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Introduction

As we observe the 2025 edition of Pentecost Week, a season of waiting on God through fasting and prayer, I feel compelled to share some insights on biblical fasting. I present it in a concise, step-by-step manner to aid understanding. I am hopeful that this will serve as a useful guide for any believer seeking to engage in a fast now or later.

Fasting: What it is

1. Biblically, fasting involves voluntarily abstaining from food, and at times, water, for a set period to fulfill a spiritual purpose.
2. It is neither a way to punish the flesh nor manipulate God to do what we wish or want. Rather, it is a way to redirect our attention to God, seek Him in humility, and express our need for and total dependence on Him.
3. Fasting is not a means of salvation, which comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9).
4. Anyone can fast, but the intensity or manner of it may vary from one person to another for some justifiable reasons.
5. Here are some examples of Bible characters who engaged in fasting: Moses (Exodus 34:28), Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-8), Daniel (Daniel 10:2-3), Jesus (Luke 4:1-3), among others.

The Purpose of Fasting

The purpose of biblical fasting has always been spiritual rather than material. Here are seven of them. There may be other reasons.

1. To demonstrate repentance and a commitment to returning to God after a period of sin (1 Samuel 7:6).
2. To seek a closer relationship, deeper fellowship, or stronger intimacy with God (Matthew 4:1-11).
3. To seek God’s direction or guidance before making key decisions (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23).
4. To seek divine strength or empowerment for a given task, assignment or mandate (Isaiah 40:29-31).
5. To seek God’s favour and protection (Ezra 8:21-23).
6. To seek liberation from a demonic attack or oppression and destroy the works of the devil (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29).
7. To present a felt need to God (Philippians 4:6-7, 19).

Types of Fasting:

1. Absolute or Full Fast – This is when one abstains totally from both solid and liquid food and water. Examples can be found in Esther 4:16 and Acts 9:9. This type can be very severe and even dangerous if extended over time, except in supernatural cases like Moses’ fast (Exodus 34:28, Deut. 9:9).

1. Complete or Regular Fast – This is when one abstains from all food (both solid and liquid), but drinks water. An example is Jesus’ fast; the Bible indicates that He abstained from food (Luke 4:1-2).

1. Liquid Fast – This is when one abstains from all solid foods, but takes in liquids such as fresh juice, soup, smoothie, or beverages with no or very low sugar. This type is helpful for individuals who, for certain medical reasons, cannot practice the complete or regular type of fast.

1. Partial Fast – This type, sometimes referred to as the ‘Daniel kind of fast,’ involves eating only vegetables or plant-based foods and water (Daniel 1:8-16). It may also mean reducing the number of times one eats in a day. Like a liquid fast, this type is recommended for people with certain medical conditions.

How to Prepare for a Long Fast

1. To get the body ready for a long fast, it is recommended that we cut down on food intake and drink more water in the days leading up to the long fast. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, and focusing on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables can be helpful.
2. Set a clear and definite purpose for wanting to fast. It could be within any of the objectives mentioned earlier, or you may have any other.
3. Prayerfully determine the period of the fast. The length of a fast may vary – from a few days to weeks – depending on individual circumstances and divine leading.
4. Determine specific times for prayer and meditation on God’s word in each day of the fasting period.
5. Pray for the grace, strength and discipline to sail through to the end, following the plan you have set out. Ask God to lead you and direct your path.
6. If you have any health concerns, it is advisable that you consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on a long fast.

What to do when Fasting

To maximize the impact of a fast, efforts must be put into doing the following throughout the period:

1. Prioritise prayer and meditation on God’s word; spend more time in these two spiritual disciplines than you do on ordinary days. Intentionally schedule time – day and night, and as you go about each day’s usual chores, continue to commune with the Holy Spirit in a silent, meditative manner.
2. Limit your engagements on social media, entertainment/pleasures, and in other activities that may distract your attention or take too much of your time. Remain deeply focused on God and the spiritual purpose of your fast.
3. Do not worry too much about the physical and mental discomforts you may experience during the fast.
4. Get enough rest to avoid over-stressing your body.

