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“Audio porn”, now, that is quite a strong term for an article but, don’t fret yet, it is actually as simple as its root words sound.

Audio porn, basically, talks about songs or music that tend to elicit explicit thoughts or create erotic scenes in the mind’s eye just by listening to them. Some music are so “imagination-racking” that you do not need to watch the music videos to be able to create a near-vivid mental image of what its content are.

Music reaches deep into the annals of history transcending contemporary truncation and amalgamation of ancient cultures and their traditional music. Songs are a form of identification and their cultural significance entails all instruments, distinct vocals, lyrics, and gestures, used in producing that piece of music.

Music has taken a rather dramatic turn towards the erotic over the past five decades. Such erotic music otherwise known as audio porn has clawed its way into the heart of many young people.

Children of God, playlist alert!

We hear a million songs each day-those we sing consciously and unconsciously, those we personally download and those that are externalities. Music influences us more than we even realise and acknowledge. Songs are made up of melody (tune) which affects our emotions, rhythm or beat which affects our will, and lyrics which affect our thought process. Music has the powerto promote certain thoughts and exert influences where we least expect.

 “After that, whenever the bad depression from God tormented Saul, David got out his harp and played. That would calm Saul down, and he would feel better as the moodiness lifted.”              (1 Samuel 16:23)

Music is powerful. The music from David’s harp was efficacious enough to ease King Saul’s depression. Music is a gift from God and as James succinctly states, “every good and perfect gift comes from the Father” hence, the beauty and goodness of music. God gave music to man but the depths from which a particular music is produced determines which part of the “black and white” scale it falls on.

Audio porn has over the years seeped subtly and incongruously through our culture and traditions. We hear it on our way to work, church, market.  We hear it in buses, our residential areas, name them. Ignoring audio porn wouldn’t cause its disappearance, being non-challant about it wouldn’t make it any better. It is expedient of us to acknowledge the fact that audio porn was there before we were born, is still saturated in our environment and will continue to hover around. Day in and day out, we are exposed to music of all kinds; those that are potent enough to crumple our day, those that can make us do things we never thought of doing and those that can make us question our lifestyle.

The fact that sexual utterances readily appear in lyrics is alarming. Content analysis of some selected media showed that music contained 40% more sexual content than any other media, with a whopping 15% focusing solely on sexual intercourse. Music stays in the brain longer, hence listening to degrading songs stick to us and our brain regurgitates it when we are alone or lonely. Continuously listening to erotic songs gradually desensitises us to the initial shocks of hearing such profanity and can lead to sexual immorality as we become accustomed to them. Society is becoming more accepting of overt degrading music due to continuous exposure to such content. Dear child of God, why listen to a song whose lyrics need asterisks before you are able to share comfortably?

Music has the ability to make or unmake us, to build us up or tear us down. Music is so powerful and potent owing to the fact that it deals with our minds and our souls, seeping so gently and subtly but at the same time steadily and can be pernicious to our souls and beings if the wrong lyrics are played. Music has the ability to sit comfortably in our minds and portray the words it contains vividly to us as though we were watching a movie. It leaves indelible marks in our subconsciousness and plays back to us even when we are not listening to it. It has the ability to maneuver its way into our consciousness and manipulate or control our actions. Audio porn has successfully inculcated words portraying or describing sexual activities. Such songs when listened to, replays the words in the songs so vividly back to us and has the ability to weaken the spiritual man in us and even take as to the grass root of our spirituality. It has the ability of draining us so much that we do not even feel the urge to pray or engage in spiritual activities. It can manipulate our actions and liken our mannerisms to the words in the music or the message they relay.

No piece of music should be listened to for the mere thrill of listening. Music has a voice; pay keen attention to what is being communicated: “Does it bring honour to God? Is it promoting immorality? Will it be of positive influence to you?”

If music (sound of trumpets) can crumble the walls of Jericho, then listening to erotic music can penetrate and corrode our spiritual defences and sensitivity. Be guided!

Here are some suggestions for effectively dealing with exposure to explicit music:

1. Be Mindful of Your Music Choices

As the adage goes “a crab cannot father a bird”, same goes for music. Before you listen to the lyrics of a song, be sure to question yourself about the artiste. Some artistes are found of mentioning the name of God in their songs, some even go to the extent of using some Bible verses in their songs in order to coerce music lovers who also love to hear the word of God in music. These songs, though not uplifting music, deceive Christians into thinking that so far as the music contains the name or the word of God, it is okay to sing or play it. What music do you listen to? Who sang that song? What message does it relay? What words are found in the music? Do the words match your inner man or the person you want to be? Answering these questions clearly and correctly would guide you in knowing whether you are following your conviction or diverting from the way of truth. Be extra careful of the kind of music you listen to not forgetting the fact that “a mango tree does not bear pawpaw fruits”.

2. Make No Excuses.

It’s easy to fall victim to the skill of a musician or the popularity of a song, but we must be careful not to let our admiration for an artist cloud our judgment. Similarly, the media can influence our perception of what is normal or appropriate, but we should not use it as our benchmark for morality.

As Christians, we are called to a higher standard of morality. We are called to pursue righteousness and holiness and to reject the messages of the world that contradict God’s truth. This includes being intentional about the music we listen to and the media we consume. The media’s portrayal of what is normal or appropriate should not be our benchmark for morality. Instead, we should look to God’s word as our guide.

In Psalm 101:3, the psalmist writes, “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”

Similarly, in Philippians 4:8, Paul exhorts us to focus our minds on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When we intentionally seek out positive and uplifting music that glorifies God, we can counteract the negative influences of audio porn and other harmful media. This includes Christian music and songs from The Church of Pentecost, which can provide a source of hope and encouragement through their positive and uplifting lyrics.

In summary, we must make no excuses when it comes to the media we consume, including music. We must be intentional about seeking out positive and uplifting music that aligns with God’s truth and promotes righteousness and holiness. As we do so, we can protect our minds and hearts from the harmful effects of audio porn and other forms of media that promote immorality and degradation.

3. Seek Out Positive, Uplifting Music.

Music has a powerful influence on our emotions and mindset. It can either uplift and inspire us or bring us down and make us feel discouraged. This is why it’s important to intentionally seek out positive and uplifting music that can have a transformative effect on our mental and emotional health. Positive and uplifting music is a genre that aims to inspire feelings of happiness, joy, and optimism in the listener. It is characterised by its cheerful and upbeat melodies, positive lyrics, and a generally uplifting tone. This type of music is often used to motivate, encourage, and inspire people, whether it is to get through a tough day, overcome obstacles, or simply to celebrate life. As Christians, we have access to a vast array of positive and uplifting music that can help us connect with God’s presence and experience His love and power in our lives.

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and make music to the Lord in your hearts (Ephesians 5:19). There is an array of Christian songs we can sing and dance to. We are never run out of options! We can sing spiritual songs and still be cool, without tainting our consciences. There are many beautiful and inspiring songs from The Church of Pentecost that can help us to connect with God and experience His presence in a more tangible way.

