Embracing God's Design & Intentions Navigating The Godly Landscape Of Marriage web

Embracing God’s Design & Intentions: Navigating The Godly Landscape Of Marriage

In a world undergoing profound transformations across all facets of life, marriage faces its share of challenges and changes. In this dynamic landscape, the institution of marriage, ordained by a divine covenant, has come under scrutiny. Divergent humanistic ideologies, such as LGBTQI+, challenge its traditional concept. These secular humanistic ideologies clash with the original divine design of marriage and have become strong waves wrestling against the truth. They toss infants in the body of Christ back and forth, sometimes blowing some people away from the kingdom of the beloved Son, Jesus. Thus, the body of Christ must refocus on the fundamental intentions of God regarding marriage in this evolving world.

Marriage can be succinctly defined as a sacred covenant established by God between a man and a woman, determined by their biological birth and culminating in the union of husband and wife. Unfortunately, contemporary society has witnessed the rise of alternative views and relationships that challenge this conventional understanding. These shifts have led the body of Christ to contend with important questions about the sanctity of marriage and family life.

The institution of marriage originated in the Garden of Eden. The first-ever union between Adam and Eve officiated and witnessed by the Almighty God, marked the inception of marriage. This foundational event, recorded in Genesis 2:23, happened in the presence of God. This underscores the divine intention that every marriage should be established in the presence of God, making Him the primary witness. As Malachi 2:14b emphasises, “The Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth.” This transcends mere physical spaces like church buildings and underscores the spiritual foundation upon which marriages should be built. Thus, marriages should be officiated and established in an environment saturated with the Spirit of God.

God’s creation, including marriage, serves a specific purpose. The intention behind the institution of marriage is clear in Scripture. Christ likened Himself to the bridegroom and Christians to the bride, illustrating that marriage should mirror God’s intended relationship with humanity. Therefore, God designed marriage to be a tangible representation of His love and devotion to humanity.

In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, showcasing the nature of God’s love for humanity. This love transcends circumstances and situations, requiring husbands to love their wives unconditionally. Likewise, wives are urged to submit to their husbands, mirroring the Church’s submission to Christ. Marriage serves as a platform to explicitly convey the image of the unconditional love He (Christ) has for us and the submission Christ expects from humanity. It is, therefore, essential for believers to uphold their marriages with dignity and the mind of Christ to glorify Him.

Unfortunately, in contemporary society, many marriages seem to defy the biblical principle that the husband is the head of the household, just as Christ is the head of the Church. While empowerment and equality are vital in various aspects of life, marriage represents an exception. The intention of God is for wives to respect the headship of their husbands in the same way the Church respects the headship of Christ. Empowerment should not lead to competition for headship. Christ empowers the Church in numerous ways, yet the Church never seeks to unseat Christ’s position as its head. Similarly, empowered wives should not vie for leadership within the marriage. It is God’s intention that marriage showcases the unwavering submission of humanity to Christ and places Him in His rightful position as the head of all their endeavours.

In conclusion, it is essential to recognise that these intentions of God regarding marriage reflect His glory. They hold a special place in His heart, as marriage serves as a conduit through which His glory will be revealed. It is the duty of every Christian in marriage to uphold these divine intentions and honour the institution of marriage as a means to enlighten the world about its significance.

Written by: Elder Michael Boakye (Macedonia Assembly, Kronom District, Suame Area)

Apostle Edzii Davidson Fellowships With MPWDs Assembly web

Apostle Edzii Davidson Fellowships With MPWDs Assembly

The Offinso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, with the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) Assembly in the Offinso Obuasi District of the Church on Communion Sunday.

According to Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, the purpose of his visit was to fellowship with the members and to officially share with them the new vision direction of the Church for the next five years, dubbed “Possessing the Nations (Phase II).”

Before administering the Lord’s Supper, the Offinso Area Head, Apostle Edzii Davidson, gave the congregants an exposition on the 2024 theme of the church: “A People of God Unleashed to Transform Their World.”

Reading from 1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8, Daniel 5:3, and Genesis 37:37, the Area Head drove home the fact that God has intentionally positioned everyone wherever they find themselves for the sole purpose of bringing transformation to those spheres.