What to do after the Fast

1. Break your fast gradually and do not overeat.
2. Do not stop praying and meditating on God’s word; sustain the habit and grow in it (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3, 2 Thessalonians 5:17).
3. Reflect on what you learned, what God showed or said to you, and on any unusual or supernatural experiences you may have had during the fast.
4. Be thankful to God, believing that He heard your prayers and shall grant them (2 Thess. 5:18, Mark 11:24).

Final Words

Fasting is a personal act of devotion, not a display for others. It should be considered a personal act of devotion, not a way to impress others.

Written by Pastor Samuel Acheampong – Resident Minister, Mountain View Worship Centre

The relationship between faith and logic has long been debated. To some, they are irreconcilable opposites—faith belongs to the heart, and logic to the mind. But Scripture, reason, and the rich heritage of Christian thought all affirm that faith and logic are not enemies, but allies.

Faith does not ask us to abandon our minds at the door, and logic, when rightly applied, does not lead us away from God but toward Him. The God who calls us to believe is the same God who created our capacity to think.

THE HISTORICAL JOURNEY OF FAITH AND LOGIC

The idea that faith and logic are fundamentally at odds is a relatively recent development. In the ancient world, philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle saw no need to draw a firm boundary between the spiritual and the rational. For them, the pursuit of truth was inherently a pursuit of the Good, the Divine, and the Logos—the rational principle that brought coherence to the cosmos.

This harmony continued into early Christian thought. Church fathers like Augustine saw faith and reason as deeply intertwined. He famously affirmed, “I believe in order to understand,” suggesting that faith provides the foundation upon which intellectual inquiry is built.

Centuries later, during the medieval period, Thomas Aquinas would reinforce this synthesis. In his monumental Summa Theologica, he developed a comprehensive framework in which faith and reason complemented one another. For Aquinas, loving God with the mind was not only possible but essential.

This integration of faith and logic extended even into the early scientific era. Sir Isaac Newton, a towering figure in the history of science, exemplified this union. The man who formulated the laws of motion and laid the groundwork for modern physics did not separate his scientific pursuits from his belief in God. In his seminal work, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy), Newton wrote, “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.”

THE RIFT EMERGES

It was during the Enlightenment—the so-called Age of Reason, spanning from the late 17th to the late 18th century—that a more pronounced divide between faith and logic began to take shape in Western thought. Philosophers like René Descartes and Immanuel Kant championed a new approach to knowledge, one grounded in empirical observation and rational deduction. As confidence in human reason grew, faith was increasingly seen as subjective and unverifiable—a private belief rather than a public truth.

The rise of scientific rationalism and the spread of secularism throughout modern society deepened this rift. In the 19th and 20th centuries, influential figures such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Karl Marx openly ridiculed faith as an illusion or a tool of oppression. Under the dominance of scientific naturalism and empirical philosophy, faith came to be viewed by many as not only unnecessary but incompatible with logic.

THE SECULARISATION OF THE ACADEMY

Nowhere was this shift more visible than in the transformation of the university. Many of the world’s oldest universities—including Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of Paris—trace their origins to the Church, with a mission to cultivate both the intellect and the soul. Theology once reigned as the “queen of the sciences,” providing the lens through which all other disciplines were understood and ordered.

In those early centuries, learning was considered an act of devotion. Studying the natural world meant reading the “book of creation,” while studying Scripture engaged the “book of revelation.” But this integrated vision gradually began to unravel. As modernity progressed, universities adopted increasingly secular models of knowledge. Theology was pushed to the periphery or removed altogether, and the shaping of the mind came to eclipse the formation of the soul.

FAITH AND LOGIC TODAY

Today, the separation between faith and logic is deeply entrenched in our academic and cultural discourse. Faith is frequently dismissed as a matter of personal sentiment or subjective belief, while logic is exalted as the only legitimate path to truth. This divide, however, is neither natural nor historically rooted. The past shows us that faith and reason once moved in harmony—and it is possible they still can. 

THE LOGIC OF FAITH

Faith is often portrayed as irrational—believing in spite of evidence. But this is a distortion of biblical faith. True faith is not blind; it is rooted in trust and insight.

The greatest commandment includes the mind: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37). Christians are called to think deeply and believe boldly.

