Posts in category: Top Stories

The National Youth Quiz of The Church of Pentecost Youth Ministry in its over decade years of existence has successfully meandered its way into the hearts and homes of members of the Church of Pentecost, reviving memories of encounters either as a coach or contestant.

The other significant majority of the observers usually have some facts drawn from National Youth Quiz Competition (NYQC) stories, gathered either by reading or listening. Those who have once contested at any level have once and again had fears apart from the facts. Thus, it’s one thing to hear and it’s one thing experiencing it.

As a contestant, either past or present, one is likely to go into the contest either prepared or unprepared, hopeful or doubtful, expectant or pessimistic and so on based on one’s decision to participate at a particular time, one’s self-confidence in the ability to commit to memory the areas of study provided and a third party, the coach or the inspiring factor.

Usually in January every year, the guidelines surrounding that year’s quiz is circulated by the directorate. Before the advent of a more sophisticated means of information circulation in online spaces like WhatsApp, only the areas of study and other related info are hand-picked from the entire document which was usually read to the hearing of those gathered in a meeting. Such announcements are usually saved for the concluding moments of the meeting. Area/District/Local leaders, depending on the kind of meeting, will quickly note them down somewhere in their diaries for later circulation at their meetings.

It has been proven that the earlier these guidelines are released to the church populace, the more they contribute maximally to the preparation of those interested, leading to great output. It has also been proven that, releasing the guidelines on time and seeing to it that, the hearers with potential required by the competition, get the needed study materials and prepare goes a long way to bringing home laurels even at the National Level.

When it used to have the Question and Answer (Q&A) and Bible Bee Contests fused, contestants faced a great deal of memorization from the archaeology to zoology of the study areas. Sitting arrangements could also be a deciding factor as to who claims the ultimate. Nonetheless, proper preparation is an ingredient one cannot do without, in preparing for the National Youth Quiz.

With a vision put in place to ground the youth and unleash them everywhere, the National Youth Quiz remains a vital arsenal in the hands of leadership to center the hearts and minds of young people on the values and principles of the Kingdom of God repositioned to take their spheres for Christ.

Introduction:

Christmas transcends the realm of tinsel and festivities; it is a sacred season that delves into the very core of Christian theology. At its heart lies the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, an event that holds profound theological significance, grounded in the biblical narrative of the incarnation. This exploration aims to unravel the theological depths of Christmas, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ’s birth, the essence of worship, and the overarching theme of redemption as revealed in the Scriptures.

The Incarnation: God Becoming Man:

Central to the celebration of Christmas is the theological concept of the incarnation. The belief that God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian faith. The Gospel of John articulates this divine mystery: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, ESV). This scripture encapsulates the profound truth that, in the birth of Jesus, God entered into the human experience, bridging the gap between divinity and humanity.

The Apostle Paul further expounds on the incarnation in his letter to the Philippians, stating, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV). Christmas, therefore, becomes a celebration of the humility of God, who willingly took on the limitations of human existence for the redemptive purpose.

Reflecting on the Redemptive Purpose:

The birth of Jesus Christ, as celebrated in Christmas, is intricately woven with the redemptive purpose of God. The Gospel of Matthew recounts the angel’s announcement to Joseph, affirming the significance of Jesus’ birth: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21, ESV). This declaration echoes the prophetic anticipation of a Messiah who would come to bring salvation and reconcile humanity to God.

Isaiah’s prophecy in the Old Testament foreshadows this redemptive purpose: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV). The name “Immanuel” means “God with us,” emphasizing the closeness of God in the act of salvation through the birth of Jesus.

Christmas as a Time for Worship:

Worship is at the core of a Christmas celebration. The shepherds, upon witnessing the angelic proclamation of Jesus’ birth, responded with spontaneous worship: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14, ESV). The Magi, who traveled from the East to worship the newborn King, presented gifts symbolizing the acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine status (Matthew 2:1-12).

Believers approach Christmas as a sacred time of adoration and reverence. The Gospel narratives of the nativity are read and meditated upon, and songs and carols resound with expressions of praise. The act of worship during Christmas becomes a profound acknowledgment of the divine intervention in human history and a response to the immeasurable love demonstrated through the incarnation.

Gratitude and Thanksgiving:

Gratitude is a natural response to the realization of the redemptive purpose embedded in Christmas. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving: “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, ESV). Christmas becomes a season for believers to express gratitude for the unparalleled gift of Jesus Christ, the Savior who brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

The birth of Jesus becomes a testament to the enduring love of God, prompting believers to offer heartfelt expressions of thanks for the grace bestowed upon them through Christ.

Sharing the Message of Salvation:

Christmas is not only a time for personal reflection but also a season for believers to actively share the message of salvation. The Great Commission, as given by Jesus to his disciples, serves as a guiding principle: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, ESV). Christmas becomes an opportune moment to extend invitations to others to partake in the joy and hope found in Christ.

The Gospel of Luke recounts the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, ESV). The inclusivity of this message underscores the universal nature of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Time to Share Love to Others: Being Generous

Christmas is widely regarded as a season of love, compassion, and generosity, echoing the spirit of giving that is central to many cultural and religious traditions. The idea of sharing love and being generous during Christmas is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, as exemplified in the Bible, in the book of Luke, chapter 2, verses 10-11 (NIV):

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”

This passage refers to the angelic announcement to the shepherds about the birth of Jesus Christ. The birth of Jesus is considered the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity, and it serves as a model for believers to follow in their own lives.

The Christmas season, with its emphasis on giving and sharing, provides an opportunity for individuals to reflect on these teachings and to actively demonstrate love and generosity in their communities and wherever they found themselves. It is a time to reach out to others and extending a helping hand.

