Posts in category: Articles

This profound statement was uttered by the revered Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at the recently-held Pentecost 2024 Conference at Rudolf Weber Arena, Oberhausen, Germany. Apostle Eric Nyamekye made this heart-soothing statement in one of his messages titled “The Church in God’s Plan of Redemption.”

Since its delivery, this powerful assertion has been trending and has helped many understand that “God cannot fail any individual once He chooses him or her.” I, therefore, want to borrow this short but impactful statement I personally took note of during the ministration of our dear chairman, to emphasize and broadly share my thoughts on it as inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Undeniably, when God chooses a person or a vessel, He chooses that individual to fulfill an assignment and mandate that will glorify His name and advance His kingdom. Because there is no failure in our excellent God, no individual can fail in His hands when He truly appoints them. Like clay in the hands of a potter, He continues to shape, fashion, and mould that individual until He uses them to fulfill the purpose for which He chose and called them.

Isaiah 64:8 says, “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Every potter’s expectation and desire is that the clay in his hands would be transformed into a useful pot.

That notwithstanding, anyone God chooses and appoints is likely to experience some adversities, predicaments, and challenges because of the divine selection and appointment. Almost all the vessels God has chosen, used, and is still using have some traceable story and scar attributed to their call. However, if God chooses an individual, regardless of the difficult circumstances they may go through, He will surely uphold them with His righteous hand, be with them, and lead them to their designated destination (Isaiah 41:10).

Isaiah 43:3 also says, “But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.'”

Moreover, before God chooses you, like the prophet Jeremiah, He knows you even when you were in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). There is always a prophetic aura over any individual God chooses before its actual manifestation. David said, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). Indeed, God’s callings and appointments are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

His plans and promises are Yes and Amen, and are forever settled in heaven according to scripture (2 Corinthians 1:20-21, Psalm 119:89). According to Job, “God can do all things; no purpose of His can be thwarted” (Job 42:2). Numbers 23:19 also says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Hallelujah!”

Jesus, the very Son of God, was chosen and called before the foundation of the earth (1 Peter 1:18-20). This means that before the earth was created and formed, Jesus was chosen, appointed, and called. Hallelujah! This is mysterious. Because it was God who chose Christ Jesus, He never failed in His mission and assignment on earth. The purpose for which He came was fulfilled astronomically. He saved the world from its depravity (John 3:17), conquered the devil, restored and reconciled humankind back to God through His death and resurrection. He ascended to heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 2:13-15, John 10:10, Acts 2:22-23).

Israel, which produced the Messiah, never failed because it was God that chose her (Genesis 12:1-3, Isaiah 43:1-3). Hebrews 11:4-39 also gives a picture of some veterans and elders of faith who were called and mightily used by God. Through faith, they fulfilled their purpose and outstandingly touched their world and generation without any failure. Indeed, when God chooses, He will not allow you to fail.

Now, dear reader, whatever field of endeavour you have found yourself in (be it the education sector, health sector, banking sector, sports and entertainment sector, business sector, ministry, etc.), if God is the one who positioned you there, He will not allow you to fail. Just discover and know His will and purpose for your life in that area of service, align with Him, and you will see the impact He will make through you.

The God who chose you is faithful; He will not allow you to fail.

Written by Elder David Gyamfi (PIWC-West Hills)

Bitterness is a universal human experience that can creep into our lives, relationships, and faith, causing emotional distress and spiritual stagnation. It’s a natural response to pain, hurt, and injustice, but if left unchecked, it can lead to a toxic and corrosive mindset. However, there is hope for healing and freedom (Isaiah 61:3, Psalm 34:18).

Bitterness is a complex emotion that arises from unresolved pain, hurt, and anger. It can stem from various sources, including unresolved conflicts and betrayals, unmet expectations and disappointments, past traumas and wounds, and unforgiveness and resentment. Bitterness can have severe consequences on our lives, relationships, and faith (Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:14–15)

Bitterness can destroy relationships and friendships, lead to depression, anxiety, and mental health issues, create a cycle of anger, resentment, and hurtful behaviour, and stagnate spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Bitterness often stems from a deeper issue – a heart that has turned away from God (1 Corinthians 13:1–3, Hebrews 12:15).

When we idolize our pain, hurt, and anger, we create a root of bitterness that produces a toxic harvest. Breaking free from bitterness requires a journey of healing, forgiveness, and surrender. We must acknowledge and identify bitterness in our lives, relationships, and faith, and identify the sources and triggers of our bitterness (Luke 17:3–4, Colossians 3:13).

Choosing to forgive those who have hurt us and letting go of the anger, resentment, and pain releases our soul and frees us from self-torture. It is a choice we must personally make. Forgiveness is a process, and it may take time. We must surrender our bitterness to God and release the hold it has on our lives, trusting in His goodness, grace, and sovereignty (Matthew 5:43–48, Romans 12:14–21).

We must seek healing and restoration through prayer, counselling, and support groups, allowing God to heal our wounds and restore our relationships. When we let gratitude and praise fill our hearts, focusing on the goodness and blessings of God, there is a divine shift in our perspective that enables us to see God’s grace in our lives (Psalm 100:4–5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Additionally, forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for our healing and freedom. When we forgive, we open ourselves up to God’s grace and healing (Matthew 6:14–15, Mark 11:25–26). Healing from bitterness requires a deep and abiding trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. We must trust that He is working all things for our good, even in the midst of pain and hurt (Romans 8:28, Psalm 23:4–6).

Overcoming bitterness is a journey, not a destination. It requires courage, forgiveness, and surrender. As we tread this path, we must remember that God is with us; His grace is sufficient to heal and set us free. We must not let bitterness define our lives. The choice to overcome it and discover the freedom and healing that comes from His grace must engage our thoughts daily (Ephesians 4:31, Romans 8:28). As we overcome bitterness, we will experience the freedom and joy that comes from living in God’s grace. We will be able to love and forgive others, and we will experience the abundant life that Jesus promises (John 10:10, 1 John 1:9). This is a worthwhile journey to heal and be free.

Written by Enoch Agyei

The Cambridge dictionary defines a shortcut as a route more direct than the usual route or a quicker way of doing something. It is a faster or shorter way of getting to a place. Humans naturally lean towards shortcuts at the slightest opportunity, even with obvious risks and dangers. It is often argued why waste precious time and resources to achieve what can be achieved within the shortest possible time. Therefore, systems in both the service and manufacturing sectors are constantly exploring ways to shorten processes to achieve efficiency and maximize profitability. In like manner, God, the creator of the entire universe in record time, would be the first to opt for the best, effective, and efficient way of executing every aspect of His Kingdom business. 

Unfortunately, there seems to be a popular assertion that God is not too interested in shortcuts, even if they appear to be risk-free and the obvious way out of the affairs of His children. One scripture usually picked out of context to back that assertion can be found in Exodus 13:17. It reads, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.” Although God is the most significant stakeholder of our walk with Him, believers more often than not behave and pretend as though they are more concerned about productivity in God’s vineyard business than He. God’s way may appear long and impossible, but it always turns out to be the shortest route toward set goals. Part five of this series will examine how a gatekeeper woke up one day and returned home as a Chancellor in a foreign land. Lessons will also be gleaned regarding maintaining the needed composure when traversing the humanly “long” hauls when God leads. 