In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Here, faith is not the absence of evidence—it is evidence of the invisible. It is the deep conviction that arises from our trust in God.

C.S. Lewis captures it beautifully: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen—not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

THE FAITH OF LOGIC

Ironically, even logic itself begins with faith. To reason logically, we must first accept certain foundational assumptions—like the law of non-contradiction (that something cannot be both true and false at the same time). These principles cannot be proven by logic alone; they are simply taken as true in order for reasoning to proceed. In this sense, logic rests on unprovable starting points that require a kind of faith.

Even Bertrand Russell (1872–1970), a prominent atheist and philosopher, acknowledged the limits of certainty. He wrote, “All human knowledge is uncertain, inexact, and partial.” If that is so, then pure logic cannot provide the ultimate answers we often seek. Sooner or later, everyone places faith in something—be it science, philosophy, or even themselves. In his essay What I Believe (1925), Russell openly recognized the limitations of rationalism, especially when it comes to questions of morality and purpose—areas where logic and science fall short.

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951), one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, echoed this idea in his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. He famously wrote, “Even if all possible scientific questions be answered, the problems of life have still not been touched at all.” For Wittgenstein, life’s most profound questions—such as why anything exists at all, or what gives life meaning—reside outside the boundaries of logical or scientific language.

Similarly, Stephen Jay Gould (1941–2002), an evolutionary biologist and historian of science, proposed the concept of Non-Overlapping Magisteria (NOMA), arguing that science and religion address entirely different domains of human experience. In his book Rocks of Ages: Science and Religion in the Fullness of Life (1999), he observed: “Science tries to document the factual character of the natural world… Religion, on the other hand, operates in the equally important, but utterly different, realm of human purposes, meanings, and values.”

Together, these thinkers—though differing in background and belief—converge on a common insight: logic and reason, while essential, have limits. They can help us understand how the world works, but they cannot fully answer why we are here, what our purpose is, or what ultimately matters.

Their reflections leave the door open to faith—an acknowledgment that the deepest truths may lie beyond the grasp of reason alone. As Albert Einstein once remarked, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

A FAITH THAT THINKS

Biblical faith isn’t based on wishful thinking or emotionalism, but on God’s revelation through creation, conscience, Scripture, and the person of Jesus Christ.

In Acts 17, Paul stood before Athens’ esteemed thinkers, engaging them in reasoned discussion, quoting their own poets, and inviting them to consider a higher perspective.

With a mind shaped by Scripture and a heart formed by Christ, Paul combined reason with revelation, leading his audience through the corridors of logic to the doorway of resurrection, proving that the Christian faith is both intellectually credible and spiritually transformative.

JESUS’S VIEW ON FAITH AND LOGIC

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus never pitted faith against evidence. Instead, He honored genuine inquiry while confronting hardened unbelief.

When John the Baptist, confined in prison and wrestling with doubt, sent messengers to ask, “Are You the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3), Jesus did not rebuke him. He did not say, “Just believe.” Instead, He pointed to empirical signs grounded in prophetic expectation:

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” (Matthew 11:4–5, cf. Isaiah 35:5–6; 61:1)

Here, Jesus appeals to observable realities—the fulfillment of messianic prophecies—as rational support for faith.

Similarly, after the resurrection, Thomas was in doubt: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

Rather than condemn Thomas, Jesus provided him with the evidence: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

Jesus affirms the value of evidence for belief. Yet He also draws the attention of Thomas to a deeper reality:

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Jesus shows that faith can work without visible proof, not because it’s irrational, but because it’s rooted in an unwavering trust in God’s character.

Contrast this with the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who, despite witnessing countless miracles, demanded yet another sign:

“Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.’ (Matthew 12:38–39)

Why did Jesus decline? Because their request wasn’t born of honest inquiry but of hardened unbelief. They had already seen signs—they just refused to believe them. Logic without openness of heart leads to cynicism, not faith.

Thus, Jesus draws a crucial distinction between:

• John the Baptist, who sought reassurance through signs aligned with Scripture,
• Thomas, who doubted but was open to belief,
• and the Pharisees, who asked for signs but had no intention of accepting the truth they revealed.

