Posts in category: Top Stories

As the calendar flips over to a new year, it presents us with a fresh start, an opportunity to leave behind the challenges and disappointments of the past and embrace a brighter future. However, merely turning the page on the calendar isn’t enough to create lasting change. To truly embrace the new year with a transformed mindset, it requires introspection, reflection, and a deliberate shift in our thinking. It is a time when people take stock of their past experiences, achievements, and failures. This article seeks to explore practical strategies and perspectives to help you approach the new year with renewed purpose and a transformed mindset.

REFLECT AND LEARN FROM THE PAST

The first step in embracing the new year with a transformed mindset is to reflect on the previous year. An American novelist, Ann Brashares, has said that, “You couldn’t erase the past, you couldn’t even change it but sometimes offers you the opportunity to put it right”. This means that, reflecting on the previous year can provide you with some lessons into the future. These questions can help you in your personal reflection; What were your shortcomings or mistakes? What are the lessons to be learnt? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Be sincere to yourself and take the time to acknowledge your achievements and learn from your mistakes. This introspection will lay the foundation for personal growth and help you navigate the new year with a wiser perspective.

PUT THE PAST BEHIND

Note that,while it is essential to learn from your past, dwelling on it can become a stumbling block to progress. Instead, it is of utmost importance to put the past behind, press on and embrace the new year with renewed mindset. Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Philippians 3:13-14 NIV that, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”One of the primary reasons for putting the past behind is to free ourselves from the burden of regret. Past mistakes and failures tend to weigh one down and prevent one from moving forward. Whether it be missed opportunities, broken relationships, or professional setbacks, the past can haunt you and hinder your growth. It takes lot of strength and courage to put the past behind. Be mindful that, dwelling on what could have been or what went wrong only perpetuates negative emotions and prevents you from making positive changes in your life. By putting the past behind, you allow yourself to focus on the present moment.

PRACTICE FORGIVENESS

Embrace the new year by practicing forgiveness. Forgiving yourself and others can be an incredibly liberating and healing process. You may have committed yourself in something that might have left you with hatred and bitterness. For that reason, you may have cursed and even determined never to forgive yourself. This is the time to free yourself if you truly want to enjoy the blessings in the new year. Holding onto grudges or harboring resentment, be in against yourself or someone, only creates a toxic cycle that further entangles you for the rest of your life when it is not dealt with properly. Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa once said that, “holding unto bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill your enemies”. The truth is that, everyone has been wronged, offended or sinned against at some point in time and this often leaves the individual with pains, hurts and bitterness in the heart. It could come from a very close and trusted relative, friend or even your spouse or children. By forgiving, you release yourself from self-imprisonment and the negative emotions associated with the past and it opens yourself up to new possibilities.

SET MEANINGFUL GOALS

The start of a new year often prompts us to set resolutions. However, setting vague or unattainable goals can lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Instead, focus on setting meaningful and achievable goals that align with your values and aspirations. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable steps and regularly monitor your progress. Setting meaningful goals is a crucial step in achieving success in any aspect of life. Whether it’s personal growth, career advancements, or improving relationships, goal setting provides direction, motivation and a roadmap to success and fulfillment. Without goals, life can feel aimless and unfulfilling, lacking a clear path to follow. Setting meaningful goals allows you to identify what you truly want to achieve and work towards it. It provides a sense of purpose, clarifies priorities, and helps you to stay focused on what truly matters to you.