Except for staging a palace coup d’etat, no Organogram provides a direct pathway for a gatekeeper to become the King, the Vizier, or second in Command. Indeed, in most jurisdictions, foreigners are not even entertained around their security zones and installations, let alone getting the opportunity to serve as security operatives. Such was the plight of one of the Jewish exiles named Mordecai, who got to serve as one of the gatekeepers at the royal palace of Susa under King Xerxes, who ruled over 127 Provinces from India to Cush. In (Esther 2:21-23), Mordecai was at duty post and heard his office colleagues planning evil and mayhem against his boss, King Xerxes. He diligently reported that treasonable conspiracy to the appropriate quarters for action to be taken. The issue was investigated to be credible, and the culprits were punished. 

Some, out of apathy, politics, and disloyalty, would have decided not to own up to the rebels who conspired to assassinate the King (Esther 2:21-23). This practice and bold step of Mordecai was quite unusual for a captive, foreigner, or servant eagerly waiting for a day he and his fellow citizens to be delivered from the power of King Xerxes. In (Esther 2:21- 3:1), if there was anyone in that empire who deserved to be promoted, then it was Mordecai. The promotion, however, went to Haman, his soon-to-be archenemy. Some may even argue that it was this promotion of Haman that made him proud and so powerful to the extent of having the guts to hatch such an all-time diabolical plan against the Children of God. Others would also argue that Mordecai courted needless enmity for himself by reporting the two who planned to kill the King to the authorities. When the promotion did not go Mordecai’s way, it appeared his loyalty to the King had been in vain. 

However, unknowingly to Mordecai himself, that faithfulness fruit of the Spirit he bore became a bedrock upon which God would lift him beyond his imagination. It was only a matter of time. Meanwhile, observers would be worried, arguing that God’s ways are often too slow for comfort. God’s time is still the best in any believer’s life. Although very disappointing and difficult to accept at times, this old Christian adage still stands very tall and true. 

Believers must not be worried when they see the “Hamans” in their organizations and establishments getting promoted while they remain stagnant. Unlike humans who promote, God lifts His children from the lowest to the highest pinnacle in His time. (Psalm 75:6-7). Therefore, all who desire to be lifted by God in His own time must shun evil and every attempt to condone or cover the same in whichever capacity and wherever they find themselves. Haman, the Agagite, unfortunately, made a big issue against Mordecai and his people out of a relatively trivial matter at the palace gate. He managed to get Queen Esther’s husband, the King, to sign the death sentence of the Jews from India to Cush. Just around the same period, the King suffered a sleepless night on one occasion. He was disturbed Mordecai had not been promoted, acknowledged, or rewarded for uncovering that abortive coup against him. God caused Haman to plan and organize the colorful coronation of Mordecai as the King’s favorite with immediate effect. Ultimately, Mordecai, the slave gatekeeper, became the Vizier of the Kingdom of Persia. Other words that describe his elevated status are Chancellor, Chief Minister, or Prime Minister. 

Although Mordecai was Esther’s mentor and coach, he did not envy her when she became the Queen while he worked as a gatekeeper. In the end, Mordecai’s uplifting was even more powerful than Queen Esther’s in terms of the governance structure of Persia. “Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes (Esther 10:3). Regarding Haman’s plot, God helped the Israelites and redeemed them from the hands of Haman. Ultimately, Haman and his family suffered the fate he planned against Mordecai and his people. (Esther 8:2,9,10,15; 9:3-4). Had Mordecai been agitated about not being promoted around the time Haman got promoted, the best he would have gotten was probably the rank of senior gatekeeper. By the time he could be eligible to apply for the rank of a Principal and then to a Chief gatekeeper, he would have been on retirement. However, God knew the shortest distance to move Mordecai from the gate to the Chair. For those who believe in elimination by rough tactics to attain certain prestigious positions, the fate of Mordecai’s colleagues who tried to take up the ruins of power is a lesson for all. Therefore, Mordecai would have been killed if he had attempted anything like that to get to the top.

Some also see the route of obedience, faithfulness, sincerity, honesty, and service loyalty as a long and frustrating journey to rise to power. There are still people who rely on the use of charms, occultism, and sorcery to get others they perceive as competitors removed or killed so they can take their place. Unfortunately, some believers buy into such devilish schemes, forgetting what Jesus said in Matthew 26:52. It reads, “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” The “long” shortcut for Mordecai, the slave gatekeeper, to become the second in Command to King Xerxes was the sacrifices he made in nurturing his orphan cousin Esther and his faithfulness, loyalty, and diligence as a gatekeeper at the seat of government. 

From the above illustration, we can firmly conclude that what humans call a long path toward success is God’s shortcut for His children. We have also realized that while many depend on their qualifications and hard work to occupy positions of trust, others see that as a rather long journey full of uncertainties. They thus resort to backbiting, lobbying, the use of feminine power, and elimination of supposed competitors by rough tactics, which come with their inherent disappointments and miseries. God, however, knows the shortest but safest route to the assigned blessed destinations of all He calls His children. His route doesn’t take time; it saves it instead for all who put their trust in Him. 

William L. Hogan once said, “God is under no obligation to explain or defend Himself to us. His ways are often perplexing and sometimes very painful, but be sure of this: God Himself has brought you to that difficult spot, and He makes no mistakes. We must rest assured that He knows what He is doing, even when we do not, and that He does everything well.” However, When God chose to use the Red Sea route for Israel instead of the shortcut, He explained His rationale to them. “For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:18).

Many believers, unfortunately, elongate God’s shortcut for them by the choices they made and by their lifestyles but turn around to make blasphemous comments about God and create disaffection for Him. Israel would not have spent 40 years in the wilderness for that journey to the promised Land. Those years could be best described as imprisonment or punishment and must not be added to the total mileage from Egypt to Cannan. God punished them to wander about until all over 20 years perished, except for Caleb and Joshua.

There can be no one who needs productivity in God’s vineyard than Himself. Therefore, there will always be good reasons, primarily out of the reach of human comprehension, why the apparent delays are loaded with intrigues anytime God is in charge. He always proves Himself as the faithful one, with the end being extraordinarily glorious if only we are prepared to go the “long” hull with Him. Humankind’s way perceived as a shortcut is instead loaded with risk, uncertainties, and speculations founded on human wishes. The routes God uses are incomprehensible and inaccessible by humankind’s efforts. It is always viewed as long, although it is always the shortest and safest way to reach our destinations. His Grace and help are where He leads.

By Mrs Gloria Ekua Owusu (Mpasaso District-Tepa Area)

The story of the Samaritan woman at the well, as captured in the Gospel of John, provides profound insights into Jesus’ intentional encounter with a woman who becomes an effective evangelist. Let’s delve deeper into this encounter and draw valuable lessons for women engaged in spreading the Good News.

“So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so, Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water…

According to John 4:6, “The sixth hour simply is a modern-day noon, which mostly called for rest. Most women would come early in the morning or late in the evening to fetch water. However, Jesus had sent His disciples away (John 4:8), and we see the woman come to the well for water.

As the story unfolds, we learn that this woman regularly comes to the well at this time of day (John 4:15). She has been married five times, and is currently living in unrepentant sin, by living with her boyfriend (John 4:16-18). These circumstances point to her desire to avoid the shame that would come by attending the well when other women were present. And yet, Jesus, in His divine intentionality, sought to meet this specific woman at this specific time.