In all these encounters, Jesus reveals that faith is not contrary to logic—but neither is it subject to it. True faith listens to evidence, discerns with reason, but ultimately rests in a relational trust in God. Logic can pave the path toward faith, but faith transcends logic.

At the end, Jesus’s responses to human doubt always aims to lead us beyond the need for endless proof, into a deeper knowledge of the One who is Truth incarnate.

Written by Overseer Joel Kwesi Baidoo (Kpandai New Town District)

Fasting and prayer, in this context, can be likened to a lion kept in its den without food or water. The moment it is unleashed, it devours every edible creature that crosses its path.

According to Acts 13:2–3: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (unleashed them).”

After Saul and Barnabas were unleashed, they began to take over their world and transform it because they had received the power of the Holy Spirit through fasting and prayer.

We live in a world where many Christians feel timid about sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ—just as the apostles were once afraid to speak in His name. But when the disciples gathered in the powerhouse through fasting and prayer and were unleashed on the Day of Pentecost, wonders were wrought through them. Even Peter, who had earlier denied Jesus before a maidservant, began to speak boldly in the name of Jesus Christ.

The apostles began to transform their generation because they had been unleashed with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Through fasting, prayer, and deep intimacy with the Scriptures, the fathers of old could even discern the language of birds and inanimate objects.

Beloved, what empowered the apostles to trample on scorpions, lions, and snakes—and to shut the gates of hell—was fasting and prayer. Let us return to the powerhouse for the strength to be unleashed, so we may transform our spheres and fulfill our callings. For it is through fasting and prayer that your calling is sharpened.

Written by Elder Emmanuel Tanor (Dormaa Area – Nsesereso District)

As we celebrate Pentecost and reflect on the significance of the Holy Spirit, it becomes clear that the Spirit’s power continues to shape and guide the modern church, influencing believers in many ways. The following aspects highlight the ongoing relevance of the Holy Spirit in today’s context.

Empowerment for Ministry

The empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of Pentecostal theology. In the contemporary church, this empowerment translates into vibrant ministries that reach out to various needs—spiritual, physical, and emotional. Churches are increasingly recognizing the diverse gifts that the Holy Spirit imparts to individuals, encouraging lay participation and equipping all members for service. Such empowerment not only strengthens the church internally but also enables believers to make a significant impact in their communities through outreach, advocacy, and service initiatives.

Guidance and Wisdom

In a rapidly changing world, the Spirit serves as an invaluable guide. Many church leaders are now turning to prayer and seeking the Spirit’s counsel when facing organizational challenges or moral dilemmas. This reliance on the Spirit helps cultivate a culture of discernment within the church, where decisions are made with a focus on justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). The awareness of the Holy Spirit’s guidance encourages an environment where innovative solutions to modern issues like social justice, mental health, and community engagement are rooted in biblical principles.

Unity and Community

The Holy Spirit fosters unity among believers, encouraging the church to overcome divisions based on race, socio-economic status, and differing theological perspectives. The need for a unified body of Christ is ever-present in a fragmented world. As congregations actively seek the Spirit’s leading, they can embrace inclusivity, bear witness to God’s love, and exemplify the reconciliation that Jesus offers. The Spirit reminds us that our differences can become strengths, enabling the church to reflect the diverse beauty of God’s creation.

Empowerment for Personal Transformation

The Holy Spirit’s work in personal transformation remains vital for individual believers. The process of sanctification—growing closer to Christ’s likeness through the Spirit’s work—encourages believers to confront personal barriers to spiritual growth. With issues such as anxiety and loneliness on the rise, the Spirit provides comfort, peace, and a sense of purpose. Personal testimonies of changed lives can inspire others, demonstrating the Spirit’s transformative power and offering hope in times of struggle.

Witness and Evangelism

In an age where many perceive a growing secularism, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to engage in effective evangelism, transforming their relationships with others into opportunities to manifest God’s love. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing personal testimony, or participating in community service, believers are encouraged to be vessels of God’s grace. The Spirit’s work fosters authentic relationships, helping to break down barriers and create environments where conversations about faith can flourish.

