Posts in category: Articles

Prior to Jesus’ ascension, he foretold that the gospel would leave the frontiers of Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. In fulfillment, Philip went down to Samaria and shared the gospel (Acts 8:1-23) where many people were freed from the deception of Simon the Sorcerer, whom they wrongly perceived as the great power of God. Over the years, spreading the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth has been made possible by the selfless service of missionaries.

In Ghana, many accounts have been given regarding the history of Christian missionary activities. However, the majority of literature link the presence of the first Christian missionaries to the arrival of the Portuguese in the year 1471. Although the Roman Catholic Chaplains of the Portuguese traders and armed forces were to serve as missionaries to the local people in Elmina, their concentration was much on trade and chaplaincy. As a result, the era of missions in the 15th century did not record significant conversion of the local populace.

Later, in the 19th century, Basel/Presbyterian and Wesleyan/Methodist missionaries achieved much success in laying the foundation for the spread of the gospel in Ghana. The Basel mission sent four missionaries, Karl Salbach, Gottlieb Holzwath, Johannes Henke, and Gottlieb Schmidt between the ages of 24 to 27 to the Gold Coast in 1828. Three of them died within eight months while the last, Johannes Henke, died within three years of their arrival. Unfazed by these casualties, they sent three missionaries, one of whom was a medical doctor. Unfortunately, two of them, including the medical doctor, died within three months, depicting a poorer chance of survival than the former. The survivor, Andrea Riis, moved to the hilly outskirt of Akropong, where, together with missionaries he recruited from the West Indies, launched a successful mission. Significantly, the activities of these forerunners from the Catholic, Basel, and Wesleyan missions paved the way for the mission enterprise in the twentieth century.

Thus, in 1937, an Irish missionary, James McKeown, was sent by the Apostolic Church, Bradford, UK to the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) to help a group of believers of the Apostolic Faith in Asamankese, led by one Reverend Peter Anim. After years of hard work filled with schisms, sacrifices, and divine interventions, he founded the Church of Pentecost on August 1, 1962. He is described as a simple man who quickly adapted to living conditions in Ghana. His insistence on building a self-financing, self-propagating, and self-governing church made him build solid structures for the nascent church, which is now found in 151 nations of the world. James McKeown taught the church to be self-reliant without sourcing funds from overseas. He also trained and mentored young people, many of whom became Pastors of the church. On October 1, 1982, James McKeown handed over to the first Chairman of Ghanaian descent, Apostle Fred Stephen Sarfo, and died seven years later on May 4, 1989.

Sowing the seeds of the gospel came with many challenges, casualties, and hostilities. Mainly, tropical diseases like Malaria claimed the lives of many missionaries, thereby slowing down progress of work. As stated earlier, the Basel missionaries experienced major casualties, losing seven missionaries within a few years. Also, but for the timely intervention of a district commissioner, Reverend James McKeown, who took ill six months after his arrival, would have lost his life due to the no-medication doctrine of the Anim-led church.

Furthermore, preaching against practices such as polygamy and human sacrifice brought sharp disputes between the missionaries and some chiefs. In addition, policies like building Christian communities (Salems) were misconstrued as efforts to undermine the authority of parents and traditional rulers. In Ghana, Salem communities were built in places like Akropong, Osu, Abokobi, Peki, Kyebi, Abetifi, Nsaba, and Anum. Under the Salem policy, converts were required to move out of their homes to settle in communities on the outskirts where they were closely monitored by the missionaries. Due to the separation, they did not partake in activities like festivals, wars, and rites of passage sanctioned by the traditional authorities. As a result, some of the local folks resorted to making life uncomfortable for the missionaries, whom they thought had used religion to foment the breaking of ranks by the local populace.

With regards to movement, poor transportation networks hindered their forays into the inland regions. Some had to trek long distances on foot with the assistance of porters and guides. Sadly, some of the porters and aides became disloyal along the line, bringing much loss to the missionaries. Against this backdrop, many of the missionaries restricted their work to the coastal regions, leaving much of the inland regions and northern part of the country unattended.

Despite these challenges, the Christian missionaries did not confine their work only to spreading the gospel. They built schools, cared for the sick, trained artisans, and introduced the local folks to modern methods of farming and new crops like cashew, black pepper, cotton, mango, and ginger. Another significant contribution of the Christian missionaries was the development of literature in the local languages, which facilitated the translation of the Bible into some of the local languages. Specifically, Rev. Johannes Zimmermann in 1858, wrote a grammar of the Ga language, while Rev. J. G. Christaller in 1874 produced a Twi Grammar and Dictionary. The Roman Catholics, who were the first to work among the Fantes, initiated similar works in Fanti and Nzema, while the Evangelical Presbyterian missionaries were the first to develop literature in Ewe.

To the glory of God, the seed sown through the toil, tears, financial sacrifices, and the deployment of human resources amidst the peril of death has borne much fruit.

Currently, Christians constitute 71.3% of the population of Ghana according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The mustard seed has grown to become a ‘towering’ tree with branches serving as a place of refuge for many nations. Commendably, the Church of Pentecost, which started in Ghana, has entered into 151 nations of the world through missions. Aside from bringing salvation to many through the gospel, activities of missionaries have contributed significantly to education, health care delivery, agriculture, and civilization. In view of this, everyone must contribute to keep the torch of missions handed to us burning. Surely, the fire of missions must not die in our generation. Support missions by praying for missionaries, giving in support of missions, and spreading the gospel everywhere. Long live the Great Commission, Long Live the Christian Enterprise, Long Live Missions in the Church of Pentecost.

Written by Pastor Joseph Owusu-Boateng (Traveling Secretary – PENSA-Sunyani Sector)

Eschatology is the study of the end time according to Christian belief. Christians are encouraged to prepare by living a life of faith, love, and obedience to God. In Matthew 24:42, Jesus said, “Therefore, keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” It is important to stay alert and ready for His return. Let us explore how we can actively engage in this preparation.

One needs to focus on prayer, study the Word, and live a life of righteousness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, it says, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” This means that being spiritually awake and alert makes a true Christian conscious of Christ’s return.

Staying connected to a community of believers is vital. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but to encourage one another—all the more as you see the Day approaching. Always remember that being part of a Christian community helps us to stay strong and encourages us to persevere in our faith in Christ Jesus.

Actively serving others and sharing the good news of Jesus also help Christians stay grounded concerning the second coming of Christ. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Fellow Christians, by spreading the message of salvation, we can help others prepare for Christ’s return while staying vigilant ourselves.

Maintaining a fervent prayer life is very essential in preparing for the end time. We always seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength through prayer. This is one way we can stay spiritually vigilant, watchful of the signs of the end time, and remain connected to the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, I encourage Christians to study eschatology, stay active, live a life of faith, love, and obedience, pray, study the Word, be part of a supportive community, and actively share the Gospel. By doing so, we will be prepared for the second coming of Christ and keep others on their journey of faith.