The Actual Story as Illustrated by the Bible

Jesus is revealed in this story in several ways:

Through dialogue with the Samaritan woman, we realize Jesus disclosed Himself three times throughout the story.

Firstly, Jesus is revealed as the Living Water (John 4:13-14). After asking the Samaritan woman for a drink, He retorts to her by giving her something greater. “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Jesus is revealed as a Prophet.

John 4:16-19 says: “He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.”

Dumbfounded by how Jesus exposed her sins, now the Samaritan woman’s eyes are beginning to open to the truth of who Jesus is. Through this speech, He shows her that His word is true.

Finally, we see Jesus revealed as the Messiah. “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

Jesus is the Messiah

Jesus apparently told the woman explicitly that He is the anointed King that has come to seek and save the lost.

Jesus’ encounter with this woman paints a picture of some lessons that reveal how women can also spread the Good News and be fully committed to the Great Commission.

1. She came to the knowledge that Jesus alone is the Living Water.
   The Samaritan woman looked up to men to satisfy her pleasure and soul. We also focus on things external to Christ to give our lives purpose and meaning. Nevertheless, as Jesus revealed Himself to her, He opened her eyes to know that He was the never-ending water she was so desiring (John 7:38).
2. She came to the knowledge that Jesus is not deterred by our numerous sins.
   The woman perceived Jesus as a prophet because He called out all her sins (John 4:29). Jesus is Omniscient and sees the iniquities within every man’s heart. He sees our desires, and yet He still pursues us and loves us (Romans 3:23). He is not surprised by our evil desires and intentions, but rather He seeks to reconcile us to the Father in spite of all our wrongdoings.
3. She came to the knowledge that Jesus is the Saviour of the world.
   In the meantime, the Samaritan woman could not totally understand who Jesus was, until her eyes were opened to the truth. We also need Christ to open our eyes to the reality of who He is (Ephesians 4:18). She affirmed in her heart that it is only by believing in the words of Jesus that she will be saved from her sins and went out to declare to others about Jesus being the saviour of the world. We must also be courageous to declare Him to the whole world that He gives new desires and a new purpose to those who seek Him.
4. She also came to the realisation that Christ is the Messiah.
   Once Jesus is your Messiah, He becomes the Lord of your life. She found this quickly and went out to declare to others that the long-awaited Messiah and king had come to save mankind. We come to Christ to be complete, to be pardoned; and the vacuum that is filled by Christ in our heart surfeits so that we desire to proclaim His excellences (1 Peter 2:9) and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus turns out to be such a treasure to us, so as to the Samaritan woman, that we cannot stop ourselves from telling others about the happiness He has conferred in our life (John 4:28-30).
5. Lastly, she came to the knowledge that Christ is always willing to give us the water of life. Jesus responds to the Samaritan woman at the well, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water” (John 4:10). The woman marvels how Jesus can offer this water, particularly since He had no means to draw it. In Jesus’ answer according to (John 4:13–14), we must tell others to come to the well and the brook of God to drink. This made the Samaritan woman a great kind of Woman Evangelist, as she went out to preach the gospel in her community to transform others.

In summary, the Bible uses water as an allegory in some places, and it does express “the water of life.” In John 4, Jesus is sitting at a well in Samaria when a woman comes to draw water. This would have been a diurnal task for her and would have involved significant effort and time on her part. Jesus asks her for a drink. This simple request was weighty because Jesus was publicly speaking to a woman and a Samaritan woman at that. The woman misinterprets, thinking that if she could get this water, she would not have to spend any more time labouring to get water daily from the well. At this point, she thinks that Jesus is talking about some kind of magical water that would meet her physical needs. Jesus turns the conversation from physical needs to spiritual needs. The conversation ends with Jesus telling her simply that He is the promised Messiah, and she goes and evangelises the whole town to come out and listen to what Jesus has to say.

INTRODUCTION

Africa has become a hub of Christian vitality today. No one saw it coming. Experts in Christian missions prior to the exponential rise of Christianity in Africa did not see the possibility of this happening even when they met to put their heads together at the end of the first decade of the 20^th century. It is a surprising story. Our Lord Jesus Christ desires that His aroma spread everywhere. Meanwhile, flourishing of the Christian faith cannot be said of the Euro-American West today. Consequently, a phenomenon of “reverse mission” emerged characterized, in part, by Africa, which was at the receiving end of the 20th-century Western evangelical Christian mission, now sending missionaries to the West. There has been an increased presence of African-led churches in the West. The West has been in the middle of very renowned revivals that championed the course of Christ. Considering the current nature of Christian vitality in the West, it is fair to say that there is a need for a chain of revivals that will awaken the Christian faith. This time around, African-led revivals must be seriously pursued to the point where indigenes of the West, will come back to their first love, as it were. It is against this backdrop that a global conference dubbed “Pentecost 2024” being organized by the Church of Pentecost, headquartered in Ghana, in Germany from May 15-18, 2024 comes to light. Rudolf Weber Arena of the city of Oberhausen in Germany is the venue for this conference that promises to provoke a great revival. This short article discusses that this conference is an essential instrument that must be critically considered in the quest of African-led churches to rejuvenate the Christian faith in the West.

THINGS FALL APART IN A CHRISTENDOM

After the Day of Pentecost, the work of mission progressed steadily from the city of Jerusalem to other parts of the world at the time. New frontiers were broken with the Christian faith. True to the narrative of Acts 1:8, from Jerusalem, the gospel of Jesus Christ made incursions into other places in the region of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:4-12). The Acts story indicated that an African has also received the gospel and he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:26-39). Luke, the writer of the Acts of the Apostles did excellently in giving an account of this spread of the gospel of Christ. 

The Greco-Roman world during the time around the New Testament accounts became impacted by Christianity. Jerusalem, the Christian center at the time gave way to new frontiers. There was a shift of the center of gravity from Palestine to the Greco-Roman world. The early signs of this gradual shift could even be detected in the Acts accounts. The narrative of Acts 15 plays a key role in this happening. By the close of the 1^st century, there were more Christians of non-Jewish background than there were Jewish Christians. This impacted the understanding of Christian identity considerably (1 Corinthians 10:32; Galatians 3:28).

Constantine and Theodosius I, former Roman emperors played vital roles in the promotion of Christianity in the known world at the time. A divine encounter the emperor Constantine had, led to his conversion to the Christian faith and eventually caused the acceptance of Christianity as a legal religion of the Roman Empire. Theodosius I declared, officially, Christianity as a state religion thus making Roman Empire Christendom. This animated the emergence of Europa (Europe) as a Christian land so Christianity became the core religion of Europeans. Charlemagne, who later became an emperor of Western Europe played a vital role in the spread of Christianity. The promotion of Christendom started voyages of exploration from the West to the rest of the wider world.

Concerning the great Christian presence in the Western world, things began to fall apart. Diverse factors played out in the sad decline of Christianity in the West. Today, people could make such statements as “God is dead in the West.” Mission belongs to God. The move of the Holy Spirit has defied many predictions concerning the dynamics of the Christian faith around the world. Whilst many think there is no hope for the resurrection of Christianity in the West, the Spirit is moving in the world including the Western world.

