Posts in category: Moving With Gs

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has asserted that believers are divinely entrusted by God to individually catalyze positive transformation in their respective spheres.

Apostle Samuel Obuobi said this during the climax of this year’s Officer’s Retreat at Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic church auditorium on Sunday, March 3, 2024,

Speaking on the topic; “Transforming My World,” Apostle Samuel Obuobi emphasised the divine mandate for believers to bring about a sin-free world, aligning with the kingdom values and principles of God.

Referencing Acts 1:8 and 1 Peter 2:9, Apostle Obuobi stated, “No one person can single-handedly transform the entire world, but we can positively transform our spheres as individuals. Then, in aggregate, the entire world will be transformed.”

Highlighting the three divine reasons why believers must position themselves to transform their worlds, Apostle Obuobi elucidated that believers, as part of God’s transformative agenda, are first called upon to bring positive impact to their individual spheres of influence.

“God expects us to save this corrupt world as Christians. We cannot disappoint God; therefore, we must put forth our best efforts to ensure that our spheres are completely taken and raptured for God,” he stated.

Quoting Genesis 6:5-6 and Romans 8:19-21, he stressed that the second reason why there is a need for transformation is due to the prevailing global state of sin and corruption.

“The whole world is in a state of sin and total corruption; therefore, God expects us, after He has called us, to affect our every sphere and bring total sanctity to the universe,” he said.

The General Secretary further noted the third reason for transformation, highlighting the exclusive responsibility bestowed upon believers as the agents of transformation.

This responsibility, according  to him, surpasses even that of angelic beings. In essence, believers hold a unique position and duty in the divine plan for transforming the world.

With this insight, Apostle Obuobi underscored the profound significance of believers in effecting change and bringing about God’s desired transformation.

Apostle Samuel Obuobi continued by providing further insight into three strategies through which believers can actively transform the world by living as Salt and Light of the world.

Drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:13-16, the General Secretary touched on the significance of believers serving as preservatives against decay and corruption.

He urged that all should endearvor to bring positive influence to their respective spheres, reminding all believers not to lose their distinctiveness in the process.

Apostle Obuobi also called on believers to shine as beacons of light, dispelling darkness wherever they go.

He noted the importance of exalting Christ and making His presence known in every aspect of life, thereby illuminating the world with His truth and grace.

“Believers must embody the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, including love, integrity, and righteousness, and actively carry these principles into the world, serving as agents of transformation by demonstrating and promoting God’s kingdom values in their interactions and endeavors,” he said

Concluding his message, he assured that believers possess all the necessary resources, including divine power, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and God’s grace, to successfully transform their worlds.

PENTECOST NEWS

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has emphasised that the presence of God is a distinguishing mark of any flourishing Christian. He stressed, “It is the presence of God that makes the difference and brings results.”

Apostle Samuel Obuobi made this assertion today during a meeting with ministers and wives of the Kaneshie Area, held at the Bethel Assembly church auditorium as part of the ongoing Area Officers’ Retreat (Apostolisation).

Speaking on the topic “When The Minister Fails in His Duty,” with 1 Chronicles 15:1-3 as his foundational text, he explained that one of the gravest mistakes Saul made during his tenure as king of Israel was not restoring the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God among His people.

He emphasised that Saul was bound to fail because he lacked the presence of God, which would have made his reign successful. According to Apostle Samuel Obuobi, David had a successful reign because he sought the Ark of the Covenant and ensured its return.

“You cannot be a good leader without the ark, which represents the presence of God. It is God’s presence that brings results and fruitfulness,” he stated.

He urged ministers and church leaders to be carriers of God’s presence to make a maximum impact in their leadership roles.

Advising church leaders to cultivate the presence of God through fervent prayer, fasting, Bible study, personal devotions, and other spiritual exercises, he cautioned that “Administration is part of leadership, but it is not the only important aspect. Our foremost priority should be to be carriers of God’s presence.”

Apostle Samuel Obuobi also encouraged them to make intentional efforts to prepare adequately for services, ensuring they always carry God’s presence to every meeting they attend. “Always attend every meeting with God’s presence. Go with the Ark!” he charged.

Furthermore, the General Secretary advised them to remain committed to faithfully discharging their calling until the end. To achieve this, he suggested leading lives of contentment and avoiding unnecessary comparisons.

“God has a purpose and plan for you and your ministry, so do not compare yourself to others. Only focus on discharging your calling faithfully,” he advised.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Joni & Friends, a non-governmental organisation based in the United States of America dedicated to reaching and serving people with disabilities (PWDs) with practical help and the saving love of Jesus, is looking to strengthen its partnership with The Church of Pentecost (CoP) in order to extend their outreach to more PWDs in society.