Written by Deacon Silas Aboagye (Okornya District, Agormanya Area)

Ghana has always been a beautiful religious landscape. The art on the world canvas of religious turmoil looks different when the lens focuses on Ghana. Right from the days of the colonialists to the contemporary times, we have lived in harmony. I have seen how Christians and Muslims live in peace in this nation. Once, my car caught fire, and Muslims risked their lives to douse it for me. Currently, my mission house is situated in the heart of a Zongo and from my predecessors till date, we have lived in peace and mutual respect.

It has, therefore, been disheartening to see and hear that, at times, Christians get at each other when we could be so nice to people of other faiths. The question then has been, what is happening to the body of Christ? The apostle Paul admonished that the eyes cannot tell the hand, ‘I don’t need you’ (1 Corinthians 12:21). The forebears of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements in Ghana knew this so well so that at the time when there was a seemingly boiling tension in the land at the Pentecostal front, they did not divide but sought ‘Unity in the Spirit’. The branches knew they were of one Tree of Life (Jesus Christ). After five decades and more, we witness the fruit of their foresight. We see the move as the Ghana Pentecostal Council spread its wings to become the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council. We have seen how the council is getting more vibrant each day at the national level and among the clergy. The wing of inward-looking denominationalism is gradually breaking down at the top, which is heart-warming. 

However, unity in the Spirit is not about unity in the clergy. It is about that the Church ‘may be one’ (John 17:21). As we celebrate GPCC week this year under the theme, ‘United for God’s Glory,’ we must all work at unity in the Spirit for God’s glory at all levels of the church. I humbly want to suggest some practical steps GPCC can take at all levels to ensure the unity we all desire trickles down even to the level of our Children’s Ministry in the various denominations.

First, let us learn to understand the practices of member churches so that any critique will be constructive and not disparage one another, especially before the congregations. Let us not behave as the average Ghanaian politician who will dirty their opponent during party primaries and turn around to talk about uniting to fight for a national election. When we speak ill of ourselves to our congregations, we mock our coming together. We sow the seed of discord among them, and they see our coming together as a charade than the true spirit of ‘Unity in the Spirit’ we advocate. 

Related to this is the need to avoid being over ourselves on our successes and uniqueness in a manner that seems to spite others. We must be humble to know that we do not know it all or have it all and that there is something to learn from one another. The more open we are to ourselves, the more our unity in diversity will affect one another as we work at unity. We do not need to look down on ourselves but lift one another. Let us all know that people have different tastes; thus, the gospel is baked in different flavours (denominational uniqueness) to meet those tastes. The key here is to see ourselves as the one body of Christ. We must cultivate humility and avoid assuming that everything and everyone revolves around us.

We must realise that this call to unity is not a general spirit of friendliness or camaraderie. Unity is a product and result of the Cross and the Spirit’s work in us. It goes beyond the unity of secular life. It is the very life of the Spirit. Walking in Spirit means working together. We are not aiming at everything for the sake of unity or our pride – it is ‘of the Spirit. 

We need to be patient with ourselves. Long-suffering and forbearing with others is crucial as we desire unity. Others may offend us in various ways. There will be complaints. Wherever there are people, complaints and dissatisfactions are bound to happen. The swiftness with which those with the mandate attend to the issues is critical. 

At the local church level, let us talk more about GPCC, the benefits of unity, and the need for this unity and promote it. Leaders of the local churches and the members should be encouraged to see other Christians in different denominations as brethren in Christ and relate well with them both at work and in the communities in the spirit of ‘Unity in the Spirit’.

We can create room for the lay leaders in the local churches to fellowship among themselves with the GPCC Districts and Zones as the clergy do regularly. This will break the ‘dividing walls’ between how the clergy see GPCC and how the laity appreciates it. 

In the homes and marketplaces, our members can promote the unity of Pentecostals and Charismatics by coming together for devotions, Bible study, prayer meetings and other godly commitments. The Church of Pentecost can lead the way with our already-established Home Cell and Worker Guilds.

At the monthly meetings of the clergy to deliberate on GPCC at the District level, the laity should be allowed to join occasionally. It is not enough to let them represent the clergy when they cannot attend. At least once every quarter is enough to promote the course of GPCC.

There should be more GPCC communal efforts, such as clean-up campaigns, peace campaigns, sports festivals, marriage seminars and cooking competitions, among others, at the various levels of the council. We must make our unity practical and expand the frontiers of that unity. 

Finally, we need to raise constant prayers for the unity of the body of Christ; GPCC must be on our prayer radial, not only during GPCC events. Let us lift prayers for the leaders, the body, and each church member. Pray that you will be one in Spirit and purpose. GPCC must be on our constant prayer list. The more we pray about it, the more the Spirit will lead us to innovate, ameliorate, and expand the vision of GPCC.

As I conclude, let us remember that our unity already exists: The unity in the Spirit already exists as a spiritual reality through the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. We are already united in Christ, and the Holy Spirit maintains that unity as we ‘walk in a manner worthy’ of our calling (Ephesians 4:1). Our calling towards Unity in the Spirit is to build on and preserve what has been attained. Unity does not happen easily or automatically, nor can it be demanded or presumed. We need to build and maintain the unity of the Spirit with painstaking effort. And if it is to be ‘deeply rooted’ rather than superficial and enduring rather than fleeting, it will take time and endurance to build. Let us make the time.

Promoting unity among church members of different denominations is crucial for the growth and witness of the Church in the land. Remember our common identity; focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. We should always remember that we are all part of the body of Christ. Our unity glorifies God. 

GPCC, unity in the Spirit!

Written by Pastor George Osei-Asiedu

As a preacher, whenever you have the opportunity to share the gospel, aim to save souls, not empty people’s wallets/pockets; offer hope, not burdens.

As it is written, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17, KJV). Sadly, that is not the case now; in fact, one’s faith often dwindles when seated under the ministration of some contemporary preachers.

Many messengers today venture into the world, spreading their philosophies, cloaked in religious ideals. I once witnessed a man preaching at a bus station, flipping through what appeared to be a Bible. His message lacked substance and lacked any biblical references. Upon closer inspection, I discovered he was using a pamphlet, not a Bible. After a brief speech, he spent the larger part of the time soliciting money as an offering for his ministry. Sad!

During a period of prayer and fasting, seeking guidance on how the end-time generation can remain faithful to the Lord in light of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:22-24, God revealed to me that contemporary messengers must possess the ability to expose deception.

The devil is leaving a mark on the minds of this generation, falsely portraying preachers as money-seekers. Today, many people hesitate to listen to street preachers because they’ve encountered so many who don’t truly convey the message.

The 2022 Afrobarometer Survey conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Ghana, has been released, and to my astonishment, religious leaders (many of whom are Christians) rank among the most corrupt individuals in the country.

I fear that if this pattern continues, messengers of the word may be viewed similarly to the tax collectors in the days of Jesus, eroding trust in men of God due to the actions of a few.

The devil is determined to diminish the value of messengers by making some preach and act inappropriately, tarnishing the reputation of all messengers. However, he is a liar!

Apostle Peter targeted the kingdom of hell and converted three thousand souls to heaven instantly.

We should also do same. We must preach the unadulterated word of God for the salvation of souls.

