Posts in category: Articles

Death remains one of life’s most certain realities, a final appointment that no individual can postpone or avoid. Scripture teaches in Ecclesiastes 9:5 that the living know they will die, underscoring the universal nature of mortality. Regardless of wealth, status or age, death comes to all. In many Christian teachings, moments of mourning are therefore viewed not only as times of grief but also as solemn reminders to the living about the brevity of life and the importance of spiritual readiness.

Funerals often bring families, friends and communities together in reflection. In these moments, grief is accompanied by deep contemplation about life, relationships and purpose. The atmosphere surrounding a burial or memorial service frequently stirs awareness of personal mortality and encourages individuals to evaluate their lives. Christian teachings emphasise that mourning is not meant only to express sorrow but also to inspire reflection on one’s choices and relationship with God.

Many believers interpret the loss of life as a reminder to remain spiritually alert. Rather than viewing death solely as punishment, Christian doctrine teaches that it can serve as a call to reflection in a world often filled with distractions. At funerals, individuals are confronted with the reality that opportunities left unused by the deceased can no longer be recovered. Unresolved conflicts, delayed decisions and neglected spiritual commitments become reminders to the living that time remains valuable and limited.

Christian belief also presents two distinct responses to death, shaped by one’s faith. For those who profess faith in Jesus Christ, death is approached with sorrow but also with hope. The loss of a loved one is painful, yet believers often find comfort in the promise of eternal life. In this context, burial is seen not as a final farewell but as a transition, reinforcing the importance of living faithfully while anticipating life beyond death.

On the other hand, Christian teaching warns that living without faith carries spiritual consequences. Hebrews 9:27 states that humanity is appointed to die once, followed by judgment. This belief encourages individuals to take seriously the need for repentance and reconciliation with God while life continues. Within this framework, mourning becomes both an emotional and spiritual experience, reminding individuals to examine their faith and readiness for eternity.

Ultimately, funerals serve as moments of decision for the living. They encourage forgiveness, reconciliation and renewed commitment to meaningful living. Individuals are urged to show love, practise generosity and make peace with others while opportunities remain. Above all, Christian teaching emphasises the importance of seeking a relationship with God before life’s final moment arrives.

In conclusion, Christian faith affirms that death does not represent the end for those who believe in Jesus Christ, who declared in John 11:25 that He is the resurrection and the life. Mourning, therefore, is not only an expression of grief but also a solemn reminder that life is temporary and eternity is certain.

Written by Derrick Decency Antwi (Atebubu Area, Jato Zongo District)

Acts 1:17 (NLT) — “Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

Leadership in the Church has always been both a privilege and a sacred responsibility. Among the many figures in Scripture, Judas Iscariot remains one of the most sobering examples of how a promising beginning can end in tragic failure. His life presents enduring lessons for leaders, particularly in these end times, reminding believers that calling, gifting and position alone do not guarantee faithfulness to the end.

Judas was not an outsider to ministry. He was part of the inner circle of Jesus Christ—called, chosen and entrusted with responsibility. Scripture records that Jesus spent the night in prayer before selecting the twelve apostles, and Judas was among them. This highlights an important truth: being part of leadership does not automatically guarantee spiritual security. Leaders are therefore called to guard their hearts diligently, recognising that position in ministry must be matched with spiritual maturity and personal vigilance.

Judas was also personally chosen by Jesus Christ. His selection demonstrates that divine calling must be accompanied by continual transformation. Ministry effectiveness is sustained not merely by anointing but by a life that is consistently renewed and surrendered to God. It remains possible to function in ministry while neglecting inner spiritual growth, a reality that underscores the importance of ongoing self-examination.

In addition to his calling, Judas participated in ministry activities that displayed the power of God. He was among those sent out to preach, heal the sick and cast out demons. Yet his later failure shows that spiritual gifts alone do not reflect spiritual integrity. True ministry credibility is confirmed by godly character and the consistent evidence of righteous living.

Judas also served as treasurer among the disciples, managing financial resources entrusted to the ministry. However, Scripture indicates that he misused this responsibility, revealing that financial stewardship often exposes deeper matters of character. Faithfulness in handling resources remains a key indicator of trustworthiness in leadership.