 Also, meaningful goals help you make the most of your time and resources. Time and energy are finite resources, and setting goals helps you to allocate them wisely. By defining what you want to achieve, you can identify the most effective and efficient ways to reach your goals. This helps avoid wasting time on irrelevant or unimportant tasks, and instead, channel your energy into activities that will bring you closer to your desired outcomes. When you set goals that are meaningful,  you are more likely to be motivated and committed to achieving them. Motivation is crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks, as it provides the drive to keep going even when the going gets tough.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GODLY PEOPLE

Surrounding yourself with goodly people is one of the most important aspects of leading a fulfilling and a spiritually nourishing life. 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV says”Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” The company you keep has a profound impact on your thoughts, actions, and overall well-being. It is therefore, very crucial to intentionally associate yourself  with people who are committed to living a godly lifestyle. Always bear in mind that, the people you surround yourself with can either make, unmake and even break you. Godly people challenge one another to live according to the godly values and hold each other accountable when one deviates from the principles. This accountability helps one to grow and become a better version of him/herself. It prevents you from straying off the path of righteousness and encourages you to continually pursue God’s will for your life. Therefore, as you embrace the new year, I want you to consciously assess all your friends and evaluate their impacts in your life. Be transformed in your mind by renewing some of the people you call ‘friends”, for not everyone can be called a friend.

DEVELOP AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Developing an intimate relationship with God is an essential aspect of leading a fulfilling and purposeful life in the new year. This involves nurturing a deep connection by seeking to understand and align yourself with God’s purpose and plan. One of the first steps in developing an intimate relationship with God is to cultivate a regular and dedicated personal devotional life, that is, daily reading of the Bible, prayer and meditation. Through these practices, you can create a space for communion with the divine. Job 23:12 NIV reads “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread”. You can discipline yourself with the “No Bible, No Breakfast” principle. Ensure you have communion with God before any other thing when you wake from bed. Take God seriously in all that you do.  By setting aside time for these practices daily, you can establish a rhythm of seeking divine connection and ultimately experiencing a deepening sense of intimacy with God.

In conclusion, we have learnt that, embracing the new year with a transformed mindset requires reflecting and learning from the past, putting the past behind you, practicing forgiveness, setting meaningful goals, surrounding yourself with godly people and above all, developing an intimate relationship with God. By implementing these strategies and perspectives, you will navigate the new year with a renewed outlook, allowing for personal growth and a transformed mindset. Welcome the new year with optimism and persistence, and watch as you surpass your own expectations.

Written by Pastor Prince Augustine Ababio (Jema Nkwanta District, Kintampo Area)

 INTRODUCTION

Within the complex fabric of religious doctrines, the issue of whether adherents should engage in the intake of alcohol continues to be a subject of discourse and contention. When considering this matter from a biblical perspective, it is crucial to carefully manage the fine line between cultural interpretations and spiritual instructions. This investigation focuses on the concept of holiness within the temple, highlighting the similarities between the laws in the Old Testament and the belief in the New Testament that believers are themselves temples of the Holy Spirit.

THE OLD TESTAMENT MANDATE

The book of Leviticus provides a clear directive from God to the ministers serving in the temple, emphasising abstinence from alcohol during their sacred duties. “Then the Lord said to Aaron, “You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die. You must observe this as a permanent law from generation to generation. You must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean” (Leviticus 10:8–10, NLT). This command extends beyond mere abstinence and emphasizes the sacredness of the temple as a place dedicated to the worship of God. These priests in the Old Testament were set apart for a holy purpose, and they had to maintain a level of purity and reverence.

THE NEW TESTAMENT PARADIGM

With the advent of the New Testament, a transformative shift occurred in the understanding of believers as temples of the Holy Spirit. This paradigmatic change is articulated in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (NLT), which declares, “Don’t you realise that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” As recipients of the Holy Spirit, New Testament believers carry the divine presence within them, altering the dynamics of their relationship with God and the temple concept.

A CHOSEN RACE, ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AND HOLY NATION

In 1 Peter 2:9, the apostle Peter bestows upon believers a profound identity: a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. This designation emphasises the elevated status of believers in the New Testament era. As royal priests, the call to holiness extends beyond ceremonial duties, permeating every facet of life, from personal conduct to lifestyle choices. This elevated identity underscores the transformative impact of the New Testament paradigm on the way believers navigate their existence, recognising their sacred role in the world.

THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD

Delving deeper into the concept of believers as temples of the LORD, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NLT) reinforces the sanctity of the body. “Don’t you realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body.” This profound truth places a divine claim on the believer’s body, urging them to honour God through their actions and choices.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN THE CONTEXT OF HOLINESS

The central question arises: Should New Testament believers, identified as holy temples of the Holy Spirit, engage in alcohol consumption? Despite cultural and societal variations, a biblical examination is crucial to assessing the impact of such choices on the sanctity of the temple.

Contrary to a common misinterpretation allowing drinking but condemning drunkenness, a nuanced reading presents a more comprehensive view. Passages like Haggai 1:6 (NLT) say, “You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink, but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!” illuminate the spiritual consequences of indulgence, highlighting the persistent emptiness despite material consumption. This challenges the notion that moderate drinking is innocuous for believers, urging a deeper reflection on the spiritual implications of such practices.

MAINTAINING REVERENCE DURING FESTIVE SEASONS AND BEYOND

In the backdrop of the festive season and beyond, where celebrations often include the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the call to holiness within the temple becomes particularly pertinent. The juxtaposition of joyous occasions with the sacredness of the temple prompts believers to navigate these celebrations with mindfulness and spiritual discernment.

CONCLUSION

In the temple of the LORD, believers are called to uphold a standard of holiness that transcends cultural norms and personal preferences. The mandate against alcohol consumption in the Old Testament, reinforced by the New Testament paradigm of believers as temples of the Holy Spirit, underscores the need for conscientious choices. As the Christmas season unfolds, the invitation is extended to believers to partake in the festivities while maintaining a deep reverence for the sanctity of the temple within—the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Written by Pastor Emmanuel Foster Asamoah (Abasraba District)

I was called into full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost when Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy assumed the chairmanship position of the Church and was posted to Kete Krachi, his hometown. Each time he returned home, as the then District Overseer, I became his personal assistant, running errands for him and looking after his welfare.

I am truly distraught to hear about the passing of my bosom kinsman, Apostle Dr. M. K. Ntumy. It is with a somber heart and a reflective mind that I remember the profound legacy he leaves behind. His life was a testament to the values of selflessness, humility, and kindness that he embodied every day.

Dr. Ntumy was a close collaborator to all, though a chairman. His visits to Krachi were not merely official trips; they were homecomings filled with warmth and the shared joy of being among his people. There, he was a friend, a mentor, and a beacon of hope for the youth, especially in Osramanae, his native land. He had a down-to-earth persona, never placing himself above others but rather walking alongside them. His selfless nature was evident in his commitment to service, always prioritizing the well-being of the community over his own comfort.

Even though I was like an errand boy to him, he most often called me “Mr. President”; he did so not to belittle me but to honour the relationship we shared. In his words were echoes of respect and fondness, recognizing the effort and dedication I brought to his assignments. Sometimes, we had to cruise on the Volta Lake in a canoe to places like Nkomi, Atigagorme, etc., with the family to fraternize over a bank.

His kindness was not selective; it was a universal language he spoke fluently and with a genuine smile. He treated everyone with the utmost respect, and his heart was always open to those around him—traits that became hallmarks of his leadership.

Moreover, Apostle Dr. Ntumy’s kind heart touched the lives of many. He had an innate ability to empathize with others and lend a helping hand whenever needed. Whether it was through his charitable works or his genuine concern for the well-being of the townsfolk, he embodied compassion and generosity in their purest forms. Countless individuals can testify to his acts of kindness and the positive impact he made on their lives.

In mourning his passing, we do not just remember the respective roles he played so well; rather, we celebrate the man he was. For those of us touched by his life, let us carry forward the torch of his legacy, illuminating our paths with the principles he lived by. Dr. M. K. Ntumy’s presence will be deeply missed, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations, especially among the Krachi Nchumuru communities.

ADIOS ƆBRESƐ!

Written by Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyenan (Teshie-Nungua Area Head)