WAIT IN THE CITY

From the post-resurrection interaction with his disciples immediately preceding the ascension, Jesus Christ indicates that power is needed in bearing witness of him to the world (Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:4-9). Arguably, without this power, Christian witness will not thrive. From this story, in a difficult situation of Christian missions, Christians must draw from the instruction of Jesus Christ for his disciples to wait in the city until they are empowered for the task of spreading the gospel. Christians must appreciate that God has made provisions that will enable world evangelization.

Cities, therefore, are strategic centers where revivals can begin and spread to other places. In this time of “reverse mission,” I think cities still offer the opportunity for African-led churches to wait upon God in these places for spiritual awakening that will lead to moving the hearts of people to turn to Christ. From the cities, incursions can be made into the hinterlands.

The cities of the West must be on the drawing board in the work of missions. Cities are defined by a certain worldview and features that make them unique spaces for Christian missions. Nimi Wariboko, the doyen of social ethics, in his book The Charismatic City and the Public Resurgence of Religion: A Pentecostal Social Ethics of Cosmopolitan Urban Life has noted that “a city is a social relation . . . [it] reflects the culture and worldview of the people that creates it.” The people who create cities come from diverse backgrounds and this will reflect in the mosaic of beliefs and attitudes that will characterize cities. In general terms, cities all over the world are regarded as places of delinquency, pollution, with no sense of community, and places where evil has a free course. 

Meanwhile, because cities are places that invite persons from diverse walks of life, revivals that happen in those places can cause many people to catch the fire of God and take it to other places. The Church of Pentecost’s plan to meet in the city of Oberhausen in Germany for Pentecost 2024 is important.

PENTECOST CONFERENCE 2024

The Church of Pentecost seems to be aware of the opportunity that Oberhausen, a key German city, offers. The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric for instance is of the view that “At no time in history has it been . . . true[r] than now that he who wins the city wins the world.” Arguably, it is the belief that winning the city will lead to having a great positive influence on the world that informed significantly the move to venture into the city of Oberhausen. This conference, according to the Church, will enable winning souls for the Lord Jesus towards multi-racial, multi-national, multi-cultural, and multi-generational churches.

This presents an interesting paradigm, first, for the Church of Pentecost, and then for the entire African-led ministry in the West. This conference is the first of its kind being organized by The Church of Pentecost in the West. Although its ministry outside Ghana, its place of origin, has been progressing, it can be seen that reaching out to indigenes has been difficult, especially in the West. The conference therefore presents an opportunity for a revival to break out and influence indigenes. It will foster important networking that will send the revival that is expected to break out at the Rudolf Weber Arena, which has over 10, 000 sitting capacity, around the world.

Considering the fact this conference is being championed by a church headquartered in Africa in which many people are traveling from different parts of Africa, especially Ghana, and other parts of the world to cause a revival in the West, it is like intentionally transporting a revival. It defines a model that must be explored further in the quest of African-led churches to impact the West with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This must become an intentional paradigm that must accompany the work of missions in the West. It has the potency to provoke revival that will awaken Christian spirituality in the Western world.

CONCLUSION

The Spirit is moving around the world. He can venture into contexts, whether religious or secular and provoke a revival that will cause many to yield to the Lord Jesus Christ. No country, regional bloc, or continent must be regarded as impenetrable by the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is very important. When the Spirit moves, it changes narratives and overthrows predictions. The revival that is expected to break out from the city of Oberhausen can traverse the entire country and spread into other nations, especially in the West. It must be considered as an important model that will aid the “reverse mission.” Let there be a renewal of Christian vitality in the West.

Written by Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

The Cambridge dictionary defines a shortcut as a route more direct than the usual route or a quicker way of doing something. It is a faster or shorter way of getting to a place. Humans naturally lean towards shortcuts at the slightest opportunity, even with obvious risks and dangers. It is often argued why waste precious time and resources to achieve what can be achieved within the shortest possible time. Therefore, systems in both the service and manufacturing sectors are constantly exploring ways to shorten processes to achieve efficiency and maximize profitability. In like manner, God, the creator of the entire universe in record time, would be the first to opt for the best, effective, and efficient way of executing every aspect of His Kingdom business. 

Unfortunately, there seems to be a popular assertion that God is not too interested in shortcuts, even if they appear to be risk-free and the apparent way out of the affairs of His children. One scripture usually picked out of context to back that assertion can be found in Exodus 13:17. It reads, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.” Although God is the most significant stakeholder of our walk with Him, believers more often than not behave and pretend as though they are more concerned about productivity in God’s vineyard business than He. God’s way may appear long and impossible, but it always turns out to be the shortest route toward set goals. Part three of this series will examine how a poor orphan slave became the First Lady of Persia. Lessons will also be gleaned regarding maintaining the needed composure when traversing the humanly “long” hauls when God leads. 

Queens and First Ladies register would confirm that most of them evolved from royal families or belonged to the elitist group. Seldom would one find a woman of a lowly or challenged background chosen or nominated to be a First Lady. Indeed, meeting the criteria for consideration as a Queen or First Lady was even more difficult in the olden days per the history of cultures. Carefully selected virgins would have to go through different stages of screening until making the final list for the King to choose from. It was, therefore, not surprising how the Bible described Queen Vashti, the wife of King Xerxes’ beauty. “…for she was lovely to look at…” (Esther 1:11). 

The King invited Queen Vashti to display her beauty at a grand Durbar, but she strangely reclined and disobeyed her husband’s request. The leadership and authorities moved for her removal as Queen and quickly established a mechanism to select another Queen for the King. What triggered the Queen’s misbehavior and her subsequent replacement were later understood to be part of God’s “long” shortcut design for a slave orphan to occupy that envious position as the Queen of Persia. Someway somehow, Esther, who was a slave orphan living with her male cousin Mordecai, found herself amongst the contestants. Mordecai advised her not to disclose her background because she could have been disqualified on technical grounds. “Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.” (Esther 1:10). The pageantry organizers also did not strictly check to verify the detailed background of the contestants. When God begins to cut corners for His children, He quickly sets aside red tape and human bureaucracies, which can be possible obstructions. As a growing orphan girl being groomed by a male relative, there was a high probability of her looks being negatively affected even if she possessed a natural beauty. 

However, God caused the beautician managing the selected virgins to be favorably disposed to Esther (Esther 1:8-9). At the end of the contest, Esther won and replaced Vashti to become the Queen of Persia. In the standard scheme of events, how would Esther gain access as Queen Vashti’s servant, let alone entertain the thoughts of marrying King Xerxes? If it were about virgins, then Esther wasn’t the only virgin in the citadel of Susa. The primary criterion for the beauty pageantry was to be a virgin. Queen Vashti would not have been removed if it were about beauty alone. Besides, beauty and good-looking were also essential to qualify to vie for the position of the King’s wife. It is the favor of God that dresses up a slave orphan to look lovely and irresistible in the eyes of a King in the stature of Xerxes of Persia.

Humility, one of the fruits of the Spirit, was one identifiable ground upon which God propelled Esther to breach all protocols to become the First Lady of Persia. Even though her guardian cousin Mordecai served as a gatekeeper at the palace, she still respected, revered, and obeyed him unreservedly. Pride could have easily set in Esther’s life when she started gaining prominence in the palace and became the First Lady. Unfortunately, even when God has designed a shortcut for some to their destination, they prolong and make a shipwreck of their journey with Pride and arrogance. There is a school of thought that without necessarily resorting to prayer and fasting, Queen Esther should have used her feminine power to neutralize the wicked plans of Haman against the Israelites. That argument derives its strength from the natural vulnerabilities of the male gender to that of the female from creation. Playing the feminine card continues to be a potent shortcut for many ladies to rise to prominent positions in society.