4Conclusion

As we reflect during Pentecost, let us not only remember the historical event of the Spirit’s outpouring but also anticipate and seek the Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives and the church today. The Holy Spirit remains a vital force for empowerment, guidance, unity, transformation, and evangelism. As we collectively pursue a deeper relationship with the Spirit, we can revive our mission and witness, bringing the love of Christ into every corner of our lives. May this Pentecost ignite within us a fresh desire for the Spirit’s presence and power, fostering a church that is active, loving, and transformative in the world.

Written by Elder Gideon Annan (Downtown District)

On May 26, 2025, Ghanaians woke up to the shocking revelation of a long-running scandal at the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The news, delivered directly by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, detailed a calculated, multi-year fraud operation that involved the diversion of funds meant for visa and passport processing into private accounts. While the government’s swift and bold response has been largely commended, the situation underscores a deeper national concern — a crisis of values that no longer affects only local governance, but our global reputation as well.

The findings came from a special audit team commissioned by Hon. Ablakwa months earlier to investigate allegations of corruption at the embassy. The audit revealed that Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited staff member employed in the embassy’s IT department since August 2017, had created an unauthorised link on the embassy’s official website. This link diverted unsuspecting visa and passport applicants to his private business, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where he charged illegal fees ranging from US$29.75 to US$60 per applicant. These charges were not sanctioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Parliament, in violation of Ghana’s Fees and Charges Act, 2009 (Act 793). Disturbingly, this scheme had gone undetected for at least five years, with all proceeds funneled into private accounts without any oversight or remittance to the state.

In a detailed public statement, the Minister outlined an array of emergency measures: Mr. Kwarteng was summarily dismissed; all locally recruited staff at the embassy were suspended; all Foreign Affairs Ministry staff stationed at the mission were recalled; the embassy’s IT department was dissolved; and the mission itself was temporarily shut down to facilitate a full systems overhaul. Moreover, the Auditor-General was invited to conduct a forensic examination of all embassy transactions, and the matter has been referred to the Attorney-General for prosecution and possible recovery of stolen funds. These are not small steps — they are the kind of decisive actions many Ghanaians have long demanded in the face of mounting corruption cases.

But this scandal is about more than a dishonest employee or a failed oversight mechanism. It is, at its core, a symptom of a national moral deficit — a troubling reality in which technical skills and academic accomplishments are prioritised over character, integrity, and civic responsibility. In contemporary Ghanaian society, many families invest heavily in the academic success of their children, enrolling them in the best local and international institutions. Yet, in many cases, little attention is paid to shaping the moral fiber of these future leaders. We risk producing highly educated individuals who are also highly capable of complex fraud, skilled not in building society, but in bypassing its safeguards for personal gain.

As renowned investor Warren Buffett once advised, “Look for three things in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. If they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother.” Integrity is not merely a virtue — it is a foundation. Without it, intelligence and energy become tools of exploitation rather than service.

The problem is not limited to the educational system. As a nation, we have increasingly become fascinated with wealth and status, often turning a blind eye to the ethical questions surrounding how such wealth is acquired. In Ghana today, success is measured more by appearance than by principle. Public figures are celebrated not for their service or values, but for their possessions. According to the Ghana Integrity Initiative, Ghana loses about 2% of its GDP annually to corruption — a figure that could transform public infrastructure and basic services if redirected into the national purse (GII, 2023).

To his credit, President John Mahama recently launched the first-ever official Code of Conduct for political appointees, setting clear expectations for ethical behaviour in public office. This initiative has been welcomed as a long-overdue step toward institutional accountability. But as laudable as it is, it remains limited in scope. Corruption, after all, is not confined to political appointees. It is a national issue that permeates every stratum of Ghanaian society — from public service to private business, from the streets to the diplomatic corridors of foreign missions. If Ghana is to effectively combat this endemic problem, then a code of conduct must not only govern those in high office, but be embraced as a national value system by all citizens.

In 2023, The Church of Pentecost hosted a landmark conference on moral vision dubbed the National Development Conference (NADEC) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh. The event brought together members of the executive, legislature, judiciary, traditional leaders, and civil society to reflect on the urgent need for ethical reformation in Ghana. It was a moment of national introspection. In an extraordinary move, the Speaker of Parliament adjourned a sitting to allow Members of Parliament to attend. The event was not merely ceremonial. In his address, the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, emphasised that no matter how visionary a leader may be, they will always be thwarted by a morally undisciplined populace. President Mahama, who was also present, pledged to support the initiative. Today, his government’s enforcement of the appointees’ code of conduct stands as a sign of that commitment.