My Advice for the youth in this season:

Know you are a Child of God: Choose Healthy Alternatives: Choosing healthy alternatives is crucial for your overall well-being. Activities such as smoking, drinking, fornication, among various other harmful habits, can have detrimental effects on your health and your spiritual life. This holiday season, be mindful of the choices you make, recognizing that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The wisdom from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) reminds us, ‘Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.’ Let this truth guide your choices, leading you to glorify God through caring for the precious gift of your body.

Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Spend time with friends and family who support, love, encourage, uplift, inspire, and share similar values. Seek guidance from mentors or role models who have qualities and values you admire. Their wisdom and experience can positively influence your decisions and actions. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can help steer you away from negative behaviors. Remember the bible says “bad company corrupts good character” 1 Cor.15:33

Set Clear Personal Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for yourself. Decide in advance what activities align with your values and morals and commit to avoiding situations that may lead to engaging in harmful habits. Abstain from sexual activities as unmarried youth. Sexual purity is a valuable commitment. “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18, ESV)

Choose Modest Attire: Dressing modestly reflects respect for yourself and others. Choose attire that is tasteful and glorifies the Lord. “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.” (1 Timothy 2:9, NIV)

Practice Self-Control: Exercise self-control in all aspects of your life, avoiding excessive behaviors that can lead to negative consequences. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

Reflect on the True Meaning of Christmas: Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the love, joy, and hope He brings. “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'” (Luke 2:10, ESV)

Seek Forgiveness and Redemption: If you’ve made mistakes, seek forgiveness, and commit to a path of redemption. Christmas is a season of grace and renewal. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, ESV)

During this season, I encourage not only Christians but also those who may not share the same faith or have temporarily stepped away from it to stir themselves up. Consider joining various conventions, gatherings, or reflective events to create space for divine visitations and spiritual experiences.

Reflect on the profound love that God has shown us through the gift of Jesus Christ during Christmas. Regardless of your current beliefs, take this time to ponder the message of love, joy, and peace that is at the heart of the Christmas story.

Reciprocating this love involves not only reaching out to others with kindness but also turning inward to express gratitude and love towards the divine. Seek moments of introspection and connection with the spiritual aspects of this season.

Remember the universal message of love, compassion, and goodwill that Christmas embodies. It’s an opportunity for everyone, regardless of their faith journey, to experience a sense of renewal, hope, and divine presence.

As you celebrate the season, may it be a time of reflection, spiritual awakening, and a rekindling of love both towards others and towards the divine.

Conclusion:

Christmas is a multifaceted celebration that unfolds the theological richness of the incarnation. Through the lens of Scriptures, believers delve into the mystery of God becoming man, reflecting on the redemptive purpose embedded in Christ’s birth. The celebration is not confined to rituals and traditions but serves as a platform for worship, gratitude, and the proclamation of salvation to a world in need. Christmas becomes a profound theological journey, an invitation to encounter the living God who entered human history to bring hope, joy, and eternal life.

Written by Elder Johnson Nyormah (Pentecost University)

As Ghana celebrates its 39th Farmers Day, it is essential to reflect on the pivotal role farmers play in the nation’s prosperity. This occasion serves as an opportune moment to consider the integration of smart farming technologies, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient agricultural future.

The church, as a central institution in many Ghanaian communities, can play a crucial role in promoting smart farming and sustainable agriculture practices. By leveraging its influence and outreach, the church can contribute significantly to the adoption of modern agricultural technologies among its members.

The church can initiate awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the benefits of smart farming technologies. This could include organizing workshops, seminars, and demonstrations in collaboration with agricultural experts. By disseminating information on precision farming, automated machinery, and eco-friendly practices, the church can empower farmers to embrace technological advancements in agriculture.

Furthermore, the church can facilitate partnerships between farmers and technology providers. This could involve connecting local farmers with organizations specializing in agricultural technology, ensuring that they have access to the latest tools and innovations. Such collaborations can open avenues for funding, training, and ongoing support, making it easier for farmers to integrate smart farming practices into their operations.

In 2022, The Church of Pentecost, through its social services wing, Pentecost  Social Services (PENTSOS), commissioned a 10-acre solar-powered irrigation farm project at Tanga in the Northern Region.

Highlighting the scope of the project, the Operations Coordinator of PENTSOS, Elder Ing. Frank Adutwum stated that the project, which cost GHS 290,000.00, has three boreholes, supplying about 70,000 litres (15,400 gallons) of water for eight hours daily. Two boreholes have also been connected to solar pumps delivering about 50,000 litres of water into four installed Polytanks, while the remaining borehole operates on a generator. In addition, a drip irrigation technology has been installed on a three-acre portion of the land to ensure adequate supply of water on the farmland.

Because of this laudable project, young people in Tanga no longer have to migrate to the south in search of non-existing greener pastures during the dry season.

In addition to practical support, the church can incorporate agricultural themes into its teachings and sermons. Emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship of the land and resources aligns with the principles of sustainability. By integrating these messages into religious teachings, the church can foster a mindset that values and embraces advancements in agriculture for the greater good.

Ultimately, the church’s involvement in promoting smart farming in Ghana can extend beyond the spiritual realm to positively impact the economic and environmental well-being of its congregants. Through education, partnerships, and advocacy, the church can contribute significantly to the modernization of agriculture and the improvement of livelihoods for farmers across the country.

Smart farming is not just a practical choice; it is a moral imperative. It aligns with the sacred duty of stewardship bestowed upon us. Thus, in promoting smart farming, the church not only secures the physical well-being of its congregation but also nurtures a legacy of responsible guardianship of the earth. The fields, once plowed by hands, can now be cultivated with the wisdom of technology, ensuring a future where the fruits of our labor are abundant, sustainable, and blessed. For in the communion of faith and farming, lies the promise of a flourishing Ghana for generations to come.