This was disclosed during a meeting between the leadership of The Church of Pentecost, represented by the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, and the La Area Head and Executive Council Member, Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Nuekpe, with representatives of the organisation at the CoP Headquarters on Friday, February 23, 2024.

The Joni & Friends team comprised Mrs. Kimi Archer (Director of Internships), Dr. Kevin O’Farrell (Director of Theological Education & Engagement), and Pastor Joel Quansah (Country Coordinator, Ghana). Pastor Alexander Nyame, the National Coordinator for the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs), was also present in the meeting.

Addressing the Church leadership, Pastor Joel Quansah mentioned that The Church of Pentecost and Joni & Friends crossed paths in 2019 and have since undertaken impactful initiatives together.

He commended the Church’s leadership for having a heart for PWDs through the establishment of the MPWDs and for leading the way in ensuring the full inclusion of PWDs in the church and society.

He stated that Joni & Friends’ mission aligns perfectly with the Church’s “possessing the nations” agenda as it seeks to bring all into the saving knowledge of God.

Receiving the team, Apostle Samuel Obuobi expressed that the leadership of the Church welcomes the partnership, believing that together, both organisations could make more significant strides in their efforts at reaching out to PWDs.

He further indicated that with the help of the Church, Joni & Friends would have the opportunity to widen their global reach, as the CoP has a presence in over 170 nations worldwide.

Apostle Samuel Obuobi assured them that the leadership of the Church would review the terms of the partnership and provide feedback to the organisation so that they could continue to work earnestly.

He also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the organisation for their substantial financial commitment towards the three-day “Beyond Suffering” Conference, held for 200 individuals, mostly Area MPWDs Coordinators, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Being their first visit to Ghana, the General Secretary presented Mrs. Kimi Archer and Dr Kevin O’Farrell with a fugu (a traditional Ghanaian outfit), each as memorabilia and a gesture of appreciation.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, is one of the speakers for this year’s officers’ retreat, also known as Apostolisation, of the Kaneshie Area of the Church.

Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Juliana Korkor Obuobi, the General Secretary joined the Area for the Ministers’ session of the event this morning at the Bethel Assembly church auditorium.

The Kaneshie Area Apostolisation features Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah, former General Secretary of the church, and Rev. Prof. Kingsley Larbi, Chancellor of the Regent University College of Science and Technology, as the other speakers.

The event officially started yesterday with the minister’s morning session and later with the officer’s evening session at the Kaneshie Central Assembly church auditorium.

It is being held under the theme: “A People of God Unleashed to Transform Their World” and is hosted by the Kaneshie Area Head, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, who also serves as the Coordinator for the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Committee (GARCC) and as an Executive Council Member of the Church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has explained that while death is a reality and can be disturbing, worrying, and devastating, Christians have hope in death and afterwards.

He said this when he presented a sermon titled; “The Blessed Hope” during the thanksgiving service after the memorial service for the former Chairman of the Church, Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy (of blessed memory) at the Thomas Wyatt Memorial Temple in Accra.

“Death originated in the Garden of Eden after man had fallen. Man disobeyed God and from that day, death has become part of human beings. When man disobeyed God, the consequence was death,” said Apostle Obuobi.

He explained that theologians believe that there are different forms of death: spiritual death, which is separation from God; physical death, the separation of the soul from the body; and eternal death, the physical and spiritual separation from God.

Apostle Obuobi reassured believers, stating, “The Bible says that when a believer dies physically, we mourn but not as people without hope. If Jesus rose again from death, then those who die in the Lord will also rise up again. Jesus’ death and resurrection give us more than hope that even if we die, we will come back to life again.”

He further explained that believers will not just rise, but they will do so with a glorified body.

“We may suffer some deformity, sometimes things may not go the way we expect it, but our blessed hope is that when Jesus appears, we shall be given a glorified body. A body that can never be confined in a wheelchair, we will receive a glorified body,” he added.

For those who do not yet believe, Apostle Obuobi stressed that this blessed hope is for believers and those who die in the Lord. The only way an unbeliever can participate in this blessed hope is to receive Jesus and be born again.

He quoted John Knox, saying, “Live in Christ and the flesh need not fear death.” He urged believers to live in Christ, assuring them that if they do so, they will not fear death.

Present at the service were the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye and wife, Mary; wife of the General Secretary, Mrs. Korkor Obuobi; Apostle Emmanuel Agyeman Bekoe (International Missions Director) and wife, Deborah; Apostle Deuodenne Nuekpe and wife, Juliana (La Area Head); Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh and wife, Martha (PEMEM Director);

Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin (Evangelism Director); Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi and wife, Rose (Ashaiman Area Head); Apostle Samuel Osei Asante and wife, Elizabeth (Kaneshie Area Head); Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng (Ashanti Region RCC Coordinator); Apostle Nii Kotei Djani and wife, Mary (Techiman Area Head); Apostle Prof. Agyepong Kodua (Vice Chancellor, Pentecost University).