However, that would have ended Esther’s rule as the Queen if she attempted to force her way around her without being duly invited. The evil workings of Haman, the Agagite against the Jews, were not the kind that could have been toppled with emotional or sexual overtures to King Xerxes. By the timely promptings of Mordecai, the gatekeeper to Esther, fasting and prayers were the shortest way out of their pending total annihilation. Disappointments, misery, anguish, emptiness, sickness, and death have always characterized ladies who depend on the use of romantic relationships to get what they want. God’s “long” shortcut for Esther to become the First Lady of Persia was the ordeal she suffered as an orphan at a very tender age. Again, she needed to humbly cope and keep up with her cousin Mordecai, who also served as a gatekeeper at the seat of government.

Was God aware that Esther and Mordecai were captives in a foreign Land and, therefore, slaves? Yes, because He initiated and supervised the Babylonian captivity. Did God know that Esther lost her parents at a very tender age? Yes! Did God know that Esther had no female relative available to take care of her as a growing girl child except Mordecai, her male cousin? Yes. God’s Grace and help increase with challenging heights. All the enumerated challenges were part of God’s roadmap for Esther to become the Queen, who was well connected to power for the Jews’ redemption and His glory. The Jews could have used no other route to get to the heart of the seat of the Persian government. So, let us trust in God and His judgments anytime He is invited to lead. He insists in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” We will, therefore, never miss our providential way even though it may appear long and impossible with men.

From the above illustration, we can firmly conclude that what humans call a long path toward success is God’s shortcut for His children. We have also realized that while many depend on their qualifications and hard work to occupy positions of trust, others see that as a rather long journey full of uncertainties. They thus resort to backbiting, lobbying, feminine power, and elimination of supposed competitors by rough tactics, which come with their inherent disappointments and miseries. God, however, knows the shortest but safest route to the assigned blessed destinations of all He calls His children. His route doesn’t take time; it saves it instead for all who put their trust in Him. 

William L. Hogan once said, “God is under no obligation to explain or defend Himself to us. His ways are often perplexing and sometimes very painful, but be sure of this: God Himself has brought you to that difficult spot, and He makes no mistakes. We must rest assured that He knows what He is doing, even when we do not, and that He does everything well.” However, When God chose to use the Red Sea route for Israel instead of the shortcut, He explained His rationale to them. “For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:18).

Many believers, unfortunately, elongate God’s shortcut for them by the choices they made and by their lifestyles but turn around to make blasphemous comments about God and create disaffection for Him. Israel would not have spent 40 years in the wilderness for that journey to the promised Land. Those years could be best described as imprisonment or punishment and must not be added to the total mileage from Egypt to Cannan. They were punished to wander about until all above 20 years perished except for Caleb and Joshua.

There can be no one who needs productivity in God’s vineyard than Himself. Therefore, there will always be good reasons, primarily out of the reach of human comprehension, why the apparent delays are loaded with intrigues anytime God is in charge. He always proves Himself as the faithful one, with the end being extraordinarily glorious if only we are prepared to go the “long” haul with Him. Humankind’s way perceived as a shortcut is instead loaded with risk, uncertainties, and speculations founded on human wishes. The routes God uses are incomprehensible and inaccessible by humankind’s efforts. It is always viewed as long, although it is always the shortest and safest way to reach our destinations. His Grace and help are where He leads. Stay blessed.

Written by Apostle James Orhin Agyin

The Cambridge dictionary defines a shortcut as a route more direct than the usual route or a quicker way of doing something. It is a faster or shorter way of getting to a place. Humans naturally lean towards shortcuts at the slightest opportunity, even with obvious risks and dangers. It is often argued why waste precious time and resources to achieve what can be achieved within the shortest possible time. Therefore, systems in both the service and manufacturing sectors are constantly exploring ways to shorten processes to achieve efficiency and maximize profitability. In like manner, God, the creator of the entire universe in record time, would be the first to opt for the best, effective, and efficient way of executing every aspect of His Kingdom business.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a popular assertion that God is not too interested in shortcuts, even if they appear to be risk-free and the apparent way out of the affairs of His children. One scripture usually picked out of context to back that assertion can be found in Exodus 13:17. It reads, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.” Although God is the most significant stakeholder of our walk with Him, believers more often than not behave and pretend as though they are more concerned about productivity in God’s vineyard business than He. God’s way may appear long and impossible, but it always turns out to be the shortest route toward set goals. Part six of this series will examine how a hopeless widow, Idol, and worshipper became the Great Grandmother of Christ. Lessons will also be gleaned regarding maintaining the needed composure when traversing the humanly “long” hauls when God leads.

Per the Messianic prophecy, Christ was supposed to come from the tribe of Judah and through the seed of Jesse. “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1). Naomi and her husband relocated to Moab during a famine in Bethlehem. Their two sons got married to Ruth and Orpah, who were natives of Moab. Unfortunately, Elimelek, Naomi’s husband and their two sons died in Moab. Meanwhile, for ten years after marriage, both ladies could not have children with the sons of Naomi. Naomi, therefore, decided to return to Bethlehem of Judah while encouraging her daughters-in-law to settle with the hope of a better life. She told them, “It is more bitter for me than for you because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!” (Ruth 1:13).

Ruth started life with a lot of hope and aspirations when she married Mahlon, the son of Naomi in Moab. They had no children for ten years, and death came and laid its icy hands on her husband, unfortunately. Every hope of ever living any meaningful life was dashed for Ruth. Naomi felt and appreciated the predicament and hopeless days ahead of Ruth, possibly more than Ruth herself. Naomi told them, “Even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters.” (Ruth 1:13)

Unlike Orpah, Ruth insisted and was determined to follow her mother-in-law to Bethlehem and live with her until death probably separated them. Ruth said, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.” (Ruth 1:16-17). Indeed, both Ruth and Orpah originally worshipped the gods of Moab. So, when Orpah chose to return to Moab from following Naomi, the latter told Ruth, “Look, your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” (Ruth 1:15). However, the conviction and subsequent confession Ruth made even when Naomi presented the gloomy prospects of following her became the bedrock of her uplifting and glorious end by God. Ruth finally finds herself with Naomi in the promised Land and decides to put the pieces together.

Generally speaking, God’s “long” shortcut for sinful humankind to reconnect to the road that leads to eternal life was His provision of His only begotten son to all who believe in Him. Christ, therefore, serves as the access bridge between the two parallel lanes that lead to eternal life and condemnation, respectively. Faith in Christ Jesus enables one to use the shortcut bridge from the lane of eternal damnation to everlasting life. (John 3:16).