This, he expressed, can only be done after one has been unleashed. He mentioned names like Abraham, who, until he was unleashed, was only restricted to the four walls of his father’s home. But when unleashed, he transformed his world by feeding hundreds of people as an embodiment of God’s blessing. Other examples of people who transformed their world he mentioned were Joseph and Daniel.

Bringing his message to a close, Apostle Edzii Davidson outlined the various topics to be treated in the year and charged the brethren to avail themselves as God’s tools for transformation in their worlds of life.

As part of their visit, which took place on February 4, 2024, Apostle Samuel and Mrs. Winifred Edzii Davidson, on behalf of their family and the Offinso Area, presented two crutches, one wheelchair, assorted food items worth GH¢ 6250.00, and a cash donation of GH¢ 1000.00 to the Assembly.

Elder Sylvester Twum Barima, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Physically Challenged Action Foundation Center, received the items on their behalf and expressed their profound gratitude to the Area Head and the Offinso area for their visit.

Also present at the ceremony were Pastor Austin Kofi Fuachie (Offinso Obuasi District Minister), as well as the Offinso Area Women’s Ministry Leader and her assistant.

Report by Pastor Austin Kofi Fuachie (Offinso Obuasi District)

Be Unleashed With Kingdom Values And Principles – Apostle Kotei Djani web

Be Unleashed With Kingdom Values And Principles – Apostle Kotei Djani

The Techiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Isaac Nii Kotei Djani, has called on members of the Church to avail themselves to be unleashed with the values and principles of God’s kingdom to transform their spheres. 

According to him, Christians need to acknowledge the exceptional value of the kingdom of God as people who have been saved and commissioned to cause massive transformation.

Apostle Nii Kotei Djani, who also serves as the Coordinator for the Bono and Ahafo Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) of the Church, made the call when speaking at the Techiman Area Ministers and Officers Retreat (Apostolisation) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Delivering the sermon on “Living by the values and principles of the Kingdom of God,” which is one of the topics under the 2024 theme, he explained that “the Kingdom of God is the domain of God’s influence, where His power, glory, and full nature is witnessed.”

With scripture references from 1 Peter 2:9, Apostle Kotei Diani stressed that “the foundation of Christianity is the values and principles of God’s Kingdom, which helps transform the saved soul, gets rid of their old character, and receive the character of God.”

He went on to note that the Bible is the foundation of God’s kingdom and the salvation of every believer, adding that it contains a guide on how a Christian can live in a godly manner. 

The Techiman Area Head disclosed that God expects Christians to go out and transform societies with the values and principles of His Kingdom, which they have come to gain under his feet.

He, therefore, called on Christians to always exhibit the principles of love, gratitude, self-control, and integrity so that unbelievers will see Christ in them and be transformed. 

PENTECOST NEWS

Asenemaso District Donates To Orphanage web

Asenemaso District Donates To Orphanage

The Asenemaso District in the Abuakwa Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated assorted items valued at GHS 10,200.00 and a cash amount of GHS 2,000.00 to the King Jesus Orphanage Home at Boadi, near Kumasi.

The items comprised rice, clothes, pieces of wax prints, toiletries, sachet and bottled water, soft drinks, and various food items. Members within the district voluntarily donated the items to support the inmates of the Home. 

The District Minister, Pastor Peter Quayson, and his wife, Mrs Divina Quayson, backed by the District Youth Ministry, presented the items to the beneficiaries during a visit to the orphanage on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

The donation forms part of the church’s social responsibility to make the world a better place to live, especially for the underprivileged. 

The Assistant Administrator to the King Jesus Orphanage, Madam Mercy, receiving the items, expressed her appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for the gesture. She appealed to individuals and other institutions to emulate this worthy cause. 

The children at the orphanage sang songs and slogans to express their appreciation for God and the Church.

Report by Pastor Peter Quayson.

John Aidoo Is The Highest Soul Winner In Agona Swedru Area web

John Aidoo Is The Highest Soul Winner In Agona Swedru Area

John Aidoo, a deacon of The Church of Pentecost in the Kuntanse District of the Agona Swedru Area, single-handedly won 55 souls for Christ in 2023, making him the highest soul winner in the Area.