Delete the draining music on your playlist, delete audio porn from your music library. Push it far from you and begin seeking out positive and uplifting music; music backed by the word of God. Music that is so soothing that it refreshes you and fills your rather dry, arid and weary soul up like a very cold bath after long hours of walking under the sun. Fill your playlist with wonderful songs by wonderful Gospel Artistes, fill your music library with powerful songs that can take you straight to the Throne of Grace. Songs that can uplift your soul so much so that even in your corner you feel like you are on ‘Mount Horeb’ standing and speaking face to face with God. Such songs after seeping into your inner being, tame your subconsciousness and manifest in your consciousness. You hear that small voice in your mind singing those songs so melodiously that all fears fly, faith and confidence are restored and you feel the ever-loving arms of God wrapping itself around you. .

Galatians 3:16 says:  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. As we fill our hearts and minds with music that celebrates the goodness and faithfulness of God, we can deepen our relationship with Him and experience His love and power in a more tangible way.

4. Fill your mind with God’s word

Filling your mind with God’s word is a prerequisite to living an uplifting life. The word of God is living and active and has the ability to lay bare the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Feeding, feasting on, dissecting and engaging the word of God is the greatest weapon one can possess. Most of the uplifting music were inspired by the word of God. The word of God gives deeper revelation into the spiritual and even physical realms. The word of God is able to enter the hardest heart, metamorphose it and mould it into a very soft and renewed one. Constantly filling your mind with the word of God gives you guidance in your life’s journey. All scripture is inspired by God and is able to direct you on which song to listen to and which not to. It is able to reprimand you when you go astray, it is able to teach you and correct you when you make mistakes and is also able to train you in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The word of God is capable of all things. Filling your mind with the word of God constantly will leave you surprised at how much of a great change has gone on in you

In conclusion, as Christians, it is crucial to be intentional about the music we choose to listen to. By seeking out music that honours God and uplifts our spirits, we can nurture our faith, deepen our connection with Him, and align our hearts with His truth and goodness. Music has a profound impact on our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being, and by consciously selecting music that reflects biblical values, we invite God’s presence into our lives and cultivate a worshipful attitude. Let us embrace the power of music to edify and inspire, allowing it to become a vehicle for praise, encouragement, and spiritual growth in our Christian journey.

Written by Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye (Campus Pastor, KNUST)

A couple of months ago, I passed by the corridors you are seeing in the footages above .

The grass and vegetation looked dry, neglected and miserably hopeless.

This time around, however, it was a different story all together.

Wow! The Holy Spirit taught me these seven (7) lessons worthy of sharing:

1. Do not envy people in their glorious and happy moments; For you know not what they might have been through.

2. Do not also scorn and laugh at those in challenges because when their rains and their pastures begin to look green, you may not be able to behold their sight. Indeed, No condition is permanent. Once the rains start, the grass will look good again.

3. As Christians, let us remember that The Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and early Fathers of the faith had their turns of spiritual dryness and glorious moments. Therefore, when things begin to go haywire, let’s maintain our composure and wait upon Him. For HE knows how to calm the troubled soul and make the wounded spirit whole again.

4. Continue to trust in the Lord during your dry season because the Lord of the rains is alive and faithful

5. As I passed by a couple of months by the same corridor, there were no birds, grazing animals or traces of human activity, but this time around, the story is different. It is, therefore, a true saying that Success has many friends. Fret not when friends begin withdrawing from you during your “dry” season. It’s normal.

6. You may not be the only reason for the rains and greener pastures because as you can see from the picture, the Cows and birds were all feasting quite well. So, humble yourself and be measured when things begin looking good.

7. Connect to the Lord Jesus Christ and His rains of life everlasting will make you evergreen.

Written by Pastor James Agyin

It is Pentecost Week, and I hear the call:

Tarry for the Spirit

He shall come in showers

Energising wholly all your ransomed powers

Signs shall follow service in the Holy Ghost

Then the Church of Jesus prove a mighty host.

I hear the resounding response:

On, then, Church of Jesus

Claim your Pentecost

God shall now baptise thee in the Holy Ghost

The Pentecostal experience is infectious and efficacious. Wherever He went, the warmth of His presence, the awe of His being and the power of his performance cannot be denied or ignored. The Holy Spirit is active and alive. And all who seek Him, He comes in showers (Luke 11:13, Hebrews 2:4, Psalm 72:6, Hosea 6:3). Yea, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 6:11), so come, He will. For us Pentecostals in Ghana, there should be no doubt of this. Apart from the records of Acts 2 and the history of Azusa Street, we have the Asamankese evidence where the Holy Spirit practically fell like on the Day of Pentecost as a huge tongue of fire.

Exactly one hundred years ago, on 20 May 1923, a yearning group of men and women had gathered in Asamankese with one primary passion: To experience the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit. And He came! The entire town saw the small temple in which these believers had gathered on fire. When they rushed there to aid in putting out the fire, they saw, to their amazement, men and women speaking in an unknown tongue and unharmed by the fire. This unique experience was to birth and mark the great Pentecostal revival in the land.

What Azusa Street, Asamankese and Acts 2 have in common is ‘tarrying for the Spirit’ (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4) by a host of yearning hearts (Acts 2:1–2). It takes tarrying (waiting) with holy yearning hearts to experience this great outburst of the Spirit showers. Let us be ready for it. We must cultivate that habit of waiting. In The Church of Pentecost, Friday morning prayers used to be called ‘Tarry’. It was time to cry out and wait for the fire to fall.

The zeal and the expectancy in the air must not die with Pentecost Week year by year. Let us sustain a ‘tarry’ in our local assemblies, be it at dawn, morning or evening prayer meetings. Even on a Sunday morning, let us be ready to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We must not be shy to be a people intoxicated by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). There is nothing shameful about being ‘obsessed’ with a desire to be filled by the Spirit. In fact, as Pentecostals and Christians, this must be our utmost desire. Jesus said it was for our (Christians) good that His physical being left this earth for one reason: The coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). If the Saviour and Master says something is for our good, should that not be what we seek daily?

On the eve of the settling of the dust of the historical turmoil The Church of Pentecost endured, Rev. James McKeown had written as a father to the church these words: ‘Now if you have Jesus, if you have the Holy Spirit, then you have a fire in you; that is the language of the Bible, He shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost and fire. Let us take it like this, fill the kettle with water, and set it on fire; when it begins to boil, if it is a whistling kettle, then it begins to whistle; If it is just an ordinary kettle, then the lid begins to dance and sing’.

Our founder was pointing us to what matters most. The Baptiser (Jesus) and the baptism (the Holy Spirit). He was also pointing us to the evidence of the baptism (the tongues) – the whistling of the kettle.

It is important to stress that as classical Pentecostals, The Church of Pentecost believes in speaking in tongues as an initial sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This we must not compromise in the face of divergent views. It is evident in scripture that speaking in tongues (the whistling of the kettle) always accompanied the baptism (Acts 2:4; 19:6; 10:44–46). It was convincing evidence for Peter, and he reiterated same before the apostles (Acts 10:46–47, 11:17). Paul thanked God that he was an ardent speak of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). There is no downplaying speaking in tongues. Let our hearts be stirred; may our minds not be deceived by any.

The baptism happens once, but the infillings are many (Acts 2:4; 4:31; Eph. 5:18). It is a command, not a suggestion, for us to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 5; Luke 24:49, Acts 2:38, 39; 8:14–20; 9:17). Our Pentecostal doctrines and roots are intricately tied to this belief without which there is no basis for our claim of Pentecostalism. When He comes, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) becomes easier, and we are equipped for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:8–11) in an extraordinary way.