But more must be done. The Moral Vision agenda must be advanced from the level of institutional declarations to national policy. This includes integrating moral and civic education at all levels of the academic curriculum, enforcing civic training for public servants and corporate actors, establishing an independent National Ethics Commission, and funding media campaigns that promote integrity and public accountability. We must build a national consciousness that sees corruption not as cleverness, but as a betrayal of the collective good. Only then can we expect institutions to reflect the values we claim to uphold.

The temporary closure of the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington D.C. may seem like an isolated diplomatic event, but its implications are far-reaching. It reminds us that no institution is safe when citizens lack discipline. It highlights that education, when detached from ethics, only produces more sophisticated wrongdoers. And it warns that without a strong moral compass, even our best systems will fail.

Ghana must seize this moment not just for damage control, but for deep reform. The Washington scandal must spark more than condemnation. It must spark a crusade — one that sees morality not as a private virtue, but as a public necessity. Only then can Ghana truly rise to the greatness it promises.

Written by Prince Kojo Asare (Head of News, Pent Media Centre)

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;  it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. – Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

The recent triumphs of Tottenham FC, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and Bologna FC are more than just sporting victories. They are powerful reminders of what happens when perseverance meets divine timing. For years, these teams endured ridicule, near-misses, and heartbreaks, only to finally taste the joy of victory. Their stories mirror the biblical principle that endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

THE WAIT IS NOT IN VAIN

Tottenham fans waited 17 years for a trophy, while Crystal Palace supporters endured 120 years of professional football without a major title. Similarly, the Bible is filled with stories of waiting: Abraham and Sarah waited decades for Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3), Joseph endured betrayal and prison before rising to power (Genesis 41:39-41), and the Israelites wandered 40 years before entering the Promised Land. God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are worth the wait. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

TEARS OF JOY REPLACE TEARS OF SORROW 

The emotional scenes at Estadio de San Mamés and Wembley fans weeping, players overcome with joy reflect the Psalmist’s declaration: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). Just as God turned the mourning of the Israelites into dancing (Psalm 30:11), He can transform our seasons of disappointment into moments of triumph. 

BREAKING THE “SPURSY” MENTALITY

Tottenham’s victory shattered their ‘Spursy’ label just as Christ shatters the lies most believers believe about themselves. In Him, we are ‘new creations’ (2 Corinthians 5:17), defined not by past failures but by His victory. Philippians 3:13-14 urges us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead,” pressing on toward God’s calling. The label “Spursy” no longer fits just as the labels “unworthy” or “failure” do not define us in God’s eyes (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

CELEBRATING THE UNLIKELY VICTORS

Crystal Palace and Bologna’s triumphs remind us that God often uses the underdogs to display His glory. David, a shepherd boy, defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17), and Gideon’s small army triumphed over the Midianites (Judges 7). When the odds seem stacked against you, remember: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

THE SWEETNESS OF LONG-AWAITED VICTORY 

Newcastle’s 70-year drought ending parallels the joy of the Prodigal Son’s return (Luke 15:24) what was lost is now found, what was delayed is now fulfilled. Revelation 21:4 promises a day when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes,” and our earthly struggles will pale in comparison to eternal victory. 

YOUR TROPHY IS COMING

If you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. Just as these teams held onto hope, we too can trust that God is working behind the scenes. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Your breakthrough, your “trophy,” is on the way. Keep the faith your full-time whistle of victory is coming! 

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Written by Elder James McKeown Anane (PENSA KNUST Bible Study Coordinator)

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” — Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION

The world we live in is broken — filled with wounded people, complex situations, and strained relationships. Daily, we are confronted with the reality that living peaceably with everyone is not easy. Some people seem almost impossible to deal with; some situations appear designed to drain our strength.

Yet, as believers — especially as members of The Church of Pentecost, called to possess the nations as agents of transformation — we are mandated by God to shine as peacemakers in the midst of this darkness.