The Agona Swedru Area Secretary of the Church, Pastor George Osei-Asiedu, disclosed this during the Area’s 2023 End-of-Year Presbytery Meeting held recently in Swedru. 

The commitment of Deacon Aidoo to soul-winning moved the Area Head, Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, to instantly ordain him as an Elder of the Church at the meeting. 

With the support of his District Minister, Pastor Charles Boateng Asante, all 55 new converts have been baptised by immersion. 

Apostle Mireku, upon assumption of office, introduced award systems to honour members who commit themselves to soul-winning and other key performance indicators.

The Area Head’s passion for soul-winning resulted in the harvest of souls recorded in the Area as contained in the 2023 report. 

The Area Secretary, Pastor George Osei-Asiedu, on his part, encouraged now Elder John Aidoo and all other officers of the Church to keep doing the work of an evangelist to win more souls for Christ this year. 

Report by Probationary Overseer Solomon Boadi (Otsenkorang District)

New Tafo Area Spends Over GHS 100,000 On Education Of Members web

New Tafo Area Spends Over GHS 100,000 On Education Of Members

The New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the headship of Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, spent a total amount of GHS 108,619.39 on educational sponsorships to support needy but brilliant members in the Area at various levels of education last year.

Disclosing this at the 2023 End-of-Year Area Presbytery meeting held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the M. K. Yeboah Memorial Temple, the Area Deacon, Elder Dr. Stephen Sarfo Kantanka, detailed that out of the 22 beneficiary students, 15 of them are at the Pentecost University (PU), while the rest are in other public universities.

He indicated that GHS 95, 537.00 out of the total amount was spent on the 15 students studying at PU, with the remaining GHS 13,082.39 for the 7 students in other public universities, which mostly involved the payment of admission fees, academic fees, and facility user fees for both fresh and continuing students.

He emphasised the Area’s commitment to sponsoring the educational pursuits of members.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Vision 2028 Is Here To Transform Society – Apostle Eric Nyamekye web

Vision 2028 Is Here To Transform Society – Apostle Eric Nyamekye

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has called on officers of the Church to gracefully embrace “Vision 2028” in order to foster the transformation of society.

In his sermon, Apostle Nyamekye emphasised the importance of leadership and vision in the church.

He stated, “God always gives his people leaders. The Vision given to the leader by God is for the whole church, not for a single individual.”

He said this on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, during a presentation on the “Rationale For Theme 2024” during the Takoradi Area Apostolisation service. The event, which began on February 6, 2024, is set to conclude on February 11, 2024.

He praised the officers of The Church of Pentecost, describing them as the custodians of the church.

He said, “Our officers are our most important constituents. Their faithful service has made the church what it is today.”

Apostle Nyamekye urged the officers to own and work with the vision, stating, “We need to imbibe the vision into the officers.”

He discussed the church’s ‘Vision 2028’, which seeks to “unleash the whole church to transform their world with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.”

He explained the concept of unleashing as “to cause the tremendous power locked up in the church to be released for the transformation of society.”

He added, “We all have power granted to us by God, and we are to release that tremendous power to the world to transform it.”

Apostle Nyamekye stressed the importance of upholding principles in workplaces to prevent corruption.

He explained that transformation takes two forms: the conversion of the soul and the conversion of society through the Gospel.

He emphasised the church’s responsibility to illuminate the world with Kingdom values and principles to combat societal corruption.

The Chairman stressed the importance of lighting up the world with Kingdom values and principles.

He said, “As light of the world, we are to go into the world and light up the world with Kingdom values and principles.”

He reaffirmed that Christ as the ultimate life-transformer and encouraged attendees to embody His teachings in their daily lives.

He concluded by reminding officers of the theme for 2024, “a people of God unleashed to transform their world,” and urged them to live within the values of the Kingdom for the world to see.

He said, “As people of the Kingdom, let us live within the values of the Kingdom for the world to see. We must intentionally raise our children to impact the state.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

Deaconess Ochil Appointed First Female DDNS Of Ghana Armed Forces2 web

Deaconess Linda Ochil Appointed First Female Soldier DDNS Of Ghana Armed Forces

Chief Petty Officer  (CPO) 1, Mrs. Linda Ochil, a Deaconess of The Church of Pentecost, has become the first female soldier to be promoted to the rank of Deputy Director Nursing (DDNS) at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Mrs. Ochil, a nurse midwife at the 37 Military Hospital, achieved this remarkable milestone, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the military.