It is easy for us to be swayed by past events, but Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, says there is no need to keep dwelling on Azusa Street revival. That was over 500 years ago. May I reiterate his rhetorical question, ‘Is that all God can do?’ Certainly not! However, if you think the glorious days of the Church are behind you, then you will not be expectant of anything extraordinary in your time, but if you believe the glorious days of the Church are here, then your heart will be stirred for deposits. Indeed, we need ‘fresh anointing and fresh revival’.

Another experience of the manifestation of Pentecost today is possible. God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh in the last days (Joel 2:28–29). Peter speaking on the Day of Pentecost, did not hesitate to claim this promise, calling their era the last days (Acts 2:16–18). If Peter calls their time the last days, then we are in the amber of the last days, the very last day of the last days. May there be a greater outpouring now for all who yearn and tarry (1 Corinthians 14:1).

The God who, in time past, wrought miracles and built His Church through the power of the Pentecost (Holy Spirit) is the same in our day. May He do with us as He did with our forebears. Let us be firm as they stood. Let the fire of Pentecost burn in us. Come into the chariot of fire, the time is now.

Written by George Osei-Asiedu

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” –  Genesis 2:18

The above scripture reveals the origin of marriage and God’s original intention for the man He created. It also highlights the man’s inadequacies and the need to fill that void. In my view, the term “helper” here does not imply that the woman is inferior to the man but that he functions better with her inclusion.

In Genesis 2:23, the man exclaimed, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” signifying that despite having all his bones, he recognises the missing bone in the woman, which completes him and makes him feel like a real man. Without a doubt, we can say that men are incomplete without women.

The word “suitable” is defined as something right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation. In Adam’s case, the New Living Translation in Genesis 2:23 captures the excitement and delight Adam expressed when he saw Eve for the first time. The Bible says this: “At last!” the man exclaimed. This excitement, combined with the surprise he encountered, serves as clear evidence that the woman was right, appropriate, and a perfect match for him. God fulfilled his desire for an ideal mate by creating women of different kinds and features that easily attract men, allowing every man to have his wife by choice. The physical appearance of women is thoughtfully designed to bring psychological and emotional stability to men for better functionality.

In Psalm 139:14, the Bible declares, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This scripture explains how the human body is intricately woven and marvellously put together, embodying complete uniqueness. The human is both physical and spiritual. Physically, he operates through biological systems and mechanisms that set him apart from other animals, although sharing similarities with rats, as science suggests. Spiritually, he can be instructed, guided, and responsive to higher beings unseen by the human eye and to the Spirit of the Creator for restoration and guidance. Consider how wounds heal overnight and weakness is restored after a good rest. Indeed, the human body is awe-inspiring and marvellous.

There is an indescribable aspect of women that can only be felt intensely by men, wrapped in love. Men are methodical lovers, considering various factors such as beauty, taste or class, industriousness, and submissiveness when assessing a woman’s suitability in many ways, including her appearance. They also have expectations for the woman in their life and family. These considerations are meticulously pondered before a man expresses love toward a woman, although he may have made up his mind in the early stages of their relationship. Men often invest ample time studying and inquiring about the woman they intend to have a relationship with, all behind the scenes. Furthermore, men reserve the right to fully reveal their intentions to the woman at the appropriate time, which protects them from deep hurt when things don’t go as planned.

Contrary to men, women are not created to exhibit the same traits. They are wonderfully designed to receive something small and produce something more significant. They receive words of love and produce works of love; they receive money and produce food; they receive watery substances and make babies; they receive one man and have a family and a nation. Basically, women go straight into production without delay whenever they receive anything from a man, even if they are unwilling. This is how they were made. To them, receiving something from their husband is like receiving something from their Lord, which needs urgent attention.

However, because sometimes a woman’s unwillingness cannot wait for God’s design, she carries deep emotions, making her vulnerable to cracks when hurt. On the other hand, when men manage the feelings they receive from women through a respectful relationship, it softens their hearts and points them to love. It also arouses their ego and gives them the inner strength to be more protective as the head of the family, making them feel like real men. In return, men replicate these feelings towards their wives, enabling them to see their outward and inner beauty. This beauty drives them into ecstasy, causing them to act and behave in specific ways. Some may say that men are blinded by love or acting foolishly. Some men cannot contain this deep feeling and exclaim, like Adam, “At last, this is bone of my bones.”

In the scripture, man did not ask for a woman. He said to God, “the woman you gave me.” He could not have designed her if asked to do it himself. Instead, God carefully fashioned woman to complement what man lacked in his body, making him complete and allowing him to begin his kind in his own image. From how women handle things, their patience, attention to detail, and organisational skills, it is evident how wonderful they are. They always strive to get things right the first time and minimise waste. They are the soft and smooth spots in men. Science teaches us that the pelvic bone structure, the building block of a woman’s lower part, differs from that of a man due to childbirth. While men may appear rigid and strong, women are more flexible in their bodies, making them physically weaker.

Although women are stronger in certain aspects than men, men are generally considered more physically robust. Just like a well-polished surface is prone to dent and destruction, women are more susceptible to emotional distress than men. This is why both men and women are stronger together and weaker apart. It is not out of place to say that a man is only complete in the presence of a woman. The man cannot own the woman who complements him but must realise that his existence is in her. The owner of both of them is the Creator Himself.

Therefore, I assert that the divine mandate on marriage between a man and a woman from the start couldn’t have been possible without them being made male and female. Both males and females are called humankind, a kind of God’s creation with exceptional qualities, conscience, and reasoning above all other things created by God.

In the same scripture, from Genesis 2:24, God joins the man and woman together as husband and wife, enrolling them in a marriage institution without any foreknowledge. In Chapter 3, when they disobeyed God, the Lord’s covering over them was taken away, exposing them to the reality of their world. They became strangers in their own world, which they had lived in for some time. However, the merciful Lord gave them clues on living with the adversary who caused their downfall and still being happy. He defined their roles and revealed their identities for the first time, explaining why they were created with different features and reproductive organs. After this event, the woes of humanity began and continue until now.

Offering Unhindered Prayers

According to 1 Peter 3:7, married men are to live considerably with their wives, with an intelligent recognition of the marriage, honouring their wives as physically weaker but realising that they are joint heirs of God’s unmerited favour. These four causes are crucial for married men to note and work on if they want God to hear their prayers swiftly. It is important to emphasise that married women are NOT the cause of their husbands’ prayers being hindered, but rather the way married men treat their wives.

1. Live Considerably with Your Wife:

Married men are urged to study their wives, know them well, and understand them before making decisions that may negatively impact them. Each woman is unique, and her needs should be carefully considered. In living with a wife, it is important to understand that she is the weaker one, and it is the husband’s responsibility to either help her rise to his level or lower his standards to her level. Women always expect the best from their husbands, even if it means sharing limited resources.

• Intelligent Recognition of the Marriage:

Marriage is an institution where a certificate is acquired before lessons are taught. While the topics may be the same, each marriage’s course contents differ. Intelligence in a marriage requires seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, who can reveal problems and provide solutions. An intelligent way to live with one’s wife is to adapt and learn new things, think about pleasant surprises, forgive quickly, and avoid bringing up past issues in current arguments. Above all, married men must view marriage as God does, with all players being equal shareholders. The Bible is the greatest tool for an intelligent recognition of marriage.

