestial Church of Christ worldwide to administer Holy Communion on quarterly basis - three monthly exercises.
HARVEST:

God ordained the feast of harvest. In obeying this statute of God and to enhance the fulfilment of God's design for his children, all Celestians - children and adults - observe the festival of harvest as it is recorded in Exod. 23:16. There are, year in year out, evidences, and testimonies abound that the observance of this festival brings in its trail the blessing enumerated in Exod. 23:25-30.
3. WORSHIP:

Worship is given a prime of place in the doctrine of Celestial Church of Christ. "Then the Lord said Unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh and tell him, Thus said the Lord God of the Hebrews, let my people go, that they may serve/worship me" Exod. 9:1. It is important to note that what God primarily demands from his people and from generation to generation is "serve/worship the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might." "And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and
he shall bless thy bread etc". Exod. 23:25. The service or worship of God is a strong deciding factor to show who belongs to him and who do not. Malachi 3:14:18. The prime of place given worship in Celestial Church of Christ is reflected both in its frequency, mode, and intensity. It is right to say that we observe three-hourly time of prayer 6 a.m., 9am., 12 noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m., 12 midnight (psalm 119:164).

Daily - 5.30 am. Morning devotion; 9 p.m. Evening devotion.

Wednesday - 9 am. - Special service for barren women and those who seek job. 6 pm. – Worship

Friday - 12 noon 3 pm. special service for prophets, dreamers et 3 pm. special service for pregnant women 6 p.m. worship.

Sunday 10 am. – Worship; 6 pm. - Worship.

First Thursday of the month - 12 midnight - New Noon Service Ezekiel 46:1-6.

The new moon service is as important as the Sunday worship. It is a service that is loaded with meaningful action of reverence and adoration. The shepherd and the whole congregation in unison lift up their hand (acknowledging the sovereignty of God), then bow down, and finally kneel down with face to the ground, the forehead touching the ground. Nehemiah 8:6. The worship is conducted in absolute lowliness before God. There is no sitting on chairs or benches. There is intense use of incense and perfume.

And, at other services, our act of worship is in kneeling with face to the ground touching the ground with our forehead when the bell tolls three times and we chorus in unison, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts” Isaiah 6:3; Rev. 4:8.

NOTE:
For Wednesday 9 am. Special service for barren women, participants would have one candle, one bottle of water, three different types of fruits like pawpaw, orange, mango, banana, coconut etc. After a short service they are placed before the Lord with fruits, bottle of water and the lit candle placed a little distance from the head and covered with alter cloth and sanctified water is sprinkled on them. When each of them wakes up, she takes and eats one type of fruit and the bottle of water.

For Friday 12 noon - 3 p.m. special service for prophets, dreamers and those seeking the power of the holy spirit, participants would have one candle and a bottle of water. After the service, they are placed before the Lord and covered with alter cloth. They take their water when they wake up.

For Friday 3 p.m. Spiritual prenatal clinic for pregnant women, participants would have one candle and a bottle of water. After service and prayer for safe delivery, they are placed before the Lord and covered with altar cloth. They take their water when they wake up.

It will be reasonable and useful to direct our attention to the following aspects relating to our worship:

i. Falling on our faces, worshipping God - Rev. 14:6; II Chron. 20:18; Exod. 34:6-8; Matt. 26:39; Rev. 7:11; Rev. 11:16; 4:10.
ii. Gates of our church open continually - Isaiah 60:11-12; Rev. 7:15.
iii. Altar lamp burns continually - Lev. 24:1-2; Exod. 27:20
iv. Candlestick (seven pronged) - Exod.25:31-37; Heb.9:2 Rev. 1:12; 4:5
v. Table of the Altar - Exod. 25:23; Heb.9:1-3
vi. Communion box - Heb. 9:4
vii. Burning of incense Rev. 8:1-4; Mark 16:1 Lk. 1:9-10; Lk.23: 55-56; Matt 2:11; Exod. 30:34-38.
ii. Use of sanctified oil - James 5:14-l5; Mark 6:13
ix. Walking barefoot and not wearing cap in the Church - Exod. 3:4-6; Rev. 1:14; 1:15
x. Loins (Girdle) - Acts 12:8; John 13:4-5; Jer. 1:17
xi. White Garment - Matt. 28:2-3; Rev. 6:9-11
xii. Garment for worshippers and priests - Exod. 39:22-29.

From the above, it can be concluded that most of our practices which relate to our worship in Celestial Church of Christ are dictates from the Lord as directly in the Bible. And John in Rev. 1:1-3 did not mince words that he was given the revelation
in order to show God's chosen people what must happen very soon. Christ made these things known to John by sending his angel to him and he had told all that he had seen. "Happy are those who obey what is written in this Book": i.e. the book of Revelation. It is evident that Celestial Church of Christ is the fulfillment of the-vision of John in the scene described in Rev. 7:9-17.
4. RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS:

Our religious obligations in our church are many and varied. The principal ones which God does not play with are thanks offering, and tithes.

