Posts in category: Top Stories

Influencing your world as a believer is crucial. However, this does not merely refer to your geographical location but also your spiritual position. Influence involves the effect one person has on another’s behaviour and character and the ability to create positive changes in people’s lives.

According to 1 Corinthians 15:33, if you allow non-Christians to shape your thinking, you will conform to worldly ways instead of following God’s path. Many Corinthians struggled to believe in Jesus Christ’s resurrection because they listened to Jews, such as the Sadducees, or other unbelievers who influenced their thinking. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul seeks to convince the Corinthian church about the certainty of Jesus’ resurrection after His crucifixion. Paul assures them that believers will be resurrected and live eternally in a transformed spiritual body suitable for the celestial realm.

Paul challenges the Corinthians to reconsider their behaviour and to avoid living sinful lives influenced by the worldly desires of heathens. Influence is a spiritual force that can be acquired positively or negatively, and believers are encouraged to be agents of positive influence in all areas of life.

THE INFLUENCER AS A LIGHT AND SALT OF THE WORLD

As a follower of Jesus living the beatitudes, you play a significant role as the salt of the earth. Christians, like salt, preserve what is good in culture and bring the distinctive flavour of God’s values to all aspects of life. Similarly, you are the light of the world, not only maintaining personal holiness but also impacting the lives of those around you. The workplace, in particular, offers an opportunity to share about Christ, but it should be approached with caution. It is essential to fulfil work responsibilities honestly and avoid creating divisions or a hostile environment for non-believers. Instead, by living as people of blessing, Christians can be salt and light, influencing the workplace, homes, and nations.

INFLUENCE THE WORLD TO SHINE LIKE A STAR

Philippians 2:14-15 encourages believers to do everything without grumbling or arguing, becoming blameless and pure in a warped and crooked generation. Complaining and arguing are prevalent in workplaces, where people often express dissatisfaction with various aspects of their lives. However, Christians are called to rise above these tendencies. By trusting God, prioritising others, and showing love in every situation, believers can shine like stars in the sky. Standing out as different in a world of complaining and arguing, they demonstrate the purity and holiness of God.

Consider the impact of your words each day. How often do you complain or argue? By focusing on God and trusting His control, you can avoid complaining. Understanding God’s love for all people will also help you refrain from arguments, instead speaking the truth in love.

May you trust that God is in control, speak words of love and encouragement, and be guided by God to live blamelessly and purely in this world.

Written by Elder Richard Agyem (PENSA Bompata Sector Secretary)

In the journey of faith, believers often face moments of uncertainty when it comes to discerning the voice of God from the voice of Satan. The spiritual battle between good and evil is constant, and the enemy’s deceptive tactics make it crucial for Christians to be equipped with wisdom and discernment. As Christians, we need to pray for the grace to distinguish between the voice of God and the voice of Satan and how to navigate this complex spiritual terrain. Understanding Divine Communication is essential in every Christian journey. Before diving into the nuances of discerning between God’s voice and Satan’s voice, it is essential to comprehend how God communicates with His people. The Bible serves as our primary guide, containing God’s revelations, principles, commandments, and wisdom.

By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we cultivate a solid foundation for discernment. God’s voice can be recognised by its alignment with His character. It embodies truth, love, peace, and righteousness. Understanding His Word and nature enables us to test any voice we hear, comparing it to the divine attributes. Satan, the father of lies, uses deception and tactics to deceive and manipulate believers away from God’s will. His voice often contradicts biblical truth and promotes values contrary to Scripture. Recognising Satan’s methods of deception is critical in discerning his voice from that of God.

Prayer, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and spending time in God’s presence are vital for developing spiritual discernment. As we nurture our relationship with God, we become more attuned to His voice, making it easier to differentiate it from the enemy’s. The Bible instructs believers to test the spirits to ensure they are from God (1 John 4:1). By comparing the voice, we hear with Scripture’s teachings, seeking wise counsel, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can ensure that our discernment is aligned with God’s will.

Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights into recognising God’s voice and learning from any mistakes made while discerning spiritual guidance. God’s grace covers our shortcomings, and it is through humility and a willingness to grow that we continue to hone our ability to discern His voice from Satan’s.

Since we are human and prone to error, we must seek God’s wisdom in all areas of our lives. Through heartfelt prayer, the study of Scripture, and fellowship with mature believers, we can gain insights and guidance that assist us in distinguishing between the voice of God and the voice of Satan.

CONCLUSION:

Discerning the voice of God from the voice of Satan is an ongoing process that requires a deep relationship with God, a thorough understanding of His Word, and an open heart to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in wisdom and discernment, we are repositioned and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, avoiding Satan’s deceptions and consistently hearing God’s voice leading us towards His perfect will for our lives.

Written by Dennis Quaicoe (Axim Area / PENSA-Pentecost University)

On Saturday, July 8, 2023, after returning from the glorious and fantastic Foundation Builders’ Conference held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) by the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, we had our Area Level 2023 Mid-Year Children’s Ministry (CM) meeting. I was so tired and counting on God’s grace to carry me through the meeting.