• Honouring Your Wife is a Continues Process:

To women, honouring means respecting, appreciating, praising, and caring for them, and this should be an ongoing practice. Treating a woman with dignity and respect, especially in the presence of others, is something she will appreciate for a long time. Honouring one’s wife should be holistic, both publicly and privately. Married men are encouraged to treat their wives honourably as they would treat the Lord.

• Couples Are Joint Heirs of God’s Unmerited Favor:

In Hebrews 2:11-12, it is mentioned that both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. Marriage is seen by God as a practice of His kingdom and is accompanied by favour from the Lord. However, both partners’ weaknesses can destroy the marriage. Thus, it is essential for married men, as the heads of their families, to preserve this unmerited favour so that their prayers may be effective. When married men lift their hands in prayer, they should do so with their wives included. A failing marriage may not produce the sweet aroma of prayers God answers.

CONCLUSION:

Married men must live considerably with their wives, have an intelligent recognition of their marriage, honour their wives continuously, and understand that they are joint heirs of God’s unmerited favour. These principles are essential for maintaining a strong spiritual connection and ensuring their prayers are not hindered. It is not the wife who is the cause of God not answering or cutting off the husband’s prayers; instead, how the husband treats his wife has an impact. Marriage is a sacred institution that requires both partners’ love, respect, and understanding to thrive.

Written by Pastor Joseph Zoot

(Acts 11:22-26; Acts 9:1-9; Colossians 1:28. Matthew 28:18-20 Galatians 4:19)

INTRODUCTION

The mandate of the Great Commission is not a singular event, but an ongoing process. It involves preaching the Gospel, winning souls, and discipling individuals to become fully committed followers of Christ within a local church, as emphasised in Matthew 28:18-20. This verse underscores the significance of building disciples who adhere to all of Christ’s teachings, making it a crucial priority for Christian leaders. While The Church of Pentecost has excelled in aggressive evangelism, soul-winning, and water baptism, there remains a lack of intentional follow-up and assimilation of new converts.

WHAT IS EFFECTIVE FOLLOW-UP

The idea of ‘Follow-Up’ generally is a management term for addressing matters arising out of a meeting’s agenda or aftermath actions for intended decisions. In Christian work principles, it is the process of gaining an audience with those we have already witnessed to, discipling and bringing them to a place of mature fellowship with Christ and service in the church. It is the conservation, maturation, and multiplication of the fruit of evangelism.

WHY FOLLOW-UP IS IMPORTANT

• of souls won retained if visited in 24 hours
• of souls won retained if visited in 72 hours
• of souls won retained if visited in 7 days

PRACTICAL STEPS TO BE TAKEN DURING FOLLOW-UP

PREPARATIONS AND RULES OF CONDUCT DURING FOLLOW-UP

• If they need escort, make appointment and take them to church accordingly.

WHO QUALIFIES TO UNDERTAKE FOLLOW-UP

Follow-up should be undertaken as a very vital and important spiritual practice and exercise. The person endeavoring to take it up must be serious and committed to it. He / she should  

CONCLUSION

Effective follow-up is a crucial element in establishing a church capable of impacting nations. It is an integral part of the Great Commission commanded by Christ, which we are entrusted to fulfill.

Christian leaders are, therefore, encouraged to exhibit a passion for follow-up, actively engage in the process, and diligently nurture new converts to enhance the Church’s discipleship and assimilation rates.

Let us ignite our passion for Christ and for souls. Let us deepen our love for the unsaved and tirelessly seek the lost. In the Great Commission, Christ Jesus implores us to make disciples, not mere “church-goers’ (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 1:23).

Written by Pastor Frank Awuah Fordjour

From then on, Pilate tried to free Jesus, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” [John 19:12]

Who Was Caesar?

Caesar was a Roman family name that gained fame through Caesar Augustus, who introduced a new era in Roman affairs in 27 BC. He established what is now known as the Roman Empire [Luke 2:1]. Later rulers adopted ‘Caesar’ as their title [Luke 3:1]. 

In the New Testament, it was common to refer to the Emperor as Caesar [Mark 12:14, Luke 20:22, Acts 17:7, John 19:15]. At that time, Caesar was the Emperor of the Roman Empire and had appointed Pilate as governor of Judea. Caesar was regarded as a god due to his achievements and authority, earning the loyalty of all the people in the Roman Empire and its provinces during his reign. Calling oneself a king was seen as a rebellion against Caesar. Those appointed governors by Caesar were expected to remain loyal and promote Caesar’s interests to retain their positions and benefits.

The Caesars Of Our Time

The Caesars of our time are the benefactors who assist and support us in various ways. They provide financial and material aid, help connect us with others, and act as our destiny helpers. These modern-day Caesars can be our spouses, siblings, friends, or children who offer significant support. They can also be employers, supervisors, or individuals whose influence and recommendations can make a difference in our lives. 

Unfortunately, some modern Caesars engage in illegal activities, such as financing illegal mining and defrauding others. They may also be leaders who exploit unemployed female graduates by demanding sexual favours in exchange for employment; teachers and lecturers who take advantage of students for sexual favours in return for good grades are also part of these Caesars. Additionally, they can be wealthy individuals, particularly older women and widows, who provide financial assistance to young men with ulterior motives. 

Many of these benefactors expect loyalty and support, even if their actions are morally wrong, as they have helped their beneficiaries. This situation leaves many young people unable to complain about the abuse they face from their benefactors, as their jobs and livelihoods depend on them. Sadly, the disloyalty of these beneficiaries could result in the loss of benefits, such as termination of employment, financial assistance cessation, or demotion. Even some pastors fall into this trap, unable to rebuke or suspend their supporters due to the economic and material support they receive. 

Numerous Caesars in churches buy off pastors and church workers with money and gifts. In various sectors, including media, entertainment, education, healthcare, and politics, these Caesars perpetuate high levels of corruption without facing confrontation because they employ or promote those who could expose their evil deeds. Some individuals in security agencies also maintain friendships with top officials through gifts, money, or other forms of support, which prevents their pursuit of perpetrators of evil acts. 

God seeks unselfish Caesars who will not cover up their wicked deeds and abuse or exploit the vulnerable. God desires Caesars who will allow their Pilates to rebuke and correct them when they go wrong. Be the Caesar whom Pilate can fearlessly tell the truth while still maintaining his position as governor. Do not take God’s glory by allowing yourself to be worshipped as a god. What kind of benefactor are you to your beneficiaries?

Who Was Pilate?

Pilate was a man appointed by Caesar as the governor of Judea and Samaria from AD 26 to 37. Some notable things about Pilate are worth mentioning:

Firstly, Pilate was a friend of Caesar. In John 19:16, it is mentioned that Pilate tried to set Jesus free but was pressured by the Jews, who claimed that releasing Jesus would make him an enemy of Caesar. Despite knowing Jesus was innocent, Pilate handed him over to be crucified to maintain his friendship with Caesar.

Secondly, Pilate’s primary concern was for himself. He feared getting into trouble with the Emperor if a riot broke out under his watch. To protect his interests and satisfy the Jews, he chose to crucify Jesus, an innocent man, while releasing a known murderer.