With her dedication and commitment to her profession, Mrs. Ochil has not only excelled in her military duties but has also played an integral role in her community.

Deaconess Ochil worships at the Jubilee Assembly of Burma Camp Worship Centre, where she serves as the Local Women’s Ministry Leader.

Her lastest feat has exemplified her leadership qualities both within and beyond the confines of the church, which aligns with the “Possessing the Nations” agenda of The Church of Pentecost.

PENTECOST NEWS

KNUST SRC President Pays Courtesy Call On PENSA-KNUST Campus Pastor web

KNUST SRC President Pays Courtesy Call On PENSA-KNUST Campus Pastor

Miss Yvonne Osei Adobea, the newly-elected Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), paid a courtesy call on Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye, the PENSA-KNUST Campus Minister of the Church, on February 4, 2024.

The SRC President was warmly received by Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye, his wife, Mrs. Joanna Dwomoh Quaye, and the PENSA-KNUST President, Elder Emmanuel Asare.

According to Miss Adobea, the purpose of the visit was to thank the leadership of PENSA-KNUST for the support she received during the electioneering period and to share her vision with them, seeking future collaboration.

Miss Osei Adobea shared with Pastor Ebo Quaye her insightful vision for KNUST and discussed an admirable ongoing project focused on increasing bed spaces on campus.

She also emphasised her commitment to dispelling misconceptions surrounding women in leadership roles and paving the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.

The SRC President further expressed her readiness to make herself available to PENSA-KNUST whenever called upon.

She then offered a heartfelt prayer that the altar established in PENSA-KNUST would always remember her and that the flame of James McKeown would continue to burn brightly in the church.

She ended her remarks by reiterating her sincere and profound hope that her tenure would demonstrate exemplary Christian leadership.

On his part, Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye extended heartfelt congratulations to her for achieving the major milestone of becoming the first female SRC President of the institution.

He also thanked Miss Adobea for her continuous support towards PENSA-KNUST and the broader Christian community on campus.

“We are also grateful to you for your unwavering dedication to spiritual matters within the campus environment,” he said.

He reassured her of PENSA-KNUST’s steadfast support, love, and prayers for a successful tenure in office.

PENTECOST NEWS.

THE CALEB GROUP OF UNLEASHED PEOPLE OF GOD WEB

The Caleb Group Of Unleashed People Of God: A Pivotal Force To Transform Their World

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Numbers 13:30 – 33, Act 1:8, Heb. 13:6, Philippians 1:6

Self-confidence, an inner belief in one’s abilities and worth is a pivotal force that has the potential to transform not only individual lives but also the world around us. Unleashing self-confidence in an unleashed people of God suggests the idea of empowering God’s people who are already connected to a higher power (God) with self-confidence to bring about transformation in their surroundings. It implies that when such people have a strong belief in themselves and their abilities, they can make a significant impact on their world. The people of God, when unleashed, are connected to God and have the potential to bring about transformation. Being unleashed means they are set free from limitations and barriers, and when equipped with self-confidence, they can transform their world with ease.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical passage, Caleb displayed great self-confidence in Numbers 13:30-33. Despite facing opposition and having to confront giants in the land of Canaan, he remained steadfast and resolute in his belief that they could conquer the land. His unwavering faith in himself and in God’s promise gave him the courage to stand tall and face their challenges head-on. He had in focus the task and the promise of God for them, regardless of the bad report spread across the Israelites by the men who had gone up with him. The transformation of the world comes with its own opposition and push-backs, but the unleashed people ought to stand head-on to push back the push-backs. God might have promised us the power and will to transform our world, but He demands our self-confidence for actualization. There are some people possessing the power and the grace of God on their lives but lack self-confidence. “The coming of the Holy Spirit in one’s life is accompanied by God’s power for works, but the moves depend on self-confidence (Act 1:8). We found this from Peter’s actions on the day of Pentecost. We can as well say with Confidence: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Heb. 13:6). The transformation of the world can be made possible when the unleashed people of God realize their inner strengths and abilities.