Ruth counted the cost of following Naomi’s God with all possible outcomes and earthly losses. Yet she still counted it all joy for sticking to the God of Israel. Orpah, her sister-in-law, returned after she was taken through the cost-benefit analysis of following Naomi to Bethlehem and serving her God. Orpah thought she would lose her life and sense of dignity as a woman. Ruth, however, counted it all joy. Even her association with Naomi and her God would deny her a sense of dignity and livelihood. Immediately, they got to Bethlehem, the promised Land; Ruth decided to go out and work with her hands and not idle around soaked in self-pity. It was at the time of barely harvest, so she seized the opportunity to make earns meet for herself and her mother-in-law, who was quite old then. At the workplace, Ruth exhibited honesty, sincerity, loyalty, and hard work to the admiration of all her supervisors. (Ruth 3:11). She listened and obeyed Naomi’s instructions and guidance and showed her great kindness and goodness. Indeed, Ruth loved Naomi, her mother-in-law.

The circumstances that led Naomi to lose Elimelek and both sons of hers within ten years were quite bizarre and difficult to comprehend. Many who go through such deals become vulnerable and veer into blame games and superstitious beliefs. In some jurisdictions and communities, Naomi would have passed with a grade (A) in witchcraft. So, for Ruth to follow her widow mother-in-law and obey her without any superstition was remarkable. (Ruth 2:18-19, 23; 4:15). In the end, Ruth married Boaz, and their marriage was blessed with a first child named Obed. “Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:16). It was from this genealogy that our Lord Jesus Christ descended from. Ruth is, therefore, the great-grandmother of Jesus Christ. Wow! What a shortcut from the Valley of the Shadow of Death to Mount Zion! God’s “long” shortcut for Ruth, the idol worshipper, to be registered in the genealogy of Christ began with the painful and unexpected loss of her husband at a young age. Before this time, she also endured the stigmatization of childlessness after ten years of marriage while still maintaining her relationship with Naomi’s household.

The fruits of the Spirit Ruth exhibited, which propelled her to gain full access to what God had planned for her, were Forbearance, Goodness, Kindness, Humility, and Love. Ruth would have been the last person if it were a matter of knowing and connecting with influential people in Bethlehem for her to find a suitable life. Indeed, being a Moabitess, she appeared to have even discarded every hope of ever meeting a man who would express interest in marrying her in Bethlehem. Naomi, her mother-in-law, also returned home depressed and angry with everyone, including herself. When they called her Naomi, she replied, “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” (Ruth 1:21-22). Ruth just decided to move out and find something to do with her hands, and the Lord connected her to Boaz, her husband. God always does the rest after we have given and done our best.

From the above illustration, we can firmly conclude that what humans call a long path toward success is God’s shortcut for His children. We have also realized that while many depend on their qualifications and hard work to occupy positions of trust, others see that as a rather long journey full of uncertainties. They thus resort to backbiting, lobbying, feminine power, and elimination of supposed competitors by rough tactics, which come with their inherent disappointments and miseries. God, however, knows the shortest but safest route to the assigned blessed destinations of all He calls His children. His route doesn’t take time; it saves it instead for all who put their trust in Him.

William L. Hogan once said, “God is under no obligation to explain or defend Himself to us. His ways are often perplexing and sometimes very painful, but be sure of this: God Himself has brought you to that difficult spot, and He makes no mistakes. We must rest assured that He knows what He is doing, even when we do not, and that He does everything well.” However, When God chose to use the Red Sea route for Israel instead of the shortcut, He explained His rationale to them. “For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So, God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:18).

Many believers, unfortunately, elongate God’s shortcut for them by the choices they made and by their lifestyles but turn around to make blasphemous comments about God and create disaffection for Him. Israel would not have spent 40 years in the wilderness for that journey to the promised Land. Those years could be best described as imprisonment or punishment and must not be added to the total mileage from Egypt to Cannan. God punished them to wander about until all over 20 years perished, except for Caleb and Joshua.

There can be no one who needs productivity in God’s vineyard than Himself. Therefore, there will always be good reasons, primarily out of the reach of human comprehension, why the apparent delays are loaded with intrigues anytime God is in charge. He always proves Himself as the faithful one, with the end being extraordinarily glorious if only we are prepared to go the “long” hull with Him. Humankind’s way perceived as a shortcut is instead loaded with risk, uncertainties, and speculations founded on human wishes. The routes God uses are incomprehensible and inaccessible by humankind’s efforts. It is always viewed as long, although it is always the shortest and safest way to reach our destinations. His Grace and help are where He leads.

Written by Apostle James Orhin Agyin

Reflecting the beauty of Christ is a profound aspect of Christian life, emphasising the transformational power of the Gospel. The Bible, especially in the New Testament, frequently discusses this theme. One of the key passages is 2 Corinthians 3:18.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV).

In this passage, the apostle Paul speaks to the Corinthians about the transformative power of beholding the glory of the Lord. Just as Moses’ face radiated God’s glory after being in His presence, we too, as believers, are called to reflect the beauty of Christ. As Christians, we are continually being transformed to reflect the image of Christ more and more, as we grow in our relationship with Him. This transformation is not merely external but involves our hearts and character, as we are changed to reflect His beauty, love, and holiness in our lives.

In a world often characterized by self-promotion and individualism, the call to reflect the beauty and humility of Christ stands out as a radical and countercultural message. As Christians, this call is not just a suggestion but a profound invitation to mirror the character of Jesus in our daily lives, interactions, and attitudes.

One of the central aspects of Christ’s character is His beauty. Not a beauty defined by outward appearance or worldly standards, but a beauty that emanates from his perfect love, compassion, and grace. This beauty is seen in his interactions with others, especially the marginalized and oppressed. These qualities, when embodied by believers, become a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. He showed kindness to the outcasts, healed the sick, and stood up for the downtrodden. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this beauty in how we treat others, just as a mirror faithfully reflects an image, we are called to mirror Christ in our actions and words, showing love and compassion to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Another key aspect of Christ’s character is his humility. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus humbled himself, taking on the form of a servant and ultimately sacrificing himself for the sake of others (Philippians 2:5-8). His humility was not a sign of weakness, but of strength and love. As Christians, we are called to emulate this humility, putting others before ourselves and serving those in need with a spirit of humility and grace.

Reflecting the beauty and humility of Christ is not always easy in a world that often values pride and self-promotion. It requires a constant reorientation of our hearts and minds, a willingness to set aside our own desires and ambitions in order to follow the example of Jesus. It means seeking to love and serve others, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It means choosing humility over pride, forgiveness over resentment, and grace over judgement. But in doing so, we not only honor God, but we also become beacons of light in a dark world, pointing others towards the beauty and humility of Christ.

One of the most powerful ways we reflect Christ’s beauty and humility is through our relationships. When we love others sacrificially, forgive as Christ forgave us, and extend grace to those who least deserve it, we mirror the heart of Christ to the world. Our lives become a living testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Ultimately, reflecting the beauty and humility of Christ is not something we can do in our own strength. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us that we can truly reflect these virtues. As we yield to the Spirit’s leading as Christians, we are called to reflect the beauty and humility of Christ in our daily lives. This means showing love and compassion to all and humbling ourselves to serve others. By doing so, we become true reflections of the character of Christ, shining his light into the world around us.

APPLICATION

As we meditate on the truth that we are a people of God unleashed to transform our world, let us be encouraged to seek God’s presence daily. May His Spirit mold us into His image, and may our lives reflect the beauty of Christ in such a way that others are drawn to Him through us. May we shine as lights in a world that desperately needs His love and grace.

Written by Elder John Anaman Essiam (PENSA-India)

This year’s calendar has provided us as a church with a unique dual week to reflect on the most outstanding pillar of our Christian faith – the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Right after the Easter Conventions, we were ushered into the week of preparation ahead of the Lord’s Supper or Communion Sunday.