When preaching our message should revolve around these key truths: Jesus saves, Jesus grants eternal life, Jesus loves you. And After we have fulfilled our part, let’s leave the conviction of the heart and the rest to the Holy Spirit.

Written by Elder Owusu-Bibini (Dumasua District)

A coup d’état is an illegal and overt attempt by the military or other government elites to unseat the incumbent leader. It basically means “stroke of the state” or “strike against the state.” Other words used to describe these phenomena are rebellion, rioting, revolution, insurrection, and mutiny. Out of at least 242 successful military coups globally since 1950, Africa has the largest number at 106. At least 45 of the 54 nations across the African continent have experienced at least a single coup attempt since 1950. It is reported that the youth have become widely disenchanted with the political class across much of West and Central Africa. Corruption, bad governance, unemployment, nepotism, cronyism, and the lack of transparent electoral processes continue to be cited as the reasons given for the recurring coups in many countries.

However, deep-seated in almost all coups and rebellion movements, both secular and in the vineyard business, are envy, self-righteousness, and lust for power. Others are the low appreciation of leadership, misguided zeal, frustration, arrogance, and foolish pride. Most of these younger generations who agitate for coups end up disappointed because they soon realize that what the coup makers promised them was impossible or they were deceived. It is also not far-fetched for the goodies and freebies associated with power to blind some people to join the bandwagon of agitations for military takeovers. However, there are extensive publications on the adverse effects of coups in Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa. Many world-renowned peace brokers and experts in mediation have also been engaged to bring their expertise to bear on the menace of coup d’états. Indeed, even those who topple constitutionally elected governments soon realize they did not fully appreciate what governance was all about.

Coups have proven not to live up to their hypes after all. The menace of coups can be traced back to humankind after the fall in the Garden of Eden. Its antecedent is rebellion, which traces its roots to the Adamic fall. Therefore, coups cannot be said to be an African creation. It was Satan who staged the original and first abortive coup in history.

According to Isaiah 14:13-15, he once said in his heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” This ambition of the devil is what led to the insurrection in Heaven. “Then war broke out in Heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in Heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelations 12:7-9).

When God visited humanity in the person of Christ, He didn’t do that through a coup d’état. Born in a manger, He did not lead any rebellion but presented a well-packaged manifesto that got the world to follow Him. “In that hour, Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day, I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” (Matthew 26:55-56).

It is worth noting that not all coups are staged in a Hollywood fashion. Judas used a brotherly kiss to betray Jesus, so coups in Christendom take all forms. All underhand dealings in establishments that remove those in authority and replace them with cronies are some non-violent but equally deadly coups. Do people stage coups in God’s Kingdom business? If they happen, how does God view such uprisings in His vineyard? Which forms do those insurrections take?

The write-up seeks responses to the above questions and reasons why some rise against God’s chosen vessels. I will also attempt to advise all irritated and provoked to stage coup d’états in the Lord’s vineyard business. A few recommendations would also be proffered to all who are threatened and have fallen victim to institutional and Kingdom insurrections.

In the body of Christ, utter disobedience to leadership directives, the creation of factions, and the running of parallel command structures are not uncommon. Others are also in the habit of causing disaffection against leadership when disagreeing with their directives. This attitude by some can be likened to staging a Kingdom coup d’état. Three major causes and reasons many cite for leading rebellion in the body of Christ are discussed.

1. UNBRIDLED AMBITIONS:

Harnessing an ambition isn’t evil because it can drive one’s passion and zeal for hard work. However, dreams born out of selfishness and the unbridled desire for power can be said to be misplaced. The aspiration that appears blinded to the realities and necessities of the prevailing moment deceives many into thinking that they represent the people’s voice. When David was old, and his successor had not been made known to the public, Adonijah, one of his children, planned to take over the reins of power from his father. “Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, ‘I will be king.’ So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him.” Although he was a handsome young man, it was unclear why he desired and thought he would be a king as his father. He won the support of “almighty” Commander Joab, the army, and Abiathar, the Priest.

It was, therefore, not surprising that his ambition gathered the needed momentum even among the king’s sons, except for Solomon. Adonijah garnered the support of the key people in Israel’s governance structure to shout, “Long live King Adonijah!” after they ate and drank. (1 Kings 1:25). God foiled the coup and David’s swift intervention, and Solomon, the rightful heir, ascended the throne as Israel’s king after David. Adonijah had to pay in the end with his life because he could not turn his heart away from Solomon’s administration and some of its associated privileges. (1 Kings 2:25). Many in Christendom have lost their zeal and passion to the disappointment of not making it to the top as they envisaged. They argue that the signs were clearly written on the walls that they were supposed to be the next occupant of some high leadership positions that became vacant. Some of their ambitions are founded on prophecies in their lives at very early stages. A good number also received such goodwill messages, blessings, and what could be described as best wishes from loved ones. So, a confession of saying, “You will be the leader of this institution or organization one day,” should not be taken literally. Such goodwill confessions must safely be decoded as either “Thank you, and may God bless and expand your territory” or “You have been such a blessing to society.” They are, therefore, saying that if they had their way and had the sole privilege to choose the next person to lead, they would have selected you. That is enough blessing and endorsement of God’s grace upon one’s life, which must not be taken lightly.

Unfortunately, some allow such harmless pronouncements upon their lives to harm their zeal, passion, and joy when things don’t turn out as expected. When James, John, and their mother applied to Jesus for the positions of His left and right in His Kingdom, He told them that was His father’s preserve, not His. So, the prayer answer to Jesus to make you the next leader is always, “God has already programmed who will be the next leader.” Let’s, therefore, not continue to push things that are the preserve of God. We may only recruit mercenaries and rebels to disturb the system, harming our spiritual health.

• THE FEELING OF ENTITLEMENT

Entitlement means having a right to something. Unlike Adonijah, who staged a palace coup to take over from David due to his ambition, others stage coups because they feel entitled to lead. Somehow, there are people who, by some personal deductions, come to the firm conclusion that they are entitled to occupy certain key positions in society. It may be born out of their parental lineage, clan, tribe, or some sacrifices made by them in the past. Such people sing choruses such as, “It is my time.” Even though some may not say it openly, their actions may betray them more than those who tout such choruses. Rebellion or insurrection becomes the only option for some if their time seems to be prolonged beyond their expectation. Absalom, the son of David, possessed a certain sense of entitlement to the throne of Israel. “In all Israel, there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot, there was no blemish in him.” (2 Samuel 14:25). Due to the praises of the citizens of the Land, Absalom reduced the ascension to Israel’s throne to appearance and what many were saying about him. He, therefore, arrogated some roles for himself to win the hearts of the majority to his side. “And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the Land! Then everyone with a complaint or case could come to me, and I would see that they receive justice.” Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the King asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:4-6).

It becomes quite complex to manage if close family members and pals begin to harness such levels of entitlement. Indeed, for Guinea, Niger, and Gabon, those who staged the coups were all presidential guards who were instead supposed to be protecting their bosses. They may be working so hard in the eyes of the public, but the motivation for such energy levels can only be revealed with time. When it became clear to David of his son Absalom’s coup and the influential people behind him, he sought safety by leaving Jerusalem, but not without doing what he knew best while in exile. “Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” (2 Samuel 15:31). In the end, Absalom died like his brother Adonijah in that abortive coup d’état. As workers in the Lord’s vineyard, let us not allow the praises and flattery of people to cause us to feel entitled to specific positions.