THE NEED TO UNLEASH SELF-CONFIDENCE IN THE PEOPLE OF GOD

Do you think self-confidence can impact the abilities of the unleashed people of God to bring about transformation in their world? Yes, it plays a crucial role in their ability to bring about the transformation we are aiming at, for we can do all things through Christ who strengthens them (Philippians 4:13).

In Numbers 13:30-33, we see the mention of two groups of people that God through Moses unleashed them to explore the land of Canaan: The Caleb group and the Caleb escorts group of unleashed people.

THE CALEB GROUP OF UNLEASHED PEOPLE

The Caleb group consisted of Caleb and Joshua, who were among the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. They were known for their self-confidence and faith in God’s promises. Despite the majority of the spies giving a negative report about the land, Caleb and Joshua remained confident in God’s ability to give them victory. This group of people is what we look forward to seeing in the current generation of the unleashed people of God. A people who are ready and energetic to make a positive difference, filled with power in action, and always move with the avowal “We can certainly do it” as in the case of Caleb and Joshua. They are bold and fearless.

THE CALEB ESCORT GROUP OF UNLEASHED PEOPLE

The Caleb escorts group, on the other hand, refers to the rest of the spies who gave a discouraging report. They lacked the same self-confidence as Caleb and Joshua and allowed fear and doubt to cloud their judgment. This lack of self-confidence led to a negative outlook on the situation and caused the Israelites to lose faith in God’s promises.

Despite being spiritual or unleashed with God’s direction, it is another thing to have belief in oneself and one’s abilities. Caleb and Joshua’s self-confidence allowed them to see the potential for success, even in the face of challenges. On the other hand, the lack of self-confidence among the other spies hindered their ability to see beyond their fears and limitations.

THE IMPACTS OF SELF-CONFIDENCE ON THE CALEB GROUP OF UNLEASHED PEOPLE

  • Taking Initiative
  • Overcoming Challenges
  • Inspiring Others
  • Effective Communication
  • Building Relationships

WHEN SELF-CONFIDENCE MEETS SPIRITUALITY; THE CALEB GROUP OF UNLEASHED PEOPLE OF GOD

Self-confidence can have a significant impact on spirituality, as it involves having faith in oneself and in a higher power. In the story of Caleb and Joshua in Numbers 13:30-33, their self-confidence played a crucial role in their spiritual journey.

Caleb and Joshua teach us that self-confidence, when grounded in faith and a higher purpose, can strengthen our spirituality. It enables us to trust in God’s plan for our lives and have the courage to face challenges and pursue our spiritual journey. It reminds us that with belief in ourselves and in a higher power, we can overcome obstacles and fulfill our spiritual potential.

Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who transformed their world through their self-confidence. One such character is David, who, despite being a young shepherd, defeated the giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and a stone. His unwavering belief in his abilities and trust in God’s guidance enabled him to achieve the impossible.

Another example is Esther, who displayed immense self-confidence by risking her life to approach the king and save her people from destruction. Despite the potential consequences, she believed that she had a purpose and that her actions would make a difference. Through her courage and self-assuredness, she transformed the fate of an entire nation.

Possessing self-confidence cannot be overstated. It allows individuals to overcome self-doubt, take risks, and pursue their dreams. Self-confidence breeds resilience and perseverance, enabling individuals to bounce back from failures and setbacks. It empowers people to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and unleash their full potential.

In addition to its impact on individuals, self-confidence plays a significant role in societal and global transformations. When individuals believe in themselves, they are more likely to take initiative, lead, and inspire others. Self-confidence fosters innovation and creativity, as individuals are willing to explore new ideas and take calculated risks. This, in turn, leads to progress and positive change in various aspects of society.

Self-confidence is a pivotal force that has the potential to transform our world. By understanding its meaning and strength, and by drawing inspiration from biblical characters who displayed remarkable self-confidence, we can realize the importance of possessing this attribute in our own lives. Let us strive to embrace self-confidence, overcome our fears and insecurities, and become catalysts for positive change in our world. Let’s position ourselves among the Caleb group of unleashed people of God, for we can certainly do it.

Written by Elder Confidence Assan (Nyamenle Kwagyina District, Axim Area)