Thirdly, Pilate feared men more than God. His fear of Caesar, who appointed him governor, and his fear of losing his position clouded his judgment.

Furthermore, Pilate was a man who tried to uncover the truth in every matter but failed to defend it. He stated three times that he found no basis for charging Jesus (John 19:6), yet he couldn’t muster the courage to protect the truth.

Pilate possessed the power to free or crucify, making him responsible for protecting the vulnerable and punishing wrongdoers. Unfortunately, he failed to fulfil this duty.

In addition, Pilate was a man of influence.

The Pilates of Our Time

The Pilates of our time can be likened to those who have the opportunity to promote or champion God’s agenda but refuse due to fear or pressure. These modern-day Pilates are the people in positions of power who should defend the truth and stand up for the innocent but choose not to due to the fear of losing their jobs or popularity. 

They are responsible for administering justice but withhold it because their actions may affect the ones who appointed or promoted them. The Pilates of our time is the lawyers who could defend innocent people in jail but choose not to while allowing criminals and murderers to roam freely. They are the ones who compromise the truth to please influential individuals, similar to how Pilate chose to support evil to maintain his position and relationships.

God is searching for modern-day Pilates who won’t trade the truth for personal gain, will make good use of the positions they receive through their connections, and will choose to hand over the guilty rather than the innocent, regardless of pressure.

God seeks people who won’t compromise their principles for fame, position, or material gain. He desires Pilates, whom money, gifts, promotions, or jobs cannot sway.

Questions for Reflection

As you reflect on this topic, consider the following questions:

• Who is your friend, and what is the foundation of your friendship?
• Where does your loyalty lie: with God or with man?
• Have you allowed yourself to be swayed by gifts, positions, sex, or money?
• To whom have you pledged your allegiance?
• Have you traded the truth for material gain or position?
• Are you easily intimidated by the pressure exerted by those around you?
• What motivates your actions and decisions?
• Whom do you seek to please: God or influential individuals?
• Are you a Pilate, a friend of Caesar?

Conclusion

In response to the apostles’ actions, Peter and his companions declared, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). While Christians are called to respect earthly authorities, their ultimate loyalty and obedience should be directed towards Christ Jesus. We are called to prioritise obedience to God over compliance to man.

This principle should guide us as believers in Christ when we encounter conflicts between God’s commands and human orders. In such situations, we should obey God rather than men, regardless of the individuals involved.

Every devoted follower of Christ must be prepared to face persecution and rejection in defence of the truth found in Christ. It is essential to remember that those who have contributed to our lives or provided for our needs are not our gods but channels through whom God has blessed us. We should refrain from worshipping them as gods and avoid becoming enslaved to them. We have one master who reigns in heaven.

If you find yourself in a position of authority akin to the Caesars of our time, it is crucial to recognise that God establishes and removes kings. Therefore, it is essential not to abuse this privilege but to utilise it for the glory of God.

To those who resemble Pilate, I implore you to take a stand for God because He stands with anyone who stands for Him. Let us never exploit our influence or position to pervert justice or perpetuate evil.

Written by Probationary Overseer Godsway Benny Torgbegah

The Pentecost experience is a significant moment in Christian history that occurred after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a moment marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and followers of Jesus Christ before Christ’s ascension into heaven. Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian Church, a movement empowered and energised by the Holy Spirit. This essay explores the historical context, theological significance, and contemporary relevance of the Pentecost experience.

The Pentecost experience occurred fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was during the Jewish festival of Shavuot (Pentecost in Greek), also known as the Feast of Weeks. This was when Jews from all over the Mediterranean region would gather in Jerusalem to celebrate the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. On this particular day, the apostles and other followers were gathered together in a room when suddenly, a sound like a rushing wind filled the room, and tongues of fire appeared above the heads of each of them. They began speaking in different languages as the Holy Spirit empowered them to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone gathered in Jerusalem.

Theologically speaking, the Pentecost experience is significant in several ways. First and foremost, it affirmed the promise of Jesus Christ in Acts 1:5, where he promised his disciples that they would receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in the Pentecost experience unified the diverse followers of Jesus Christ and empowered them to carry out the work of Christ in various parts of the world. It was this experience that gave the Church the boldness to proclaim the good news of Christ, even in the face of opposition, persecution, and even martyrdom.

The Pentecost experience also emphasises the importance of diversity in the Church. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different languages, allowing them to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ to people from different cultures and parts of the world. This is an important reminder for us today; the Church must continue to embrace diversity and welcome people of all cultures and ethnicities, just as the Holy Spirit did at Pentecost.

Additionally, the Pentecost experience is also significant because it was a fulfilment of prophecy. In Acts 2:17, Peter quotes Joel 2:28-29, where it is prophesied that God would pour out his Spirit on all people. This prophecy was fulfilled during Pentecost, as the Holy Spirit came upon everyone present, regardless of ethnicity or social standing. The Pentecost experience also reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not exclusive to certain groups of people; it is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Another theological significance of the Pentecost experience is the way it transformed the apostles’ lives. Before Pentecost, the apostles were fearful, insecure, and unsure about the future. But after they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they became bold, confident, and empowered to carry out the work of Christ. This transformation is a powerful reminder that the Holy Spirit can transform us as well. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to overcome our fears, insecurities, doubts, and inadequacies and become the people God has called us to be.

Moreover, the Pentecost experience also highlights the importance of community in the Christian faith. The Holy Spirit brought the apostles and other followers of Christ together, and they were able to support, encourage, and hold each other accountable. This is an important reminder for us today; as Christians, we are not meant to walk alone but are called to intentionally engage in community with one another.

In modern times, the Pentecost experience continues to have relevance for the Church. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is a reminder of the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit is not limited by time, culture, or geography but is active and present today. The Pentecost experience also reminds us of the importance of evangelism, that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of their background or culture. The Pentecost experience also challenges us to continue to embrace diversity and welcome people of all cultures and ethnicities into the Church.

Overseer Ebenezer Kwabena Vebu (Tongor Lakeside District (Ho Area)

1. The Father’s Promise and its Fulfilment on the Day of Pentecost

In one of Jesus’ last moments with His disciples before the crucifixion, He told them about His ascension to the Father. On hearing that, they became very sad as they wondered how they were going to cope without their Master. Seeing their grief, Jesus exhorted them, saying, ‘…very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you’ (John 16:5-7; 14:16-17).

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven after His death and resurrection, He met again with the disciples on Mount Olives where He reminded them of the Father’s promise of baptising them with the Holy Spirit, and encouraged them to wait in Jerusalem for it (Acts 1:4-5). They returned after Christ’s ascension as they had been admonished.

In the upper room where they were staying, the disciples all joined together in constant prayers, with a heart of oneness, waiting for the promise. On the tenth day which was the day of Pentecost (a Jewish festival also known as the Feast of Weeds), while they prayed, ‘Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting…. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them’ (Acts 2:1-4).