Similarly, the feeling of entitlement led Korah to gather 249 people with him to rebel against the leadership of Moses. Korah was jealous that Aaron had been chosen as High Priest, to the exclusion of anyone else. Furthermore, his cousin Elitzafan had been selected as head of the Levite family of Kehot, to which Korah belonged, and Korah felt this position was rightfully his. Their sad end, together with their innocent family members, is something rebels in the Lord’s vineyard business must take clues from. (Numbers 16) Our sacrifices and family history or profile are not all needed to make us the best occupant of a leadership position. Let us understand that if it were all entitlement, then many would have been better placed to be justifiably entitled than our good selves. We cannot be the only and best thing that ever happened to the human race. Therefore, let’s be modest in estimating our self-worth wherever we find ourselves and whichever capacity we are made to serve. Indeed, both Absalom and Adonijah could have argued that Solomon was not fit to be King because he was a product of David’s immoral debacle with someone’s wife. That would have been a presentation in futility because Sovereign God had already chosen David’s successor, Solomon.

• THE FRENZY OF JOINING THE CHORUS “THINGS ARE NOT GOING WELL”

The chanting of “Things are not going well” as a reason for staging coup d’états did not start with the generation of today. It appears simple and easy to catalogue some socio-economic indices with other parameters to incite the vulnerable to sing such choruses. What doesn’t always come out clear are the main motives of the organizers and composers of such populist chants. Many who supported military takeovers due to such chants later publicly confessed their disappointment and betrayal by their so-called “Messiahs.” “All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us to this Land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt? “And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” (Numbers 14:2-4).

Another group led by Dathan and Abiram also arose against Moses when they faced challenges in the wilderness. “Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, “We will not come! Isn’t it enough that you have brought us out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? And now you also want to lord it over us! Moreover, you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Do you want to treat these men like slaves? No, we will not come! “(Numbers 16:12-14). The Israelites got some among them to suggest a choice of a new leader back to Egypt. Instead of focusing on supporting Moses to lead and progress them to their promised Land, they instead opted for a retrogressive move. When they left Egypt, it’s on record that some mixed multitudes weren’t Jews but decided to join them. (Num 11:4). They composed the song “Things are not going on well” and made it a hit among the gullible Israeli population.

In our dispensation, they represent those saved by grace who don’t appreciate their new life in Christ Jesus and its significance. Associating with such people would be detrimental and may cause a shipwreck of one’s faith in Christ Jesus. They would lead you to grumble, murmur, complain, rebel, and even make blasphemous comments in the slightest discomfort you find yourself. The trip to your “Canaan” would be an illusion if you subscribe to their misguided, revolutionary, and unionist instincts. (Numbers 11:4-6). There’s definitely a humble and orderly way the Holy Spirit will guide any individual or group of persons in the Church who are aggrieved to get the necessary redress, usually through much prayer and God’s guidance in their presentation.

When the Arab Spring started a decade and a half ago, many were made to believe that the livelihoods of the countries involved would be better afterward. Yet, judging from what is happening in Libya and some other nations, people will regret supporting a few who had their axe to grind but managed to pull the vulnerable alongside. No matter the level of provocation and visible mismanagement, there will always be a way out of coming out of such a mess within communities, institutions, and nations. Dialogue or diplomacy is a word widely used as a substitute for rebellion or coups. Indeed, for some, just a little patience would have worked the required magic. God is not an author of confusion and, therefore, knows what to do anytime He finds the need to effect changes in those in authority. Besides misery and untold hardships to leaders and followers who stage Kingdom coups, many innocent lives are also needlessly impacted negatively.

For example, those who have lived for more than five decades in Ghana would bear with me the level of backwardness the nation suffered due to coup d’états. The mere visible evidence of difficult moments in the lives of countries, institutions, and organizations doesn’t warrant their unlawful removal. It also doesn’t turn some zealots among the populace as the “Messiahs” who carry the magic wand to turn things around. Leading people to their promised Land goes beyond the absence of visible challenges. It entails far more than that. Coup experts or those who have gained notoriety for staging coups in this world, I believe, given a second chance, would not give it a try. The misery, chaos, bloodshed, civil unrest, and decline of the developmental agenda, coupled with their failures, are visible for all to attest to. Primarily, every leader aspires to lead and better the lots of their citizens within the mandated period given to them. Sheer hatred, ideological differences, envy, jealousy, or visible challenges during their mandated period of rule should never become the basis for planning their unconstitutional overthrow. The very God who endorsed and approved the inaugural ceremonies of leaders is the same God who supervises their exit as and when He deems fit.

Do not be afraid if you are sensing the sound of Kingdom coups at your doorsteps. Just inform God about it since He has never condoned any acts of rebellion from the history of creation. Relax, encourage yourself in the Lord and receive a daily ration of strength from Him through your devotional life. Do not shiver even when the opposition gets all the so-called “wise tacticians” and influential political advisers on their side. Only one prayer made with faith like David will render their counsel foolish, null and void. God handled Nebuchadnezzar smoothly and managed King Herod in Acts 12 without causing schisms during the early church days.

After the Niger and Gabon coups, it is reported that Rwanda and Cameroon have significantly changed their military command positions. As a safety and precautionary measure, it wouldn’t be out of place to do a few reshuffles to curb the tendencies of insurrections. As the engagement of God through prayer continues, leaders must also be guided by the Holy Spirit to do the needful by reshuffling some people in specific key installations within their governance architecture. In (1 Kings 2), and per David’s last words to Solomon, he needed to strategically reshuffle and re-organize the close aides of David so that he gets those who would be loyal to him. Here, it didn’t matter whether one is a blood relation or not. He ordered the execution of his own blood brother, Adonijah, when he started misbehaving and nursing unbridled ambitions. King Solomon again replaced Abiathar, the Priest, with Zadok in his stead. After doing this, the Bible says the Kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon’s hands. (1 Kings 2:46)

The inability of people to obey simple instructions is what usually stirs up bitterness and prepares fertile grounds for rebellion. Apostle Paul, therefore, admonished believers to do all things without complaining and arguing. (Philippians 2:14-15). Absalom’s insurrection didn’t work, and neither was Adonijah’s coup. They both died when they staged a revolution to topple God’s chosen servant. Korah and his group, who also thought they carried the solution to all Israel’s problems in the wilderness, also died before their time when they rebelled against Moses. Coups are, therefore, alien to God’s governance architecture. He knows how and when to remove people in authority, His sole preserve.

Written by Pastor James Orhin Agyin

INTRODUCTION:

In a world filled with various belief systems and ideologies, the call to be a true Christian comes with its own significance and purpose. Being a true Christian goes beyond mere religious identity; it involves building a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and living a life that reflects His teachings and values. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why one must embrace true Christianity, supported by explanations and relevant Bible verses.