Despite these privileges, Judas failed to confront his personal weaknesses. His struggle with greed went unchecked, illustrating how hidden sin can gradually erode spiritual strength. He also ignored repeated warnings from Jesus Christ, demonstrating the danger of hardening one’s heart to divine correction. Over time, he allowed spiritual compromise to create access for destructive influences.

Ultimately, Judas experienced remorse but did not pursue genuine repentance. His life illustrates the difference between regret and true repentance, the latter bringing restoration and renewed relationship with God.

The ministry journey of Judas Iscariot offers critical lessons for today’s Church leaders. Calling must be supported by character development, spiritual gifts must be matched with holiness, and weaknesses must be addressed early. Leaders are also reminded to uphold financial integrity, heed divine warnings and practice sincere repentance.

The tragedy of Judas Iscariot was not that he was called, but that he did not finish well. His life remains a solemn reminder that faithfulness—not opportunity—determines how a ministry ultimately ends.

Written by Overseer Samuel Opoku Adipah (District Minister, Takinta District – Axim Area)

Over the years, the conventions of the Church of Pentecost have played a key role in the growth of the church – in numbers, spirituality, and reach. One of the earliest notable gatherings, often recalled by our forefathers, was the 1939 convention of the Apostolic Church in the Gold Coast, led by Rev. James McKeown, held at Winneba with 200 members in attendance. Since the church’s inception in the early 1930s, conventions have remained a central part of their worship and practice.

Conventions, particularly Easter Conventions, serve as platforms for the Lord to display His power and the beauty of the church within communities. They are moments when the church moves into society, transforming lives through the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. As the 2026 Easter Convention approaches, members are encouraged to step fully into both physical and digital spaces, demonstrating God’s saving grace to all.

Historically, national conventions required members to travel to central locations, often spending the entire Easter period there. These gatherings became spiritual retreats where attendees devoted extended hours to prayer, Bible study, and reflection. Many even slept under canopies after sessions, waiting on God. Over time, conventions expanded to regional, area, zonal, and district levels. While this has made them more accessible, the deep retreat experience has lessened in urban centres, where members often commute between home and convention venues.

It is important to reclaim the spiritual richness these conventions offer. Easter Conventions provide an ideal opportunity for dedicated fellowship with God. Whether through prayer, Bible study, reflection, or quiet rest at the venue after sessions, attendees can experience renewal and refreshment for the year ahead.

As this year’s Easter Convention draws near, members are encouraged not just to attend, but to truly encounter God. Set aside intentional time after sessions to pray, reflect, and connect with fellow believers. These moments of spiritual retreat are designed to rejuvenate hearts and strengthen faith for the journey ahead.

This Easter, let your convention experience go beyond attendance – seek a personal encounter with God.

By Hulda Sakyi – E-Church, USA

Digital ministry has become an essential tool for the 21st‑century Church, offering unprecedented opportunities for evangelism, discipleship, and mission work. Social media continues to reshape global communication, enabling believers to reach people and communities that physical missionaries cannot access. The Church of Pentecost’s “IWiG – I Will Go” initiative under PENSA International has, since 2019, leveraged platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, InterPals, and Azar to share the gospel, establishing churches in countries like Mexico, Bolivia, Fiji, and Venezuela – all beginning through virtual outreach. This digital approach has become a key part of the Church’s Possessing the Nations agenda.

One of the greatest advantages of digital ministry is its ability to cross geographical and political barriers. In restricted or hostile regions where public evangelism is limited, social media allows people to read scripture, watch sermons, ask questions, and join online Bible studies anonymously. Through E-Church platforms and online discipleship groups, believers can build meaningful spiritual relationships with individuals in places where physical churches cannot operate. Digital content spreads quickly, as one person can share the gospel with family and friends, creating a ripple effect that transcends borders.

For pastors, digital ministers, and E-Church workers, effective virtual evangelism begins with prayerful intentionality. Online engagement should be Spirit-led, targeting the right platforms and audience groups. Social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, along with friend-matching and messaging apps, provide spaces to connect with youth, immigrants, internationals, and those seeking guidance. Building a Christ-like digital presence – truthful, modest, and engaging – helps earn trust, creating opportunities to introduce spiritual conversations naturally.