• The Promise is for all

When the crowd that had gathered in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost heard the loud voices of the disciples, they were bewildered at their utterances, because each one heard their own language being spoken. There were some who however thought the disciples were drunk and hence made mockery of them (Acts 2:5-6, 12-13). At that instance, Peter stood with the other eleven and addressed the crowd, giving clarity to the phenomenon and referring them to the Old Testament prophecy of Joel which declared that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all people; that young men and women shall prophesy and see visions, while the old dream dreams (Acts 2:17, Joel 2:28). Peter further indicated that this promise of the Father is for all – both young and old, male and female, white and black, rich and poor (cf. Acts 2:38-39). The only requirement was for them to repent of their sins, and believe in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. This truth stands today and forever.

• Who is the Holy Spirit?

Jesus is now gone (in body) to heaven, but the Holy Spirit He promised to send is with us here on earth. He is here to have fellowship with us, and to help us experience victorious Christian living. To enjoy fellowship with the Spirit, it is imperative that we seek to know Him, having had an experience of Him. And, to know Him, we must seek to learn more about Him. Thus, we shall attempt to discuss His personality and deity as revealed in the Bible, and proceed to consider His service to the Christian believer and how to experience His outpouring and daily infilling.

• The Personality of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is NOT some wind, cloud, light or smoke that floats around. It is biblically wrong to think and teach that way about the Spirit of God. He is a complete Person, like Jesus Christ. The difference, however, is that He has no bodily form as Jesus had while on earth.

It must be realised that what makes someone a person is not the human body, but the fact that that one has an intellect, emotions and a will. We find in the Bible, several characteristics of the Holy Spirit that affirm that He is a Person who can be related to or communed with. Examples include the following:

1. He has a mind or an intellect that searches and reasons (1 Cor. 2:10-11, Rom. 8:27). As a Person with intellect, He can instruct as well (Neh. 9:20)

2. He has emotions and can therefore be grieved (Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30).
3. He has a will, and therefore decides for Himself (1 Cor. 12:11, Acts 16:6-7).
4. He has the capacity to love (Romans 15:30).
5. He speaks (John 16:13, Acts 8:29; 10:2, 19).
6. The masculine pronoun ‘He’ is used in reference to Him throughout the Scriptures (John 15:26; 16:7-15).

• The Deity of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not only a Person; He is God. We find proof of this in several passages of the Bible. For example in Acts 5:1-4, we read: “But there was a man named Ananias, who with his wife Sapphira, sold some property that belonged to them. But with his wife’s agreement, he kept part of the money for himself and handed the rest over to the apostles. Peter said to him, ‘Ananias, , why did you let Satan take control of you and make you lie to the Holy Spirit by keeping part of the money you received for the property? Before you sold that property, it belonged to you; and after you sold it the money was yours. Why then did you decide to do such a thing? You have not lied to human beings – you have lied to God?’”

From the passage, we learn that a lie to the Holy Spirit is a lie to God, affirming the deity of the Spirit.

In Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14, the Holy Spirit is revealed as the third Person in the Trinity or Godhead. He is third not because He is the least, but because He is the last among the Trinity to be known by us. The Father was made known first to us, then the Son, and now the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures provide several attributes of the Holy Spirit that confirm His deity. The following are some of them:

1. He is omniscient, which means He knows all things – including the past, present and future. He knows what is hidden in our minds and hearts. He knows what goes on in the dark or secret places (1 Cor. 2:10-12, John 14:26; 16:13, Psalm 139:2-4, 6). The Spirit teaches us all things because He knows all things.

2. He is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere at the same time (Psalm 139:5, 7-10).
3. He is omnipotent, meaning He has all power and authority – in heaven, on earth and under the earth. The Holy Spirit is the power of the Godhead, and has authority over all things – human beings, angels, Satan, demons, all diseases, death, etc. As God the Father and Son have power to create and give life, so does the Holy Spirit has power to create and give life (Job 33:4, Rom. 15:18-19, John 6:23).
4. He is eternal or immortal, which means He never dies. The Holy Spirit has no beginning nor end; He has been in existence prior to creation, and will forever exist. Thus, in Hebrews 9:14, He is called the Eternal Spirit.

• Understanding the Nature and Work of the Holy Spirit through His Emblems

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit are those physical or natural things used in Scripture to represent the Holy Spirit; they are only symbols or representations, and NOT what or how He actually looks like. They only help us to understand certain qualities of the Spirit. For example, if we say a person runs like a horse, it does not necessarily mean he or she is a horse. Instead, it helps us understand the speed at which he/she runs.

Briefly discussed below are five of the emblems used for the Holy Spirit.

• Dove (Matt. 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32)

At the baptism of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist saw the Holy Spirit descend like a dove on Him. The Holy Spirit is NOT a dove; John saw Him descend IN BODILY FORM LIKE a dove. The dove is a symbol of purity, peace and gentleness. Hence it emphasizes the purity of the Spirit and the peace He produces in the heart of the believer after conversion. Again, doves are noted to be always devoted and faithful to their partners – the male to its female partner, and vice versa. Similarly, the Holy Spirit, as He seeks fellowship with us, requires that we stay faithful to Him as He remains faithful to us.

• Wind (Acts 2:1-4)

On the day of Pentecost, while the disciples were gathered together at one place praying to receive the Father’s promise, a mighty wind suddenly came and filled the entire house where they were. This marked the outpouring of the Spirit. The representation of the Holy Spirit by that heavy wind emphasizes His might and strength, and His infilling work. Just as the wind filled the entire room, so does the Spirit fill the entire being of the believer. Also, wind is independent of humankind and hence cannot be controlled by us. In like manner, we cannot control or manipulate the Holy Spirit. He is the Boss, not us. Again, as wind can be found everywhere, so is the Spirit present everywhere.

• Fire (Acts 2:1-4)

Following the mighty wind was the appearance of ‘tongues of fire’ on the head of each of the disciples, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, fire depicted ‘the Presence of God’ (Ex. 3:2), ‘the Approval of God’ (Lev. 9:24, 1 Kgs 18:38-39), and ‘the Judgement of God’ (Lev. 10:2). The Holy Spirit is the One who conveys God’s presence to us. Wherever He is, the presence of the Godhead is fully there. When we allow Him to lead us in everything we do, we earn the Father’s approval because He becomes pleased with what we do. The Spirit judges the heart of humankind, convicting us of sin, of the righteousness of God, and of judgement (John 16:7-8).

Fire also represents purification and revival (1 Pet. 1:7). When the Holy Spirit indwells us, He continually purifies or refines us by burning every chaff in us. He also quickens and keeps us spiritually active (Rom. 8:11, 1 Pet. 3:18).  As fire provides light on our paths, so does the Spirit provide illumination in the journey of life.

• Water (John 7:37-39)

The ‘rivers of living water’ mentioned in verse 38 of the Scripture reference given is clearly explained in verse 39 as a reference to the Holy Spirit. Water symbolises eternal life (John 4:14). It is by the Spirit that we secure the life we receive through faith in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:13). His leading brings life.

Water also symbolises purification, heavenly blessings and joy. As we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives, He cleanses our hearts from all forms of unrighteousness through the Word of God. As we follow His leading, He guides us into plentiful blessings and fills our hearts with unending joy (Isaiah 12:3).

Again, water symbolises restoration (Psalm 23:2-3). One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to restore us when we become spiritually weary or exhausted. He does this as we make time to study His Word, pray and join other believers for fellowship and worship.