1. The Transforming Power of God’s Love:

God’s love is profound and transformative. Embracing true Christianity allows us to experience and share this divine love with others. As John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This love empowers us to love unconditionally, showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion to others.

2. Salvation and Eternal Life:

Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, true Christianity offers the gift of salvation and eternal life. Romans 10:9 affirms, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior grants us forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life in the presence of God.

3. Living According to God’s Purpose:

True Christianity provides a framework for living a purposeful life. As believers, we are called to align our lives with God’s will and follow His guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” By surrendering our lives to God, we find direction, fulfillment, and a greater sense of purpose.

4. Manifesting Christ’s Teachings:

A true Christian strives to emulate the character of Christ and live according to His teachings. Matthew 5:16 states, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” By practicing love, humility, integrity, and compassion, we become ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His light and positively impacting others.

5. Finding Hope and Comfort in Difficult Times:

Life is often marked by struggles, challenges, and uncertainties. True Christianity offers hope and comfort in times of despair and adversity. Psalm 46:1 assures us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Through prayer, faith, and trust in God’s promises, we find solace, strength, and guidance to navigate through life’s difficulties.

6. Unity and Fellowship:

Being a true Christian fosters unity and fellowship with other believers. Acts 2:42 emphasizes the importance of gathering together, sharing in the teachings of the apostles, breaking bread, and praying together. Engaging in Christian community strengthens our faith, provides support, and encourages growth through shared worship, fellowship, and accountability.

CONCLUSION:

Embracing true Christianity is about more than religious affiliation; it is about cultivating a personal relationship with God, following the teachings of Jesus Christ, and reflecting His love in our daily lives. The reasons to be a true Christian are rooted in the transformative power of God’s love, the promise of salvation, the guidance to live a purposeful life, and the hope and comfort found in Him. As we walk in the path of true Christianity, we become vessels of His love, ambassadors of His teachings, and bearers of His light to the world.

Remember the words of Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Embrace true Christianity, and let the love of Christ guide you in every aspect of your life.

Written by Deacon Silas Aboagye

The relevance of integrity in the lives of contemporay believers has become a matter of concern in contemporary times.

Regrettably, it appears that many Christians have begun to overlook and underestimate the significance of integrity in our walk with Christ.

Present-day Christians seem to have shifted focus away from cultivating integrity in the faith journey.

Instead, we have invested our time and attention in worldly pursuits, neglecting the profound transformation that took place when we were redeemed by the blood of Jesus, which calls for us to shine a light of integrity in a world filled with darkness.

For believers, one of our paramount responsibilities is to consistently exhibit and promote integrity in our daily lives.

This commitment serves as a living testament to those who are seeking to embrace Christ but are hesitant due to the negative stereotypes associated with certain Christians.

In essence, without integrity, the world remains in a fragile state, underscoring the urgency for us to prioritise and embody the concept of integrity in our mission to impact the nations.

We must therefore make an unwavering commitment to uphold our integrity unto eternity trusting in the help of the Holy Spirit.

Written by Jonathan Nhyiraba (Oguaa Abura District, Cape Coast Area)

INTRODUCTION

Ghana is confronted with numerous obstacles that have resulted in persistent leadership crises, despite the presence of high-calibre leaders throughout the nation’s history. The nation, which first exhibited promising progress following its attainment of independence, is currently grappling with a precarious state of existence as a result of a series of leadership crises. The nation, which in the past had the capacity to provide assistance to other nations, is currently burdened with significant levels of debt. According to my memory, Singapore is among the nations that have acquired knowledge on the utilisation of palm nuts for various products, afterward becoming a prominent global player in this field. What nation are leaders handing over to the next generation?

Solomon, the recipient of a superior nation or kingdom from his father David, unfortunately, bequeathed a virtually fragmented nation to his son due to his acts and behavior, despite his renowned wisdom. What are some of the leadership issues that Solomon encountered, that bear resemblance to those faced by Ghana? Ghana can derive valuable insights for enhancing its nation-building efforts from the lessons learned.

SOLOMON’S LIFE AND REIGN

Solomon, a biblical giant, was known for his intelligence, wealth, and magnificence. His prosperous and magnificent reign is immortalised in religious and historical books. However, beneath Solomon’s magnificence, a tale of major mistakes and their far-reaching consequences develops, warning leaders of all times.

Solomon’s time is considered Israel’s “Golden Age.” The insight God gave him in response to his sincere appeal for discernment (1 Kings 3:5–14) became legendary. Solomon’s judgment in the case of two ladies claiming the same child shows his practical insight. His followers admired his ability to reconcile justice and compassion by dividing the baby to disclose the true mother (1 Kings 3:16-28).

However, even the most illustrious of reigns can falter when hubris and lapses in judgment creep in. Solomon’s journey, despite his divine wisdom, took a perilous turn. One of his most profound mistakes was the series of marriages he contracted with foreign women from nations steeped in idolatry (1 Kings 11:1–8). These unions initially intended to strengthen political alliances, soon steered Solomon off the path of righteousness. He allowed the idolatrous practices of his foreign wives to infiltrate the kingdom, culminating in the construction of high places for idol worship, a grave departure from his faith. This diversion from God’s commands carried dire consequences, including divine judgment and the eventual division of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:9–13).

Ironically, in the pages of history, King Solomon faced parallel challenges that threatened the integrity of his rule. His inability to navigate these challenges with wisdom and moral rectitude culminated in the loss of a significant portion of his kingdom. The profound irony lies in the fact that, as Ghana strives for effective leadership and governance, Solomon’s experiences offer invaluable insights into the importance of ethical leadership, accountability, and the unwavering commitment to the well-being of its people.

PRESSING CHALLENGE OF GHANA

Fast forward to the modern era, and we encounter Ghana, often lauded as the “Gateway to West Africa.” Emerging from the shadows of colonial rule in 1957, Ghana embarked on a journey towards progress. The nation’s strides in politics, economics, and social development have ignited optimism for a brighter future. Yet, like many nations, Ghana grapples with a host of contemporary challenges on its path to effective leadership and governance.

These challenges, akin to the threads of a complex tapestry, encompass economic constraints, environmental dilemmas, corruption, political polarization, inequality, poverty, infrastructure gaps, and the persistent specter of youth unemployment. Their reverberations have cast a broad shadow, intricately weaving a web of consequences that touch nearly every facet of Ghanaian society.

John C. Maxwell asserts that “everything rises and falls on leadership.” In the Ghanaian context, many of the repercussions of these challenges can be traced back to leadership behaviors that have not been adequately addressed. These behaviors, whether stemming from a lack of accountability, ethical lapses, or misaligned priorities, have cast a pall over the nation’s progress.

But there is hope. The belief that God will visit the nation with transformative change underscores the enduring faith and resilience of Ghana’s people. A collective call for leadership rectification, grounded in moral rectitude and the unwavering commitment to the welfare of all citizens, forms the cornerstone of this hope.

The tapestry of King Solomon’s reign, interwoven with triumphs and errors, provides a poignant backdrop against which modern Ghana can assess its leadership and governance. Solomon’s journey from wisdom to folly serves as a poignant reminder that the consequences of leadership behaviors extend beyond individual actions, shaping the destiny of nations. As Ghana continues its journey toward effective governance, may the wisdom distilled from Solomon’s legacy illuminate its path toward a more prosperous and equitable future where the welfare of all citizens remains paramount.

