ccc news 24
The Celestial Church of Christ has a diverse range of practices and beliefs when it comes to spiritual work, commonly known as “ise.” Some parishes strongly embrace ise, incorporating various prayer sessions such as monthly vigils with items like soap, brooms, and palm fronds to rebuke negative forces and seek divine intervention. There are even instances where prayer sessions are held at beaches or mountains.
On the other hand, there are churches within CCC that do not emphasize ise and instead prioritize worship and the Word of God. Their focus is primarily on congregational prayer and spiritual gatherings like “agba meje” (seven elders) and Mercy Land.
This divergence in practice has led to some confusion among members regarding the original attitude of CCC towards ise. Some churches that engage in ise claim that Papa Oshoffa, the founder of CCC, encouraged its practice as guided by the Holy Spirit. They cite instances where Papa himself performed ise, such as using an egg and a needle, which is documented in the CCC constitution.
However, there are other churches that assert that Papa never advocated for ise. They argue that he even discouraged certain practices, like going to the beach, and stated that only vigils during the new moon should be allowed.
In understanding the concept of ise, it is essential to recognize that spiritual work is not about conjuring or formulating something but rather using symbolic actions or objects to depict spiritual truths. It is a way of communicating with principalities and powers in the name of Jesus, using parables and anointing oil as tools for spiritual warfare.
Papa Oshoffa was not against celestial spiritual work but rather cautioned against its abuse. He acknowledged the power of spiritual work and even bestowed ajoku (protection) to a man going to war, enabling bullets to pass harmlessly through him.
In summary, celestial spiritual work is seen as a language of the spiritual realm, a means of engaging with principalities and powers through the leading of the Holy Spirit. While there may be differing practices and interpretations within the church, the fundamental principle remains the same – to utilize spiritual work as a tool for revealing the wisdom of God and seeking divine intervention in the name of Jesus.