Romans 12:18 calls us to live peaceably with all, if it is possible, as much as depends on us. It acknowledges that peace is sometimes difficult — but it charges us to do our part faithfully. As we embrace the 2025 vision of being unleashed to live lives worthy of our calling, this demand becomes even more urgent. Our calling is not just to survive difficult people and situations, but to transform them through our Spirit-led responses and actions.

WHY DO DIFFICULT PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS EXIST?

Difficult people and situations exist because of the brokenness of humanity and the diversity of temperaments. No two people are the same. Drawing from Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah’s work Are Two Persons the Same?: How to Overcome Your Weaknesses in Temperament, we understand that people are wired differently — each with strengths and weaknesses that can either complement or clash with others.

Personality differences, past wounds, spiritual immaturity, and even satanic influences can contribute to human difficulty. Sometimes, a person’s actions are not rooted in malice but in unresolved personal struggles. Recognising this reality helps us approach others with greater patience and humility.

Moreover, difficult situations arise because we live in a fallen world where sin has corrupted human relationships. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for spiritual growth and for showcasing the transformative power of Christ.

LIVING OUT PENTECOSTAL ETHICS IN A DIFFICULT WORLD

As Pentecostals, our ethics are shaped by our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Spirit-empowered living demands that we embody values such as love, patience, humility, and forgiveness — not only when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Our ethics must not only be preached but practiced, particularly in the heat of conflict.

When faced with difficult people, we lean on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), allowing divine love, joy, peace, and self-control to guide our responses and actions. We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), correcting when necessary, but always with grace and redemption in mind (2 Timothy 2:24–26). Forgiveness must flow freely from us — not because it is deserved, but because it reflects the abundant mercy we have received in Christ (Matthew 18:21–22).

Guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) becomes crucial; we must avoid allowing offense, bitterness, or resentment to take root. Every difficult encounter is an opportunity for the Spirit to deepen His work within us, refining our character and making us true agents of transformation.

HANDLING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS WITH SPIRIT-LED WISDOM

Before reacting to any situation, the Pentecostal believer must pray, seeking divine wisdom (James 1:5). Prayer aligns our emotions with God’s purposes, enabling us to respond rather than react. James 1:19–20 further instructs us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger — essential principles when navigating volatile circumstances.

Maintaining integrity under pressure is a non-negotiable part of living a life worthy of our calling. Like Daniel, who stood firm in a hostile environment, we too must remain faithful to God’s standards, even when it costs us personally. Integrity is a testimony louder than any sermon.

FULFILLING ROMANS 12:18: OUR CALLING AS AGENTS OF TRANSFORMATION

Romans 12:18 reminds us that peace will not always be achievable, but striving for peace is always our responsibility. As agents of transformation, we model a new way of living — one that is not dictated by the actions of others, but by the Spirit of God within us.

Our peaceful living becomes a testimony, proving that the gospel is not a mere theory but a reality that changes hearts and communities. By refusing to retaliate (Romans 12:19), we entrust justice to God, freeing ourselves from the burden of vengeance and allowing His righteousness to prevail.

CONCLUSION: A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE WORTHY OF THE CALLING

Beloved, difficult people and situations are part of the world we are sent to transform. They are not interruptions to our calling; they are the very field of our ministry. In this season, as we are unleashed to live lives worthy of our calling, may we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to handle challenges with love, wisdom, and unwavering integrity.

Let us rise as true Pentecostals — Spirit-filled, ethically grounded, and transformational — living out Romans 12:18 and bringing the peace of Christ to a restless world.

May our lives glorify God, possess the nations, and leave a legacy of transformation wherever we go.

Amen.

Written by Elder Emmanuel Keku, USA

The church, as the body of Christ, has been divinely mandated to advance God’s Kingdom by making disciples of all nations and equipping them for spiritual growth. It serves as a gateway, drawing the lost into God’s redemptive plan through the proclamation of the Gospel and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Yet, while many enter through the ‘front door’ of salvation, some silently slip away, a phenomenon often termed “exiting through the back door.” Whether new converts, long-time attendees, or believers struggling in their faith, their unnoticed departure weakens the church’s witness and hinders its mission.