Strategic outreach involves setting clear evangelistic goals, understanding your audience, and engaging them through shared interests, trending events, or platform culture. Conversations should gradually transition to spiritual topics, offering encouragement, scripture, testimonies, and invitations to online Bible studies or E-Church services. Follow-up is crucial; discipleship online ensures that new believers are grounded in the Church and equipped to multiply the gospel digitally.

Digital ministry is no longer optional but essential. When executed prayerfully, consistently, and strategically, it allows the Church to be virtually omnipresent, reaching souls across nations, cultures, and time zones. By embracing digital evangelism, believers can fulfill the Great Commission in this digital age, bringing the gospel to corners of the world that were once unreachable.

Written by Overseer Alexander Osei (IWiG Head, PENSA International)

When I arrived at my mission station in Jeffisi in August 2024, I was handed the official District notes to read before the welcome service. One section immediately caught my attention: Elders – 0, Deacons – 0, Deaconesses – 1.

I paused. Out of the entire District, only one ordained officer was serving across six local Assemblies. Her name is Zanabu.

Meeting her, I began to understand something powerful — sometimes God sustains His work through one committed heart.

Zanabu cannot read or write, yet she carries responsibilities that would overwhelm many educated people. She serves as District Women’s Leader, Presiding Deaconess, District Executive Member, District Youth Leader, and coordinator of numerous ministry interventions. Personally, she is my chief interpreter and prayer warrior.

In a District where very few men are actively engaged in church life due to deep cultural and religious traditions, Zanabu has become a pillar sustaining God’s work.

Behind this strong faith is a difficult story. Zanabu is a widow with two children, and life is not easy financially. Yet she never complains. Every time I call her, morning or night, her response is the same: “Daa, me ba sesia”, translated, “Daddy, I am coming right away.”

Her decision to follow Christ has also come at a personal cost. Coming from a strong Muslim family background, she has faced rejection, mockery, and ridicule from some of her own people. Yet her faith remains unshaken.

Her dream is simple: she believes that one day the entire land of Jeffisi will come to know Jesus Christ.

As I write this, I feel deeply moved. Zanabu may never read this post, but I pray that the God of The Church of Pentecost will bless her and her children for generations to come.

Sometimes I quietly ask myself: What would this mission work have become without Zanabu?

As we celebrate Missions Week, let us remember the quiet heroes like her — faithful servants who work often unnoticed, facing struggles, yet refusing to give up on God’s work. Wherever you meet them, support them through prayer, encouragement, or practical help — it strengthens those who carry so much for the Kingdom.

May God bless every faithful servant.

Christianity is a journey that comes with a cost. It is a path marked by surrender, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ. True discipleship demands self-denial and the willingness to bear one’s cross, just as Christ Himself demonstrated. The prophet Isaiah vividly portrays the suffering of the Messiah, describing Him as “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3–10). Through His suffering, redemption was secured for humanity.

The Christian faith is therefore not merely an association or a social gathering. It is a spiritual family established by God’s sovereign will, where those who believe in Christ receive a new identity in Him. Salvation is a gift made available to all who believe, yet following Christ requires a personal commitment that demands sacrifice and obedience.

Jesus made this expectation clear when He declared: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). While the price of salvation has already been paid through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, the call to discipleship requires believers to respond with wholehearted devotion. The cost is not measured in money or material possessions but in a life surrendered to God’s will.

Self-denial is central to this calling. It involves remaining faithful to God even when circumstances are difficult, when opposition arises, or when the path seems lonely. There are moments when obedience to God may feel uncomfortable or misunderstood, yet perseverance in faith produces spiritual maturity and purpose.

Cross-bearing also reflects the willingness to endure challenges for the sake of Christ. Just as Jesus endured suffering for the joy set before Him, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith regardless of the trials they face. The Christian journey may involve seasons of rejection, hardship, or sacrifice, but these experiences shape the believer’s character and deepen their dependence on God.

Scripture reminds believers that present struggles cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed (Romans 8:18). The call to follow Christ may require endurance, but the reward of faithful obedience is eternal. As the church advances in fulfilling its mission, believers must remain committed to the path of discipleship.

Indeed, the One who calls His people is faithful, and He will accomplish His purpose in them (1 Thessalonians 5:24). For those who choose to follow Christ wholeheartedly, the end will surely be glorious.

Written by Deacon Bright Agbavitor (New Abirem PIWC – Kade Area)