As a convention, The Church of Pentecost marks the Lord’s Supper as one of the two ordinances of our faith practice (the other being water baptism by immersion). The Lord’s Supper or communion is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of every month, but not exclusively. There are unique times and under the leading of the Holy Spirit where the leadership of the church could allow a congregation to use any other day to mark the celebration.

As a church, we hold dear the participation of the saints in the Lord’s Supper and encourage all members to endeavour to partake at the Lord’s table. It is our regular practice to dedicate the week preceding the Lord’s Supper Sunday to earnest prayer and teaching to prepare our bodies, souls, and spirits for that unique and peculiar time of fellowship with our Savior and fellow believers. The week is a time of deep reflection on our Christian walk and work; an examination of individual’s hearts and a deep call for repentance, commitment, and response to our Christian call.

Growing up in The Church of Pentecost, it was almost sacrilegious to forfeit evening services during Lord’s Supper week. It was reason for some to self-censor if they were unable to even attend a single evening service the week leading to the Lord’s Supper Sunday. Thus, the evening services were packed with yearning hearts eagerly prepared to dine with the Lord and the brethren on Sunday. People broke down as they were convicted by the word and yielded wholly to the Lord. It was a period where others renewed their love and commitment to God and the things of the Lord. It was a week of impartation and the outpouring of spiritual gifts because hearts were opened to receive.

Very early, it resonated with us that we needed to be in right standing with Christ within the week before we could come before His table. Imagine an invitation to a banquet at Jubilee House next week. Consider the preparation you would put in, including how you would conduct yourself in public so that you do not incur the displeasure of the presidency before the banquet. Reflect on how you would defend your place at the banquet and ensure that your dress for the event is intact and not tarnished in any way. Just ponder on how you would behave after sitting at such a banquet. The aura of importance that will automatically come around you, and how that will inform how you behave in public forthwith. That is the kind of attitude, behavior, and mindset the Lord’s Supper should invoke in us. What that will mean is that we will commit to the week of preparation to ensure we are truly acceptable before God at the table and thereafter, live our lives as true representatives of the Lord Jesus. Keeping this in our mind alone will induce in us a call to holy living.

“Sacred communion, as observed through the partaking of bread and wine at the Lord’s Table, holds profound significance deeply rooted in biblical teachings and spiritual symbolism. Reflecting on the elements of this sacred act provides insights into the spiritual nourishment and communion with God that believers experience. It has deep roots in the Old Testament as it foreshadowed the reality in the New Testament and it has nourishing fruits in the New Testament as a foretaste of what we are to enjoy in the present leading to a forecast at the feast of the Lamb with the raptured saints.”

OLD TESTAMENT SYMBOLISM OF BLOOD

In the Old Testament, the significance of blood was paramount, symbolizing life and sanctification (Hebrews 9:22). Life was in the blood, and only God could claim life or ‘eat’ the blood (Leviticus 17:11, 14), emphasizing the sacredness of blood, even that of animals. The pouring out of the animal’s blood signified the necessity of Christ’s sacrificial death through the shedding of blood. No other means of death would have appeased God than death through the flow of blood (Hebrews 9:22). The blood of lambs thus covered sin (Numbers 15:27–31, Leviticus 17:11), sanctified the sinner (Leviticus 14:14, Exodus 29:20), and protected the saved (Exodus 12:13).

THE OLD TESTAMENT SYMBOLISM OF THE BODY OF THE LAMB

The flesh of the lamb (body) was used in two main ways; part of it was burnt as a sweet aroma to God (Leviticus 6:8–13), and part offered as food to the priest (Leviticus 1:6). During the Passover preparation, the people were tasked to eat the meat of the lamb in haste (Exodus 12:11). The haste with which the lamb was eaten in the Old Testament serves as a reminder of the urgency in our Christian walk, urging believers to work diligently in spreading the Gospel and preparation for the soon coming King.

REALITY OF THE SHADOWS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

The apostle Paul admonished Christians in Colossae not to look to the shadows of the Old Testament when Jesus Christ the reality was with them (Colossians 2:17). It is informative that Jesus sat at table with the disciples to observe the Passover (shadows) and right after that, He brought them to the Lord’s supper (reality) feast (Matthew 26:26 – 29, 1 Corinthians 11:25). Jesus’ declaration of His body being broken for believers signifies His sacrifice for our physical well-being, strength, and the exchange of His holy body for our mortal ones. Remember it was only the priest who could feed on the sacrificial lamb. Having made us a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), He calls us to take His body and eat. In His body is the symbol of our hope in His return.

Like manner, His blood is a cleansing of sin from judgment (John 1:29, 1 John 1:7, Romans 5:9), sanctification for God’s use (Hebrews 13:12), and protection and seal of the new covenant (Matthew 26:28, 29, Hebrews 10:19, Revelation 12:11).

Nowhere was the blood used against the enemy in the Old Testament. It was always for those who have come to God for a relationship (Revelation 7:14). Stop ‘wasting the blood’ on the enemy. It is yours to apply.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN COMMUNION OBSERVANCE

The significance of the Lord’s supper as a time to appropriate what Christ has done for us; remember His suffering unto death and victory over sin for us; proclaiming this message through our participation and by that connecting both physically and spiritually at the table as one family in communion with our Brother Jesus, must not be treated as a trivial matter. It is an ordinance! We have come to a point where examining ourselves individually (1 Corinthians 11:28) within the week is missing, and many do not regard the week of preparation. Many factors may account for this. They include but are not limited to the lack of intentional planning of the week by leadership of the church, especially at the District and local level, lack of participation by some District ministers and presiding elders who are tasked to lead the charge in this case, lack of proper teaching on the subject, familiarity with the preparation (because people know the source of the bread and wine) leading to trivialization, and nominal attitudes towards this sacred act because it is considered a mere act of symbolism. The call to holiness, a return to solemnity, and a desire for personal encounters with God are proposed solutions to deepen the significance of communion week. The Lord’s supper Sunday should not be a ‘run-through’ service. Let us approach it with all the solemnity, expectation, and yielding of our spirits.

IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION AND TEACHING

Emphasizing the preparation week and teachings on the significance of the blood and body in communion are crucial aspects often overlooked. The symbolic nature of communion, akin to water baptism, underscores its importance as an ordinance of our faith that prompts believers towards holy living. The leader needs a time of prayer and preparation. Let us see Jesus at the head of the table as we join hands to symbolize the work of our redemption and the hope of our eternity.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMUNION IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

Approaching communion with reverence and understanding its symbolic depth can lead to a transformation in spiritual life. Just as one would prepare diligently for a significant event, such as dining with a dignitary, the mentality of approaching communion with utmost respect can foster a spirit of holiness and reverence in believers. The sick can be healed, the lame made whole, the blind restored with sight, and the broken strengthened if we approach the Lord’s table with all reverence for Him and not just the elements.

CONCLUSION

The act of communion, symbolized through the bread and wine, serves as a sacred reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, the sanctifying power of His blood, and the call to live holy lives. By understanding the depth of this spiritual practice, believers can partake in communion with reverence, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living out the teachings it represents. As each member takes the bread and drinks the wine, it affords us to reflect on everyone coming to the table to feed from it. You are called to ‘take’ and ‘eat’. You are invited to ‘take’ and ‘drink’. Let us come prepared; let us come in solemnity with earnest expectation.