Jesus, in Matthew 18:12-14, exemplifies the heart of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep. This illustrates the responsibility of church leaders to shepherd their congregations and actively pursue those who wander, ensuring no one is neglected. Unfortunately, in some local churches, membership rolls far exceed regular attendance, with little effort to reclaim those who have stopped fellowshipping. A church that allows its ‘back door’ to remain open cannot grow effectively or positively impact God’s Kingdom. This presentation highlights key reasons churches lose members through the ‘back door’ and offers practical strategies for retention.

Reasons for the Silent Exodus

1. Unmet Expectations

Many individuals, especially new converts, join the church with hopes of receiving not only spiritual nourishment but also practical support during difficult times. When the church fails to demonstrate compassion and offer tangible assistance, members may feel abandoned and see no reason to stay. The early church in Acts 2:44-45 modelled a spirit of communal care, ensuring no one lacked. A church that neglects the physical needs of its members risks discouragement and disillusionment, causing people to withdraw.

2. Unwelcoming Environment

First-time visitors and new converts are less likely to remain in a church where they encounter a cold or cliquish atmosphere, lacking genuine fellowship. Additionally, believers endowed with spiritual gifts and talents may seek fulfillment elsewhere if they are not given opportunities to serve. 1 Corinthians 12:7 teaches that every believer is gifted for the common good, and churches that fail to harness these gifts limit their potential for growth and engagement.

3. Unresolved Conflicts and Perceived Injustice

Disputes within the congregation or between members and church leadership, if poorly handled, can breed resentment and division. Scripture calls for wisdom that is peaceable and impartial (James 3:17), but unresolved grievances may push individuals away. Favouritism and unequal treatment also contribute to alienation, making members feel undervalued. Churches must reflect Galatians 3:28, which affirms unity in Christ without discrimination.

4. Spiritual Warfare and Worldly Temptations

Trials, persecutions, and the allure of worldly pleasures can cause some believers to fall away. In Matthew 13:20-22, Jesus warns that afflictions and the deceitfulness of riches can lead people astray. Without firm discipleship, prayer support, and accountability, members may drift away. Additionally, weak biblical foundations make believers susceptible to false teachings (Ephesians 4:14), leading to doctrinal instability.

Strategies for Strengthening Member Retention

1. Establishing a Strong Welfare System

Churches must intentionally care for members’ physical and emotional needs, reflecting Christ’s love in practical ways. A nurturing, family-like church inspires commitment and loyalty.

2. Encouraging the Use of Spiritual Gifts

Each believer has received a spiritual gift (Romans 12:6-8) that should be nurtured and deployed within the church. Leaders must identify and cultivate these gifts, ensuring active participation. When individuals feel valued, they are less likely to seek fulfillment elsewhere.

3. Implementing an Effective Follow-Up System

A dedicated team should track attendance and reach out to absent members via phone calls, messages, or personal visits. These gestures demonstrate concern and can rekindle a believer’s connection to the body of Christ.

4. Cultivating a Warm and Inclusive Environment

Churches must prioritise hospitality through mentorship programmes, small groups, and active engagement, helping newcomers feel at home in the church family.

5. Strengthening Discipleship and Biblical Teaching

Structured teachings, Bible studies, new converts’ classes, and home cell groups provide foundational growth that prevents deception and apostasy (2 Timothy 2:2). Mature believers are less likely to stray.

6. Prioritising Corporate and Intercessory Prayer

Spiritual battles often underpin a believer’s departure, making fervent prayer indispensable (James 5:16). A church steeped in prayer provides spiritual covering, sustaining members through trials.

Conclusion

For the church to fulfill its divine commission, it must not only win souls but also nurture and retain them. Closing the ‘back door’ requires intentional love, discipleship, and vigilant shepherding. By addressing the root causes of member attrition and implementing effective retention strategies, the church can thrive as a spiritual family where no one is lost. Leaders must emulate the Good Shepherd, who seeks the lost and rejoices over their return. Through faithful stewardship, the church will grow stronger, advancing God’s Kingdom on earth.

Written by Elder Richmond Judah Ayitey Ayee (National Evangelism Leader, CoP-China)