MISTAKES WITH MONUMENTAL IMPLICATIONS IN UNRAVELING SOLOMON’S LEGACY

As previously mentioned, Solomon’s legacy encompasses valuable teachings that have lasting relevance for both leaders and nations. However, there were several significant errors that he committed, which had a profound impact on his ability to lead. The life of Solomon is characterised by a disregard for the accumulation of wealth and indulgence for ethical principles, the consequences of political alliances, excessive opulence, a lack of ethical integrity, the neglect of marginalised voices and inclusivity, and the avoidance of divine guidance. These significant errors have profound and wide-ranging implications.

ACCUMULATION OF WEALTH AND INDULGENCE

The tribute from nearby kingdoms and lucrative commerce gave King Solomon great wealth. The golden shields he made for his royal guard show his vast gold and silver collection (1 Kings 10:16–17). His court was lavished with ivory, apes, and peacocks from his commerce network (1 Kings 10:22). Solomon’s palace and the First Temple in Jerusalem awed the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:4-5). In his reign, “silver was not considered anything” due to his wealth (1 Kings 10:21). A huge entourage of officials and extravagant feasts characterised Solomon’s court (1 Kings 4:22–23). His wealth and military might be shown by his many horses and chariots, often obtained from Egypt (1 Kings 4:26–28). Visitors and ambassadors from outside confirmed his rank as one of history’s wealthiest and wisest monarchs (1 Kings 10:1–13). However, his overwhelming wealth created a concentration on materialism and luxury that distracted him from his duties.

LACK OF ETHICS

King Solomon, known for his wisdom and enlightenment, illustrates the conflict between great intellect and moral decay. God’s knowledge supported his reign and drew admirers from abroad. When personal impulses clashed with ethics, Solomon’s life went downhill. Initially married for political reasons, his marriages to foreign women led to his moral decline. These partnerships caused him to accept their pagan practices, a major departure from his faith. He built great idol-worship locations throughout his empire. His moral decline has far-reaching effects. Divine judgment fell on him, showing that even the wisest can err. A servant received part of the kingdom, which God divided (1 Kings 11:11–13). This had a major impact on Solomon’s united and flourishing Israel. This led to the kingdom’s partition.

POLITICAL ALLIANCE PITFALLS

Solomon, the clever king of Israel, used political marriages to form strategic partnerships that promised stability and wealth. These unions had unanticipated and significant effects. His marriages were planned political moves to achieve peace treaties and alliances with nearby countries and powerful kings. Such marriages were a typical diplomatic strategy for promoting international collaboration. These unions had hidden risks despite their immediate rewards. Solomon’s foreign brides brought royal ancestry, cultural differences, and theological beliefs, including the worship of other gods that conflicted with Israel’s monotheism. These foreign princesses brought their customs and religion to Solomon’s court. Solomon became drawn to these alien gods to please his wives and establish ties. His dedication to the God of Israel, who had given him wisdom and fortune, changed drastically. Solomon’s violation of “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) by building high places for his foreign wives’ idols was his worst sin. The divine judgment followed Solomon’s compromises’ dire repercussions. God said the kingdom would be divided and a servant given a piece, indicating political and spiritual instability in Israel (1 Kings 11:9–13). This emphasises the need to stick to religious and ethical principles even when politically expedient. It reminds leaders that wisdom and wealth must be guided by morality. The nation’s morality suffered through these alliances.

AVOIDED INCLUSIVITY

Despite his reign’s wealth and prosperity, the poor were sometimes neglected. Solomon’s palatial palace and the First Temple in Jerusalem showed his grandeur. These buildings were decorated with expensive metals, excellent wood, and lavish embellishments to show off his wealth. These architectural marvels showed the kingdom’s prosperity but highlighted resource allocation concerns. International trade and profitable projects boosted the kingdom’s prosperity under Solomon. This economic prosperity did not always benefit all sectors of society. The poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners fought to benefit from the kingdom’s economic success. This broke God’s word to Moses which says, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land’” (Deuteronomy 15:11).

DID NOT HEAR THE MARGINALISED VOICES

The Bible shows Solomon’s justice and social welfare approach. The famous judgment between two women claiming to be the mother of the same kid (1 Kings 3:16-28) is an example. Solomon’s insight into this situation showed his commitment to justice for the weak. This was not always the case. One example that illustrates Solomon’s later disregard for the marginalised is found in 1 Kings 12, following his reign. After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam succeeded him as king. Rehoboam’s harsh and oppressive policies led to a rebellion among the northern tribes of Israel, resulting in the division of the kingdom into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division was partly a response to the grievances of the people, particularly those who felt marginalised and burdened by Solomon’s taxation and labour policies; clearly telling us what Solomon did to the marginalised. Solomon’s bureaucracy and administrative apparatus added red tape and inefficiencies that slowed marginalised issues’ resolution.

AVOIDED DIVINE GUIDANCE

Solomon had great wisdom, but his human brain and judgments led to costly, far-reaching decisions. Solomon’s marriages to foreign women in 1 Kings 11 were a prime example of his lack of divine guidance. Solomon made this vital decision based on his own wishes and politics rather than God’s advice. He married ladies of non-Israelite nationalities. He ultimately compromised his commitment to the God of Israel and adopted his foreign wives’ pagan practices. Solomon’s disregard for God’s advice had dire consequences. God declared the monarchy would fall apart under Solomon’s son Rehoboam. For millennia, Israel was split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.

SOLOMON’S LESSONS FOR GHANA

The lessons derived from Solomon’s experiences in Ghana provide significant contributions to the understanding of good leadership, governance, and the process of nation-building. The following are the key insights derived from the teachings of Solomon that are applicable to the context of Ghana.

AVOID THE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF WEALTH AND AN OPULENT LIFESTYLE

People in leadership positions must avoid a huge entourage of officials and extravagant spending sprees that have characterised their activities. They should know that “[t]rue wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire.” They should think about the next generation rather than thinking more of themselves. Also, leaders must avoid corruption, public distrust, and progress-stifling riches and extravagance. They should not ‘grab’ anything since it fosters corruption. Corruption wastes resources and erodes trust in government, affecting society. Ghanaians should prioritise transparency, equitable resource allocation, social welfare, and ethical leadership to address these issues. They should fight corruption, involve the public, and seek international cooperation. They must allow the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), and Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption (CMAC) to operate without intimidation as long as they don’t break the law. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) must also be funded and empowered to operate independently from the government. Rigoberta Menchú believes that “without effective watchdog agencies, impunity underpins corruption regimes. If impunity remains, all efforts to combat corruption fail.”