Written by Pastor George Osei-Asiedu

The Cambridge dictionary defines a shortcut as a route more direct than the usual route or a quicker way of doing something. It is basically a faster or shorter way of getting to a place. Humans naturally lean towards shortcuts at the slightest opportunity, even with obvious risks and dangers. It is often argued why waste precious time and resources to achieve what can be achieved within the shortest possible time. Therefore, systems in both the service and manufacturing sectors are constantly exploring ways to shorten processes to achieve efficiency and maximize profitability. In like manner, God, the creator of the entire universe in record time, would be the first to opt for the best, effective, and efficient way of executing every aspect of His Kingdom business.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a popular assertion that God is not too interested in shortcuts, even if they appear to be risk-free and the apparent way out of the affairs of His children. One scripture usually picked out of context to back that assertion can be found in Exodus 13:17. It reads, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.” Although God is the most significant stakeholder of our walk with Him, believers more often than not behave and pretend as though they are more concerned about productivity in God’s vineyard business than He. This write-up aims to critically examine how God’s ways may appear long and impossible but always turn out to be the shortest route toward set goals in the end. Using David the Shepherd Boy, lessons will also be gleaned regarding maintaining the needed composure when traversing the humanly “long” hauls when God leads.

Jacob the Patriarch prophesied about Judah when pronouncing blessings on his children. He said, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” (Genesis 49:10). Over time, someone from the tribe of Judah was to sustain and host the fulfillment of this Messianic prophecy. Thankfully, the mantle fell on the household of Jesse, who had eight sons and two daughters. David was the youngest among his brothers and, as a shepherd, spent most of his time tending his father’s flock. One of Jesse’s sons was to showcase an earthly Kingship of Israel through whom the indisputable King and redeemer of the world in the person of Christ would descend. The obvious choice was Eliab, the first male of Jesse according to tradition and accepted practices prevailing in Israel. It was, therefore, not surprising that when the children of Jesse assembled before Samuel, he saw Eliab and thought he was the one. Therefore, Eliab was well-built and resembled a King or someone God could easily use. So, Samuel said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” (1 Samuel 16:6). God quickly intervened, saying to Samuel, “He is not the one.” God isn’t as slow and timid as some want us to believe.

He knows what He wants and will do everything to achieve it in real-time. At this, Jesse decided to select his remaining children using seniority for the ranking. He, therefore, pushed forward his second male child in the person of Abinadab, but God again told Samuel to skip him as well. The third was also presented, but he didn’t meet God’s selection criteria. The obvious thing one would have expected from Jesse and Samuel was adjourning proceedings and instead asking God to mention His choice to avoid wasting more time. Others can also argue that God could have mentioned the choice to Samuel even before he got to the household of Jesse. God, however, allowed the entire screening exercise to its logical conclusion to show the flaws in human behavior. When none of those present met the criteria, Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” ‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse answered. ‘He is tending the sheep.” David was called back home at the instance of Samuel, and when immediately he saw him, God told Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” (1 Samuel 16:12). “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13).

Can you imagine what would be running through the minds of Jesse and the seven brothers of David, especially Eliab, the firstborn? What of David himself? Samuel insisted he would wait for the said youngest son to come from wherever he was until he left the house. The household of Jesse would be wondering why the most revered Prophet Samuel would waste all that time to see their David. Others always perceive it to be a long haul or time-wasting anytime God begins to cut His shortcut for those He chooses and favors. David finally becomes the King of Israel after Saul’s death. The selection process in Jesse’s household even indicates when it will be David’s turn if Jesse and Samuel have the prerogative of choosing the next King after Saul. Ranked 8th amongst his brothers and per his stature, there was no way David could have even become a cupbearer at the King’s palace during his lifetime. The Philistines, led by Goliath, engaged the Israelites in a destiny battle soon afterward.

When David stepped out to face the Philistine giant, King Saul spelled out the profile of Goliath to him and asked him to show him before allowing him. Saul told David, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33). He told David that Goliath had been a warrior from his youthful days, so wanted David also to show him his profile in warfare before he could allow him. David replied to the King, “But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it, and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear;” (1 Samuel 17:34-36). David’s profile could be summarized as “The Faithful and Dependable Shepherd of his Father’s Sheep.” At the face of David’s profile, there appears to be a mismatch compared to that of the Philistine giant.

It was a battle between “A warrior from his youth” and “A good keeper of his Father’s sheep.” Faithfulness, Reliability, and Diligence as a steward were the crux of David’s profile. But for God’s workings, no search committee or military command structure would have allowed David to fight Goliath with the Curriculum Vitae he submitted. Yet, that was all God needed to catapult David David to gain general acceptance amongst the Israelites. It is excellent to have an impressive résumé when applying for jobs. That alone, however, does not guarantee a person a placement because there would likely be others that would be more competitive than theirs. God’s “long” shortcut for David the shepherd to ascend the throne as a King was, therefore, through his time in the bush with the wild animals protecting the sheep of Jesse. Quite a lowly, routine, and unprestigious chore to take up in the household, but that became the shortest route for him to stardom. Undoubtedly, David’s Kingship was in God’s Messianic plan for the world’s redemption. However, his faithfulness, Love, and kindness were some fruits of the Spirit he bore, which lifted him from a Shepherd to the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) regarding the Kings of the earth.

From the above illustrations, we can firmly conclude that what humans call a long path toward success is God’s shortcut for His children. We have also realized that while many depend on their qualifications and hard work to occupy positions of trust, others see that as a rather long journey full of uncertainties. They thus resort to backbiting, lobbying, feminine power, and elimination of supposed competitors by rough tactics, which come with their inherent disappointments and miseries. God, however, knows the shortest but safest route to the assigned blessed destinations of all He calls His children. His route doesn’t take time; it saves it instead for all who put their trust in Him.

William L. Hogan once said, “God is under no obligation to explain or defend Himself to us. His ways are often perplexing and sometimes very painful, but be sure of this: God Himself has brought you to that difficult spot, and He makes no mistakes. We must rest assured that He knows what He is doing, even when we do not, and that He does everything well.” However, When God chose to use the Red Sea route for Israel instead of the shortcut, He explained His rationale to them. “For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:18).

Many believers, unfortunately, elongate God’s shortcut for them by the choices they made and by their lifestyles but turn around to make blasphemous comments about God and create disaffection for Him. Israel would not have spent 40 years in the wilderness for that journey to the promised Land. Those years could be best described as imprisonment or punishment and must not be added to the total mileage from Egypt to Cannan. God punished them to wander about until all over 20 years perished, except for Caleb and Joshua.

There can be no one who needs productivity in God’s vineyard than Himself. Therefore, there will always be good reasons, primarily out of the reach of human comprehension, why the apparent delays are loaded with intrigues anytime God is in charge. He always proves Himself as the faithful one, with the end being extraordinarily glorious if only we are prepared to go the “long” hull with Him. Humankind’s way perceived as a shortcut is instead loaded with risk, uncertainties, and speculations founded on human wishes. The routes God uses are incomprehensible and inaccessible by humankind’s efforts. It is always viewed as long, although it is always the shortest and safest way to reach our destinations. His Grace and help are where He leads. Stay blessed.

Written by Pastor James Orhin Agyin