Thanks offering and tithes take a prominent place in our worship in Celestial Church of Christ. The significance of these in our life is well explained in Malachi 3:6-12. Doing it is blessings and not doing it is curse. Psalm 100:1-5 relates the message loud and clear. It is the bounding duty of those who are saved to "serve the Lord in gladness" and "come to his presence with singing". It is appropriate to enter His gates with thanksgiving to acknowledge "that the Lord, He is God; it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves”.

Of equal importance are alms, and freewill offering which is popularly known as collections 1 Corin. 16:1-3. These are sacrifices that are lifted up for blessings. It is from part of those four types of offerings: thanks offering, tithes, alms, and freewill offering called collections that the workers receive their stipend.
5. ORDINANCES:

In Celestial Church of Christ, all the laws given to Moses and the prophets are strictly adhered to. Malachi 4:4; Exod. 20:1-20 Matt. 5:17-20. Since repetition is a fixing device, the mosaic laws and Celestial Church of Christ ordinances are brought into announcements every worship day. Our ordinances are categorized for ease of reference viz Food, Drink, Morality, Discipline, and Ritual Cleanliness.
Food:

It is forbidden in Celestial Church of Christ to eat Pork; Crawling animals like snake, snail, and species of fish that have no scale. Eating blood is also forbidden Lev. 3:17; Gen.9:4-5; Deut. 12:15-16; 23-25.
Drinks:

It is forbidden in Celestial Church of Christ to take alcohol or wine Lk. 1:15; Number 6:1-4. It is also forbidden to smoke cigarette or snuff tobacco.
Morality

Adultery or fornication in any form is totally forbidden. It is forbidden for a man to hug a woman or stay too close chest to chest to a woman 1 Corin. 7:1-2; Rev. 21:8.
Discipline:

It is forbidden in Celestial Church of Christ

1. For women to leave their head uncovered I Corin. 11:5-6; 10
2. For men and women to wear transparent dress or use transparent material to sew their sutana;
3. For women to mount the pulpit to deliver sermon or lead congregational worships 1 Tim. 2:11-12;
4. For women to adorn their lips or nails (foot or finger) 1 Peter 3; 1 Tim. 2;
5. For men to allow their hair to be too long 1 Corin. 11:14; for male and female members to sit side by side in the temple of God;
6. For members to merry-go-round at night.

RITUAL CLEANLINESS:

It is forbidden in Celestial Church of Christ

1. To carry a corpse into the temple of God;
2. To bury the dead close to the temple;
3. For women in their monthly period for the first seven days to move near the temple or touch any holy thing
4. For women after giving birth to children to enter the temple until the time of her purification 40 days after child birth;
5. To eat anything offered to idols.

There are a few general ones. Members of Celestial Church of Christ are forbidden to wear anything red or black either as underwears or as dresses.
6. SOCIALS:

There are a few vital things that can pass for tenets in our marriage and child-christening ceremonies.
Marriage:

The aspect I want to highlight in our marriage ceremony is that which shows the union not only of the bride and bridegroom but also of the two families - the families of the bride and that of the bridegroom - consummated under the spirit of God. The parents of the bride will hold the hand of their daughter and place it in the hands of the parents of the bridegroom giving their daughter not directly to the bridegroom but to the parents of the bridegroom to be adopted as their own daughter. The parents of the bridegroom will then take the hands of both the bride (their daughter-in-law) and the bridegroom (their son) together and give to the elders of the church who then deliver the hands to the officiating minister for solemnization of matrimony. Held within three pillars - the families of the bride, the families of the bridegroom, and the church elders - the wedlock stands a great chance of lasting.
Child Christening:

On the eighth day, every child born into a Celestian home is christened. For this ceremony the following are needed: seven types of fruits, candles (2 packets), incense, honey, salt, sugar, and water. Seven of the candles, lit, will be in a bowl of water, which will be placed in front of the prophet who carries the child. At the entrance of the temple, the child will be sanctified by the shepherd and the prophet carrying the child with six other members of the congregation will usher the child into the temple dancing. One of the sidesmen will carry the bowl in which seven candles are stuck out of which three are lit while another sidesman will be burning incense to lead the child into the temple. In the process of the service, the spirit of God will descend on the prophet carrying the child to give the child a name. The name given to our Lord came from an angel before he was conceived Luke 2:21.

After sermon and collection, seven elders of the church, four men and three women, will stand round the child who is carried by the prophet. The name given through the holy spirit will be read out after which water, salt, and honey shall be put into the child's mouth with words of blessing from the Leader. This is followed by the reading of Deut. 28:1-14 and prayer from the seven elders. When the service is ended after thanksgiving, the congregation will dance round the child, giving him gifts and taking part of the honey, salt, sugar, and fruits.

At the end of the ceremony in the temple, the child is led into the waiting arm of his mother outside the church just as he was led into the temple.