MAINTAIN ETHICAL INTEGRITY

Having ethical integrity means following morality, upholding the law, being transparent, being accountable for actions, promoting fairness and equity, fighting corruption, engaging with the public, setting long-term goals, and cooperating internationally to improve governance and development. The manifestation of honesty, principled conduct, and moral uprightness in the acts, decisions, and behaviors of individuals in leadership roles, particularly among Ghanaians, is not readily discernible. Leaders in Ghana should desist and avoid flirting around and should be faithful to their husbands and wives rather than destroying their marriages all in the name of political reasons as Solomon did which led to his moral decline. They should again avoid forming partnerships with some groups such as the LGBT+ to prevent them from hoisting their flag in the nation as Solomon did and built great idol-worship locations throughout his empire. Ghanaian leaders must prioritise personal and professional ethics to avoid Solomon’s ethical integrity challenges. Practicing ethical leadership will build a better future for Ghana and its people. Leaders must value morality and national prosperity. They must uphold morality and the law to gain public trust and promote long-term stability and prosperity.

AVOID THE PITFALLS OF POLITICAL ALLIANCES

Ghanaian leadership and administration require careful political alliances that balance the nation’s interests, values, and sovereignty. In contrast to Solomon, whose marriages were employed as a conventional diplomatic tactic to foster international cooperation but ultimately resulted in complications related to royal lineage, cultural disparities, and conflicting theological convictions, such as the veneration of deities that contradicted Israel’s monotheistic principles, it is imperative for leaders to exercise caution in their diplomatic alliances in order to safeguard the integrity of their nation’s values and autonomy. Leaders must always uphold democracy, morality, human rights, social fairness, and the rule of law when dealing with other nations and political entities. International collaboration is essential for economic progress, security, and addressing global issues, but Ghana’s leaders must never compromise the nation’s values. They must carefully weigh the pros and cons of any political coalition. The well-being of Ghana’s people and economy must be their top priority. Alliances that benefit Ghana while preserving its sovereignty and ideals are admirable. However, leaders must be cautious when making arrangements that suit outsider’s interests. The country is a pioneer in African independence and political resistance. Leaders should honour this legacy and protect Ghana’s hard-won sovereignty. Diplomacy which allows the nation to assert its interests, strengthen its position in regional and global affairs, and build positive relationships with other states must be used wisely in international policy.

PRACTICE INCLUSIVITY

It is imperative for Ghanaian leaders to place a high priority on promoting inclusivity and addressing the concerns of its citizens. This holds particular significance for individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. The commitment to such a level of dedication is vital in the establishment of a fair and impartial society in which the government serves the entirety of the populace. In contrast to Solomon’s failure to acknowledge the marginalised members of society, such as the impoverished, widowed, orphaned, and foreign individuals who want to partake in the economic prosperity of his kingdom, it would be inaccurate to make a similar assertion about the leaders of Ghana. In the context of a vibrant democratic system such as that of Ghana, the imperative of inclusion assumes paramount significance. It is vital for leaders to refrain from stigmatising individuals within the population who express dissenting opinions on matters that are incongruous with their own perspectives, and to abstain from engaging in efforts to undermine or dismantle such individuals. It is imperative to ensure that political activists are held accountable for their actions, particularly when they engage in derogatory language and criticism against others under the guise of political expediency. Leaders must possess the understanding that despite our diverse tribal backgrounds, we are ultimately a unified collective. Consequently, it is imperative for leaders to foster inclusivity and unity, transcending any differences that may exist among individuals. It is imperative to dismantle the winner-takes-all mindset in order to provide opportunities for those possessing the necessary qualifications to assume national roles. The practice of granting contracts based on personal favouritism should be eliminated. The practice of favouring family and friends for positions of power, while excluding qualified individuals, should be actively resisted. The practice of inclusivity should be embraced from diverse perspectives.

LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF THE MARGINALISED

Unlike Solomon who heavily taxed the people to the extent that the marginalised felt it and became overburdened to the extent of not listening to them, Ghanaian leaders should listen to the entire populace, especially on youth issues, for they form the greater percentage of the country’s population, and provide education, employment, and civic engagement possibilities. They must establish citizen interaction and feedback channels to hold leaders accountable. Leaders should give every citizen a voice, and they must be heard and seriously weighed in decision-making. They must avoid Solomon’s bureaucracy and administrative apparatus, which added red tape and inefficiencies that slowed marginalised issues’ resolution, and they must actively seek out and engage with citizens from different backgrounds to hear their plight. Ghana, like many nations, has socioeconomic inequities that hurt particular communities. Disparities emerge from historical injustices, unequal resource access, and systemic concerns. Leaders must address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of these underprivileged communities. Leaders must promote economic and social fairness through their policies and activities. This requires programs to eliminate the wealth divide, provide equal education and healthcare, and create economic opportunity for everybody. Protecting social safety nets protects the most vulnerable. Ghana’s rural communities have infrastructure issues and restricted access to vital services. Leaders should invest in rural development, improve education and healthcare, and boost economic possibilities outside large cities to address these gaps. Given its young population, youth empowerment is crucial to Ghana’s development.

SEEK DIVINE WISDOM AND GUIDANCE

Ghanaian leaders have responsibilities beyond politics and government. They must also understand the relevance of heavenly direction and morality in decision-making. This approach emphasises humility and reliance on a higher moral authority, transcending individual interests and goals for the nation’s benefit. Ghanaian communities have a long history of seeking heavenly direction. Faith and morality are important to the nation’s spirituality. This tradition recognises that leaders are responsible for moral and ethical stewardship as well as political leadership. This strategy emphasises humility to keep leaders grounded and connected to their constituents. Arrogance can lead to impulsive and self-serving decisions, but acknowledging their limitations and fallibility avoids it. Humility opens the mind to learning from religious and spiritual leaders, elders, and the nation’s collective wisdom. Dependence on a higher moral authority protects against the temptations of power and personal gain in leadership. Leaders must recognise that their authority comes from the people and morality are less susceptible to corruption. They must recognise that their activities have moral and spiritual implications. Hence, they should seek heavenly guidance and follow moral principles which require talking to religious and spiritual leaders, praying and ritualising together, and consulting religious traditions’ ethical precepts. They follow a moral code that transcends political power and resonates with justice, compassion, and integrity. The acceptance of spiritual guidance and moral values in leadership will help them to build a better Ghana for posterity.

CONCLUSION

The legacy of Solomon provides insightful lessons for Ghana, shedding light on the convergence of historical and contemporary factors within the realm of leadership and governance. Solomon, widely acknowledged for his exceptional wisdom and remarkable affluence, nevertheless exemplifies a cautionary narrative illustrating the potential downfall of even the most distinguished reigns when leaders break from ethical precepts and commit significant errors. Ghana, in the process of transitioning from its colonial history and pursuing advancements, is confronted with present-day obstacles that necessitate proficient leadership and governance. By integrating the teachings derived from Solomon’s historical heritage, Ghana’s leadership and administration can potentially facilitate a more promising, affluent, and just future, wherein the well-being of every individual is of utmost importance. In the ongoing trajectory of Ghana, the insights derived from Solomon’s experiences assume a pivotal role in illuminating the path toward proficient leadership, principled government, and the attainment of national prosperity.

God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong.

Written by Pastor Emmanuel Foster Asamoah

The advent of social media has exposed patrons to many things – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Through the world of social media, new relationships have been formed, networks built, businesses established, partnerships consolidated, avenues created for the preaching of the gospel, reaching the unreached, and disciplining converts.