Also present were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah and wife, Grace (Former Chairman, The CoP); Apostle Ousmane Zabre (Former Executive Council Member); Mrs Philomina Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director); National and Area heads, and retired ministers of the church.

The memorial service for the former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost was held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.

The mammoth gathering had in attendance top government officials, the Executive Council of the church, other heads of churches and the general public.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has advised ministers not to entertain any form of sin as it would have an adverse impact on their ministry.

According to him, leading a sinless (holy life) is a basic requirement of a minister and is also non-negotiable.

As ministers, God has set us apart from sin. When you are a minister who lives in sin, it weakens your moral authority to the extent that you cannot confront sin, and this will cause your downfall,” Apostle Obuobi said yesterday when he met with Ministers and Wives of the Dansoman Area as part of this year’s Apostolisation (Ministers and Officers’ Retreat).

Speaking on the topic “The Four Levitical Functions”, with Deuteronomy 10:8 as his foundational text, the General Secretary explained that in the Old Testament, the Lord chose the Levi tribe to serve as priests. However, in the New Testament era, He does not just select a family as ministers; instead, from every nation and tribe,

He calls His people into the kingdom work. He further noted that just like the prophet Amos (Amos 7:14-15), God does not choose the qualified but instead chooses those whom the world despised and uses them for His glory (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

“We must, therefore, not take our calling for granted. We must always appreciate God for what He has made us,” he charged.

Apostle Obuobi indicated that in choosing people to serve as priests, God sets them apart from sin to lead a life of holiness.

Buttressing his point with Exodus 28:36-37, he said that this is the reason why the turban of the Priest of Israel had the inscription “Holiness to the Lord,” saying: “As a minister, the first thing people should see when they meet you is holiness.”

Touching on the four Levitical functions, the General Secretary explained that, just like the Levitical priests, God has called ministers to carry the ark of the covenant, stand before Him, serve Him, and bless others in His name.

Explaining further, he said that the Ark of the Covenant represents the presence of God, and therefore, it is expected of every minister to be a carrier of God’s presence at all times. “The minister must carry the presence of God (the ark) into every service to bring life to it,” he said.

Apostle Obuobi stated that this could be achieved by adequate preparation through prayer, waiting on God, engaging God’s word, and leading a righteous life, saying: “Dirty hands don’t carry the ark.”

“By the ark, the Jordan ran away from the presence of the Israelites; by the ark, Dagon (the god of the Philistines) fell and got broken into pieces; by the ark, a distinction is created between the people of God and others,” he added.

He said that the second Levitical function of the minister is to stand before the Lord, which implies spending time in prayer.

He noted that ministers must be intercessors and intercede for the church and nation, the sick and afflicted, the family, and others.

He, however, stressed that prayer should not only be about putting one’s challenges and problems before God but fellowshipping with Him.

The third Levitical function Apostle Samuel Obuobi posited was service. He noted that ministers have been set apart to serve the Lord with all their hearts and to do so with gladness.

“We must note that our service to God is an aspect of our worship, and worship is both adoration and service,” he stated.

The General Secretary ended his presentation with the fourth Levitical function, which he said was to bless in God’s name.

He said that ministers are anointed and must be cautious about their utterances. As a result, they should always pronounce blessings on their congregants and refrain from “cursing” them, emphasising that: “We have been called to bless and not to curse.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has asserted that God’s ultimate expectation for His children (believers) is for them to become like Jesus Christ, His son.

Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi said this today during his presentation on the topic: “Raising Christ-Like Believers to Transform Their Spheres” at the Global Ministers and Wives Conference (GMWC) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

In his presentation, he explained that the redemptive work of Christ in a believer will only be complete when the Christian becomes Christ-like.

“God called us to mould us into the likeness of Jesus. He chose us so we would become like His Son as we live in this world. Indeed, He wants us to reflect the image of His Son or be like Jesus in all aspects of our lives,” he said.

Citing Romans 8:29, he reiterated that the ultimate goal of God for His children is for us to be like His Son Jesus when He appears, yet one reason for which He called us is for us to be cast in the mould of Jesus even as we live in this crooked world.

The General Secretary noted that Christlikeness is the result of the transformation of a person into the image of Christ and the complete formation of Christ within them.

“In other words, it means to be changed, transformed, or metamorphosed into the image of Jesus. So, a person who is like Jesus is the one who has been transformed or metamorphosed into the image of Christ,” he said.

He said that as this transformation occurs, the individual starts to display or exemplify the characteristics and actions associated with the life of Jesus.

According to him, a believer undergoing this godly transformation manifests the qualities and character of Christ within them, ultimately becoming like Jesus Christ.

“They live their life or behave like Jesus would behave. So, for a person to be Christ-like signifies that the person has transformed, taking on the image and behaviour of Christ,” he said.