•  Oil (Isaiah 61:1, Acts 10:38)

In the two verses cited above, the Holy Spirit is described as oil for anointing others. In the Old Testament, kings were anointed with oil as a sign that they had been chosen and ordained by God to rule (1 Sam. 16:1-13, Psalm 89:20). Again, oil was used to sanctify priests (Exo. 29:7; 30:30) and the tabernacle as well as all its furnishings (Exo. 40:9). Prophets were also anointed with oil to signify their ordination (1 Kings 19:16). The giving of the Spirit to the believer is proof that they have been chosen or ordained by God to serve as priests and kings (Rev. 1:5-6). In 1 Peter 2:9, believers in Christ are rightly described as ‘a chosen people, a royal priesthood….’

In the Jewish community, oil was sometimes used as a symbol of richness, joy and health (Jer. 31:12, Heb. 1:9). The reality is that, the Holy Spirit is the One who brings healing to the sick, richness to the poor and joy to the saddened soul.

Again, the anointing oil signifies ‘power from on high’. Thus, when a person is anointed with the Holy Spirit, he/she becomes endued with heavenly power (Acts 10:38). This power is meant to equip us for ministry unto the Lord, the body of Christ and unto the lost world (Acts 1:8).

• The Ministry of the Spirit in the Life of the Believer    

The Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father to help us in diverse ways. Our knowledge of His ministry in our lives is essential to the value we place on our need for Him. We shall thus turn our attention to briefly discussing the work He does in and for us. Some have been mentioned early on and may therefore not be repeated here.

1. He teaches us and helps us to remember all things (John 14:26). As our Teacher, He helps us to understand the Word of God and other issues of life better.

2. He guides us into all truth (John 16:13). When allowed, the Spirit directs us into making right choices or decisions in every aspect of life – in our education, vocation/occupation, marriage and family life, etc.
3. He prays through and intercedes for us (Rom 8:26). This usually happens in times that we are weak and at a point where we know not what and how to pray.
4. He convicts us when we go wrong (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit points out our wrongdoings to us, and by so doing makes us aware of them so we can repent of them.
5. He empowers us to do the work of the Lord – the work of witnessing about Christ both in words and works/deeds (Acts 1:8).
6. He strengthens us to stand for the Lord (Eph. 3:16). When we are tempted by the devil; when we seem depressed by tribulations and afflictions, it is the Spirit who strengthens us to remain steady in the Lord and not faint.
7. He imparts spiritual gifts onto us (1 Cor. 12:7-11, 28, Rom. 12:6-8). The gifts include a word of knowledge, word of wisdom, prophecy, discerning of spirits, faith, healing, working of miracles, speaking in diverse tongues and interpretation of tongues. These supernatural abilities are to be used for the building of the Church, and to bring glory to God. They are not for the purposes of seeking fame nor amassing wealth.
8. He produces the character of God in us. This is what is mostly referred to as the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

• Experiencing the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

When a person accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, they experience regeneration or rebirth (John 1:12-13). After this encounter, the next very important thing that should happen to the new convert is the experience of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which can further be described as the Baptism and daily Infilling of the Spirit.

• What is the Baptism of the Spirit?

This is a spiritual experience where the whole being of the Christian believer is immersed in the Spirit, and thereby become filled or saturated with the presence and power of the Lord. This experience is officiated by Christ Himself, unlike water baptism which is officiated by a clergy.

• It’s Significance

This experience is very important to the Christian, at least for these reasons:

1. To receive power for witnessing about Christ to the lost world (Acts 1:8)
2. To receive spiritual gifts for service to the Lord and the church (1 Cor. 12:4-11, 18, 28, Rom. 12:3-8).

• The Initial Evidence

Although the experience of the Holy Spirit’s baptism is spiritual, there is a physical manifestation to prove its occurrence. Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence. There are, of course, other evidences that will follow with time, but the very first is speaking in that unknown, heavenly language. Below are some biblical examples:

1. The example of Paul (Acts 9:17, 1 Cor. 14:18)
2. The example of Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:44-46)
3. The example of the Ephesian disciples (Acts 19:1-7)

• The Significance of Speaking in Tongues

So, why is it important for the Spirit-filled believer to speak in tongues?  Here are a few of the many reasons.

1. We edify or build up ourselves when we pray in tongues (1 Cor. 14:4, Jude 20).

2. We speak mysteries (that cannot be unravelled by the devil) unto God (1 Cor. 14:2).
3. Through tongues speaking, we magnify God (Acts 10:45-46).
4. Tongues speaking produces spiritual refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12).
5. It allows our spirit to commune with God in prayer (1 Cor. 14:14).
6. Through tongues speaking, the Spirit prays through us, making intercessions for us and others (Rom. 8:26).

• How to Experienced the Baptism of the Spirit

Every person who has experienced regeneration or rebirth (that is, has become a Christian), automatically qualifies to also experience the baptism of the Spirit. Here are a few steps that could be followed afterwards:

1. Develop a heartfelt desire for the baptism (Prov. 10:24).

2. Believe that you will receive when you ask for it (Matt. 21:22, Mark 11:24).
3. Ask, and keep asking until you have received it (Luke 11:9-13).
4. There are times that the believer may receive the baptism while meditatively listening to a Spirit-filled message (Acts 10:44:46).
5. The experience may also occur through the laying on of hands by a Spirit-filled minister or church leader (Acts 19:5-6).

• The Daily Infilling of the Holy Spirit

It is not just enough for the believer to be baptised in the Holy Spirit. We as well need His daily infilling. We need new empowerings, new anointings, new outpourings of the Spirit daily in order to remain spiritually buoyant and victorious in our walk with the Lord.

After the outpouring of the Spirit on the 120 disciples on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), they experienced repeated outpourings and infillings. In Acts 4:23-31 when the believers gathered to pray following the release of Peter and John from imprisonment, the Bible recounts that ‘…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit….’ When Paul converted and became a believer in Christ, Ananias prayed for him, and he got baptised in the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). Later when Paul confronted Elymas the sorcerer, the Spirit filled him again (Acts 13:9).

Having this continuous experience would require that we make time to fellowship with the Holy Spirit in prayer, praise and worship, and to meditate on His Word daily (Josh. 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3, 1 Thess. 5:17).

• Hindrances to the Daily Infilling of the Holy Spirit

The following behaviours can hinder us from experiencing fresh outpourings of the Spirit:

1. Lack of involvement in spiritual disciplines like having personal devotions and retreats, and fellowshipping with other believers, among others.

2. Lack of unity with other Christian believers (Psalm 133:3).
3. Lack of obedience to God’s Word, the leading of the Spirit and to the godly counsel of God’s people.
4. Living a life of self-indulgence, self-centredness, materialism and secularism.
5. Grieving the Holy Spirit through bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, lies, etc. (Eph. 4:30-5:2, Acts 5:1-11).
6. Resisting the Spirit by rejecting or ignoring His leading (Acts 7:51).
7. Following the desires of the flesh and pleasures of the world (Isa. 59:1-2, Gal. 5:16-170).

• Walking in the Spirit

To enjoy a continuous fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and experience the fullness of His presence, wisdom, power, grace and glory, it is required that the believer learns to walk in the Spirit daily. Walking in the Spirit enables us to receive fresh outpourings of Him.

