“In the midst of life’s limitations—social, moral, physical, and spiritual evils of this world—Jesus Christ remains the only source of eternal life,” declares Apostle Eric Nyamekye during a thanksgiving service held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tema, in memory of the late Elder Dr Johnson Addo.
Elder Dr Johnson Addo, the CEO of Raphal Medical Centre and Trustee of The Church of Pentecost, passed away on September 9, 2023, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Speaking on the topic, “Oasis of Salvation,” Apostle Nyamekye reflected on the insightful words of John Austin Baker, highlighting the existence of “compounds of limitation” in human experience—immutable aspects that impose constraints, including the pervasive nature of suffering.
Drawing some lessons from Proverbs 18:10, Apostle Nyamekye explained that an oasis is a fertile haven in the desert where water sustains life.
He acknowledged the universality of pain stemming from physical and emotional sources. He expounded on anxiety, thus inducing uncertainty of the future and the irreplaceable nature of the past. He also explored the random occurrences of natural disasters and the inevitability of death as elements of the human condition.
Central to the sermon was the assertion that death, an undeniable adversary, is the last enemy destined for destruction, as stated in the Bible.
Despite its formidable nature, Apostle Nyamekye reassured believers that God, in His wisdom, knows how to help them navigate the challenges posed by death.
The sermon further examined the causes of death, citing passages such as Romans 5:12 and Matthew 6:13, attributing the origin of suffering to the influence of Satan. The categorization of evil into physical, moral, social, and spiritual domains underscored the multifaceted nature of challenges faced by humanity.
Addressing how to confront these limitations, Apostle Nyamekye emphasized that education, work, marriage, and wealth, though valuable, do not offer ultimate solutions. Instead, he pointed to an “oasis of salvation” found in Ecclesiastes 3:11 and John 3:16—highlighting Jesus as the source of eternal life amid life’s limitations.
The Chairman stressed that accepting Jesus as Lord grants believers access to God’s grace but does not exempt them from suffering. The virtue of wisdom, as depicted in Job 28 and Proverbs 24:3, was presented as a means to manage, though not eliminate, destruction and death.
Drawing from Proverbs 3:13, Apostle Nyamekye expounded on the two-fold offering of wisdom—long life and honour.
He asserted that the hope of resurrection, grounded in eternity, alleviates the effects of suffering on Christians.
He cited Romans 8:22-26 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13 as pivotal passages underscoring the role of hope and the Holy Spirit in mitigating suffering.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye encouraged believers to anchor their faith on three pillars: faith for spiritual enlightenment, love for unity, and hope to guard against disappointment.
“Suffering will come, and tears will flow out of our eyes, but let us look towards God. May the hope of the resurrection ease the pain of death in Jesus’ name,” he concluded.
Present at the service were Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, General Secretary and wife, Korkor; Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head) and wife, Juanita; Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (Ashaiman Area Head); Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankrah-Badu (Tema Area Head); Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo (rtd); Apostle Matthew Wettey Larbi (rtd)Jesus Is The Source Of Eternal Life – Apostle Nyamekye Asserts and Elder Dr Lawyer Ken Aboah (Trustee of the Church).
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