He advised believers to yearn to have Christ fully formed in them, as it is not enough to be labelled as Christians or followers of Christ.

He said this is critical for the “possessing the nations” agenda of The Church of Pentecost because the only people who have what it takes to transform their spheres of influence with the values and principles of God’s Kingdom are Christ-like believers.

“It is important to note that the indwelling of Christ in us as believers puts a responsibility on every Christian to live like Christ and portray His beauty. Therefore, every child of God is expected to reflect Jesus’ life and ministry in the world. As disciples of Christ, we have the responsibility to model His life and nature in our spheres of influence,” he said.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has advised Christians to go out into ‘their world’ to effect the change needed in order to transform the world.

Highlighting the shift from Vision 2023 to Vision 2028, Apostle Samuel Obuobi explained that the previous vision (Vision 2023) focused on equipping the church for transformation, whereas Vision 2028 emphasises unleashing everyone to go out and effect change. The theme for 2024, “A People of God, Unleashed to Transform Their World,” is anchored in Acts 1:8 and 1 Peter 2:9.

“Dubbed ‘Possessing the Nations Phase 2,’” the theme is a continuation of the previous year, which is aimed at unleashing the entire church to transform the world with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God,” he said.

The General Secretary said this on Sunday, January 7, 2024, when he fellowshipped with the English Assembly of the Bubuashie District of The Church of Pentecost in Accra.

Speaking on the topic: “Overview of theme 2024”, Apostle Obuobi broke down the theme into three components: a people of God, the unleashing agenda, and the transformation of the world. He stressed the significance of being intentional about releasing the tremendous power within the church for societal transformation.

Quoting Ephesians 1:19, he elaborated on the immeasurable, unlimited, and surpassing power within the church. Apostle Obuobi encouraged believers to carry this power outside the church, stating, “Having a ministry outside the church does not mean starting your own church, but go out with the power you carry and affect the society.”

Addressing the purpose of unleashing, he stressed the transformation of “their world,” highlighting the individual’s sphere of influence. “Your world is your sphere of influence. This includes your family, workplace, and school. We are being unleashed to bring changes into the world,” he declared.

Apostle Obuobi urged believers to be salt and light in their spheres of influence, referencing Matthew 5:13-16.

“We can transform our world by being salt and light. If you really want to transform your world by the power in you, then you must be salt and light of the world. It is not enough to come to church and sing and dance. They are all good, but we must be salt and light. Once you step into the corrupt world, there must be light. If you go into the dark world and there is no light, then you are not transforming your society. God is not a secret to be kept. Let us carry Him into the world,” he added.

He emphasised the need for intentional reflection of the values, principles, and lifestyles of the Kingdom of God to bring about positive change in society.

“The value of love, integrity, righteousness, accountability can bring changes into the Kingdom of the world,” he ended.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has encouraged Christians not to entertain any fear in the New Year because Jesus Christ, having been given all power on earth and from on high, will be with them always, even until the end of the world.

The General Secretary said this at the Osu Central Assembly when he delivered a sermon titled “The God Who Is With You”  during the recently-held 31st Watchnight Service on the eve of the New Year.

Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi’s message  centered around the profound promise embedded in Matthew 28:18-20.

Reflecting on the significance of this promise, the General Secretary emphasised that it aligns seamlessly with the name Immanuel, meaning “God With Us.”

“Our Jesus Christ is always with us, and He will continue to be with us in the New Year,” he declared.

Drawing from scriptures such as Isaiah 43:2, Jeremiah 1:19, and Psalm 23:4, he underscored the unwavering presence of God in times of trouble and reassured believers that no challenge, enemy, or fear is insurmountable when one embraces the assurance that God is with them.

Apostle Obuobi highlighted the omnipotent nature of God, emphasizing that His power is not derived but is the ultimate source. “The God who is with you is the omnipotent God,” he affirmed, encouraging believers to walk in faith, confident that they have an omnipotent God by their side.

He further expounded on the omniscience and omnipresence of God, emphasizing the comforting truth that God knows everything and is everywhere.

A central theme of the message was the call for believers to accept and believe that God is with them, irrespective of their life circumstances. “It doesn’t matter your position in life; the believer must believe and accept that ‘God is with me,'” Apostle Gyau Obuobi declared.

He emphasised that this belief is not contingent on feelings or external validations, urging believers to stand firm in their faith.

In addressing the inevitability of troubles, the sermon cited the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, illustrating that even in the midst of adversity, God remains present with His people.

He concluded with a passionate call to believers to walk in boldness and confidence, referencing the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:21-23 as an example of divine grace and favour bestowed upon one who acknowledges and believes in the constant presence of God.

“When God is with you, do not fear. Know the God you are with. He who knows the God he serves walks in boldness and confidence,” he said.

PENTECOST NEWS.