To walk in the Spirit means yielding to His control, following His leading, and allowing Him to influence every step we take (Luke 4:1). It requires that we do not live according to the dictates of the flesh, for the desires of the flesh conflict with those of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-17). When we walk in the Spirit, we do not gratify the desires of the flesh, instead, we bear the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and in self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23).

Those who walk in the Spirit rely on Him daily to guide them in their thoughts, utterances and deeds (Rom. 6:11-14). They live their whole life according to the Word of God (Josh. 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3), and allow the Word to dwell in them richly (Col. 3:16).

Those who do not walk in the Spirit produce the works of the flesh – sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness and carousing. When we walk in the Spirit however, we find that the sinful appetites of the flesh have no dominion or power over us.

• Conclusion

May we yearn to have broader knowledge, deeper understanding, and an intimate, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit whom the Father has forever given to us to be our Comforter, Counselor and Advocate.

Written by Pastor Samuel Acheampong

Scripture References: Judges 13:1-5, 16:18-25

It is disheartening to witness the transformation of individuals entrusted with the gospel and the profound wisdom of God into mere performers or comedians. Instead of fulfilling their duty to save the lost, they have become entertainers on the pulpit, prioritising amusement over salvation.

Regrettably, it has become a prevalent trend among some Ghanaian preachers and acclaimed prophets to assume the role of comedians on both the pulpit and screens. Rather than focusing on saving souls, they choose to amuse. However, this should not come as a surprise, for when those appointed by God allow themselves to be consumed by worldly pleasures, they eventually lose their relevance and impact as messengers of God. Consequently, their ability to attract people to Christ diminishes as they gradually disconnect from the Holy Spirit, the primary source of effective evangelism.

In their attempt to mask their inadequacy as God’s messengers, they become philosophical orators, uttering words that please people but lack true substance. Unfortunately, our brother Samson can be considered among those who failed as God’s messengers.

Upon initial examination of the story of Samson in Judges 13, it becomes evident that Samson was born with a specific purpose: to save the Israelites (verse 5). As a Nazirite, that is, any man or woman who takes a vow to separate himself or herself unto the Lord (Numbers 6:1ff), Samson possessed a clearly defined mission, a divine mandate similar to the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5ff) and our Saviour Jesus (Luke 1:31-33). However, he allowed his love for a woman to supersede his earthly purpose. This led him to lose his connection with heaven, exposing his secret and falling into the hands of the enemies he was sent to destroy. Tragically, in Judges 16:25, Samson was called upon to perform for the Philistines and willingly complied.

How pitiful! Why should we, as messengers called to save people, become comedians to amuse them instead? May God grant us guidance. May our ministries never reach the humiliating point where our only contribution is entertaining people and making them laugh.

Let us be vigilant in our own lives, ensuring that we fulfil our calling and election with confidence before God.

Written by Overseer Seth Frimpong

At the inception of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), the Lord entered into a covenant with the Church, which was received through prophecies at Akroso in 1931, confirmed in 1940 at the Easter Convention in Winneba, and repeated at a general convention in Koforidua in 1948.

A portion of the covenant reads: “It is not because of how few or many you are in membership that I have chosen to covenant with you. I have done this out of my eternal purpose and goodwill for my church; the Church will grow into a Pentecostal Church where the gifts of the Holy Spirit will operate bountifully upon men and women; the Church will spread across the world, a great international church that will send missionaries to Africa and the rest of the world. That the Church will make disciples for the Soon-coming Christ….”

This evangelism covenant can be compared to God’s word to Israel in Isaiah 59:21 (KJV): “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” saith the Lord, “My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed,” saith the Lord, “from henceforth and forever.”

This covenant, as illustrated in the above scripture, is generational – “your seed and your seed’s seed forever.” Bringing this to our context as a Church suggests that God’s covenant with us must be passed on to future generations of CoP members.

It is worth noting that the covenant to make the Church a great International Pentecostal Church has been fulfilled, and now The Church of Pentecost is present in 151 nations worldwide. However, the Church cannot rest on its laurels. Instead, we should aim to possess all nations of the world and affect every sphere of society until the second advent of Christ.

Evangelism is vital and should be aggressive at the local church level, hence the need to reposition the local church for effective evangelism to achieve these goals.

WHAT IS EVANGELISM?

J.I. Packer notes in his book, “Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God,” that: “To evangelise is to present Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him as their Savior, and serve Him as their king in the fellowship of His Church.”

In other words, evangelism is the proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit by employing the use of accompanying or appropriate gifts of the Holy Spirit, specifically power gifts such as faith, miracles, and gifts of healing.

According to Mark 16:15, our Lord Jesus has entrusted believers with evangelising “all creatures/people” on the face of the earth. The command involves bringing the Gospel to every tribe, nation, and age group. This means that children must be included in our evangelism agenda.

Another critical factor in evangelism, as stated in Matthew 28:18-20, is that evangelism is a process and not an event. This process involves preparation, going, preaching the Gospel, baptising, follow-up, and new convert care. Until this is achieved, our evangelism mandate is not complete.

WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS EVANGELISE

• It takes an evangelistic-oriented member in the Local Church to be prayerful, committed, dependable and sacrificial in given

• The general covenant of God with believers (Isaiah 59:21) and specific covenant with the Church of Pentecost contains evangelism, discipling and possessing the nations. We must fulfil our part of this divine contract by preparing disciples for the soon-coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

• Jesus was a soul winner, and we must follow His steps – 1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 19:10; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38.

• The harvest is great, the labourers are few – Matthew 9:37-38; Isaiah 6:8; John 4:35.

• We must obey the Great Commission. His last Command must be our first priority – Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-19; Luke 5:32.

• Everyone must hear the gospel before Jesus’ Second coming – Matthew 24:14; Romans 10:14.

• The blood of the unconverted will be demanded from us – Ezekiel 3:17-18; Ezekiel 33:6-8.

• The value of a soul. Gaining the whole world is less than the value of one soul. (Mk. 8:36-38). Countless angels in Heaven rejoice over one sinner who gets converted – Luke 15:10; Daniel 7:10

• Rewards and crowns for the soul winner both in this life and in the life to come – Daniel 12:3; John 4:36; 1 Corinthians 15:58, Luke 10:20

• The Power of God is demonstrated during Evangelism – Romans 1:16; Mark 16:17; Psalms 96:3.

• God adds to the church through evangelism. The Church grows through evangelism – Acts 2:47.

• Jesus is the only way to Heaven. John 14:6.

• Over 4,200 Religions and more than 500 Cults in the World, only Christianity has a Redeemer – Acts 4:12.

CONCLUSION

Delivering the State of the Church Address at the recently-held 46th General Council Meetings, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, reported that the Church membership as of 2022 was 10.7% of Ghana’s population. This is a significant number, and if every church member wins just one soul a year, the church’s membership could reach 50% of Ghana’s population in just three years.

However, achieving this requires the development of a culture of evangelism within local churches through the cultivation of knowledge, attitude change, and consistent practice. As we mark this year’s National Evangelism Week, I urge all ministers, ministers’ wives, officers, and members to make a concerted effort to win souls for Christ and fulfil the evangelism covenant God has made with The Church of Pentecost.

Written by Pastor Frank Awuah Fordjour