Within the social media space, opportunities have been created for people to have fun, tell their stories, and enjoy themselves while relieving tension, depression, and aggression related to the real world.

However, the Spirit of God began to awaken me to a subtle yet looming danger creeping into our social media space, which relates to how iniquity is being packaged and presented in the form of comedy.

My instincts were corroborated by studies into content from the media entertainment perspective, which revealed three humor types: disparaging, slapstick, and coping humors.

Now, all these humor types seem to promote a certain kind of behavior that is anti-Christian and ungodly, raising red flags that should not be overlooked by Christian consumers of these contents.

For as much as the scripture encourages that a cheerful spirit is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22), we are also admonished to be mindful of the schemes of the enemy, bearing in mind that Satan continues to present evil and untruth in a manner that makes it harmless, weightless, and painless but leaves long-term devastating effects if not dealt with.

In Genesis 4:7, God warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door, desiring to have him, but he must rule over it.

Similarly, dearly beloved, the sin crouching at our doors are some of the comedy skits on the various social media platforms we access on our phones, tablets, and laptops.

These skits are packaged in various storytelling forms aimed at giving consumers entertaining gratification, considering how easily they are absorbed and deconstructed within minutes of access.

Unfortunately, a large portion of some of these skits, though creating laughter, are demystifying sin, promoting immorality, glorifying fraud, applauding promiscuity, endorsing nudity, and validating obscenity, thereby frustrating our communal living, staining our faith, tarnishing our sense of decency, and blinding our proper conduct as a Christian society.

In the light of this, the call is being made for believers to guard and guide against being thrown into this seemingly harmless but devastating trappings from the pit of hell.

For the kingdom of Heaven is not about eating and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

With the understanding that there are three gates to a person’s soul – the eye gate, the ear gate, and the mouth gate, there is a need for a person to be wary of what one consumes on social media platforms in order not to be contaminated.

The Apostle Paul, mentoring the church in Corinth, called for a cleansing of all filthiness in the flesh and in the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Dearly beloved, the danger is that some of these skits are eroding time-tested family value systems that promote honesty, hard work, integrity, tolerance, and instead painting a picture of the pursuit of money, licentious and lascivious behavior, and a get-rich-quick syndrome among the youth.

No wonder there are increases in crime rates, ritual murders, online fraud, and extreme wickedness in our societies.

With the great call by the church for moral vision and national development, it is humbly suggested that attention is given to the sanitization of the social media space through the investment and creation of counter skits that are clean, which promote godliness, shape character, and advance the kingdom.

Additionally, Christians are admonished to take responsibility for their soul’s health by drawing lines of resistance and clearly manning the borders of their spirit man, for in us is the Spirit of love, power, and self-control.

Like Daniel and Job, we ought to have a social media creed to see no evil, hear no evil, and say no evil within that space.

Moreover, parental control of children on social media should be stricter and stronger if moral discipline can be instilled in the next generation.

Additionally, attention should be given to the training and equipping of young and creative Christian content producers. Systems should be put in place to develop these skills so they can produce content that is edifying and life-transforming.

Christian business magnates could consider setting up creative and theater schools for training videographers, content creators, and skit producers to produce content to counteract what is being served on the social media market.

Christians on social media should see that space as a place for influence and not a waste of time. It is obvious one needs to control his or her use of social media, but we should not throw the baby and the bathwater away. Please, once you have created the page, be active on it. Share that video, post that thought, be open about your faith, and proudly share it – Freely we have received, and freely we should give, including sharing on social media.

Finally, there is a need to be watchful so our light is not darkness, bearing in mind that some things may be permissible for us, but not all things are beneficial.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus.

Written by Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor (General Manager, PENT TV)

This picture of my Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has flooded my mind ever since we closed from the All Ministers Conference last weekend.

It brings to mind an extract from my yet-to-be-launched book on spiritual maturity where I explained, with various quotes from authorities in the field, that one trait of Spiritual Maturity is that SPIRITUAL MATURITY BRINGS SOBERNESS.

“One noticeable element in mature individuals is calmness. A mature individual is surrounded by an aura of dignified comportment, quietness, and calmness. The scripture, in many instances, exhorts believers to be sober. ‘So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert) …’ (1 Pet. 1: 13, AMP).

I must throw in a word of caution here that soberness is not the same as depression. Goldman (2019) writes, “Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life. Major life events, such as bereavement or the loss of a job, can lead to depression. However, doctors only consider feelings of grief to be part of depression if they persist.”

Depressed people lose focus and interest under difficult circumstances. They become restless and may even consider suicide as the best alternative in those difficult times. Such people need help!

Soberness, however, is related to watchfulness. Lee (1991) writes, “Soberness is related to watchfulness. To be sober is to be clear about the situation in which we are fighting. It is to have a proper understanding concerning where we are and where the enemy is. It is to see how the enemy is attacking and how we should fight back. If we are sober, we shall be clear about our direction. To be sober is to be clear about everything related to the battle. It is to be clear about where the enemy is, what the enemy is doing, and how the enemy is attacking. It is also to be clear about how to protect ourselves and how to fight back. Those who are sober are fully clear about their situation.”

Again, soberness is a direct outflow of responsibility. The heavier the responsibility, the greater the soberness that will be reflected. If anyone is in doubt, ask a man who has just lost his job and is faced with the prospect of taking care of a family without a guaranteed source of income.

A lack of soberness in an individual usually signals a lack of challenging responsibility or a reckless indifference to the consequence of neglecting one’s responsibility. Wherever one sees a Christian who does not manifest soberness in the faith, one is most probably observing a believer who does not appreciate the heavy responsibility placed upon the shoulder of every believer by heaven. It shows that notwithstanding the magnitude of the situation I am in, I think there will surely be a light at the end of the tunnel. I will not give up but will continue to press on to the end. The Lord says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

God placed the cross on the shoulder of every believer. That is a very heavy burden. What does the cross signify? The cross symbolizes curse, suffering, shame, and death. The statement “take up his cross” implies directly that every Christian has a cross, and carrying it “daily” implies that every believer must be prepared to daily encounter suffering, shame, and even death as a follower of Christ. The instruction is, “Follow Me,” and whoever wants to follow Him must deny himself and carry his cross daily.

Maltby Says, “Jesus promised his disciples three things – that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.”

Both of these conditions, (carrying the cross and denying self) are lacking in many believers in the church today, which is an indication that the majority of God’s people are still children; mature sons of God are few. By the way, when one carries the cross, where does one carry it to? A man cannot carry the cross and be going round in circles. Whoever carries the cross has only one destination – Golgotha (the Place of a Skull). Would a man have a sentence of death pronounced upon him and not be sober? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:13, “I die daily.”

The soberness of the cross is not reflected in the lives of many Christians. This may be the reason why most believers preoccupy themselves with worldly vanities and expect God to cater for such indulgence. Rather sadly, many ministries are booming and doing “good business” catering to such aberration in the household of God.

Written by Pastor Samuel Avornyo (An Extract from  his book “What Sort of A Son Are You?)