But two testimonies came up from the various reports, which gave me a new surge of energy to continue dreaming about the ministry and do more as long as God grants us grace. By sharing these testimonies with you, you will be motivated to do more in building up our children for now and in the future.

TESTIMONY 1: TWO MORE CHILDREN-ONLY ASSEMBLIES ESTABLISHED

We took over the leadership of the CM in the Assin Foso Area three years ago, and as part of our plans to double our children’s membership, we shared the idea of establishing Children-Only Assemblies by God’s grace. One of our Districts, Assin Nsuta, took up the challenge, and we piloted the vision there. To the glory of God, that Assembly has grown into a fully-fledged Local Assembly running adult services as well by the end of 2022. Where did the adults come from? Most of them followed their children to church, while some were won over after three years and reached the age of 13 to be baptised and counted as part of our adult membership! Praise God!

What has happened again is that another District, Assin Adiembra, has established two more such Assemblies to the glory of God during the period under review. Most of these children were won through our recent medical outreach and health insurance registration exercise for children in that area. Let’s give these Assemblies some time, no matter how long it takes, and two more fully-fledged Assemblies will be established just like that. What do you think?

My heart is really stirred within me.

TESTIMONY 2: HOLY SPIRIT OPENS UP THE MIND OF A LITTLE GIRL

We introduced Holy Ghost Sundays and Holiday Prayers to ensure that every child leaving the Sunday School into the adult service receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

During the recent one we held in May, while the District Leader for Assin Praso was teaching the children about and leading them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he said, “the Holy Spirit has the power to open up your mind. You are always last in class because you have not been baptised in the Holy Spirit.”

Amidst tears, this little girl asked the teacher, “So, sir, is that why I don’t understand when I study? Then I need Him.” With tears and eagerness to receive the Holy Spirit, the girl was baptised in the Holy Spirit that same day.

The wonderful thing is, after that experience, the teacher decided to follow up with the girl, and to the glory of God, the girl who was once consistently last in her class has tremendously improved in her studies and is now happy.

Now, the question is, who can change the mind of this girl from following the Lord as she grows, considering the personal encounter she has had with Him? Just as Paul said in Romans 8:35-39 that “NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD,” I believe the same can be said of this girl too!

Dear Children’s Worker and all stakeholders who have the raising of godly children at heart, let these testimonies encourage you and continue to forge ahead for the Lord. You may not always be recognised because foundations are not always visible. However, you can’t imagine the grand edifice that the Master Architect, the Lord, is gradually planning to raise on the foundations we build daily. The future of the church will be awesome because God is with you, and you have Him too.

I am a Children’s Worker for Life!

Written by Pastor Samuel Avornyo (Assin Foso Area Children’s Ministry Leader)

INTRODUCTION

The story of Moses meeting God and coming with a shining face of God’s glory is a remarkable event recorded in the Bible. This divine encounter not only highlights Moses’ unique relationship with God but also holds a profound message for the New Testament Church. Through biblical references, we will explore the significance of Moses’ radiant face, its fading glory, and how it relates to the concept of ever-increasing glory in the context of the Church.

MOSES’ ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

In the book of Exodus, we read about Moses’ intimate encounters with God on Mount Sinai. During one such encounter, as Moses communed with the Almighty, his face was transfigured and began to radiate God’s glory. Exodus 34:29 describes it, saying, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.”

THE SHINING FACE OF GOD’S GLORY

The radiant face of Moses signified the divine presence and glory that enveloped him during his communion with God. This radiant glow represented the awe-inspiring majesty, holiness, and power of the Almighty. It was a visible manifestation of Moses’ close relationship with God and the divine authority he possessed as a chosen leader with a divine commission.

THE FADING GLORY

However, the brightness of Moses’ face was temporary. Exodus 34:29 further states, “But afterwards, when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord again.”

The radiance of Moses’ face was a typology of the glory of the Old Testament Church, which was fading. According to 2 Corinthians 3:13, “We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.”

Moses’ face gradually lost its radiance as time passed, and he interacted with the people. The fading glory symbolised that the extraordinary radiance was not an inherent attribute of Moses himself but a reflection of God’s glory bestowed upon him. The temporary nature of this radiance highlighted the limitations of the Old Testament Church and pointed toward a greater glory that would come in the future through the New Testament Church.

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH: DAY OF PENTECOST

The New Testament Church was birthed on the day of Pentecost, as recounted in the book of Acts Chapter 2. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles spoke in different tongues, boldly proclaiming the Gospel to a diverse crowd. The miraculous events of Pentecost marked the beginning of a new era, where the power of the Holy Spirit ignited a movement that would impact the world.

THE CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

The apostle Paul extensively used the metaphor of the Church as the “Body of Christ” in his letters to various congregations. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, he writes, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” This imagery emphasises the unity, diversity, and interdependence within the Church. Each believer, with their unique gifts and talents, contributes to the growth and edification of the Church, leading to ever-increasing glory.

THE CHURCH’S GROWTH AND INFLUENCE

The book of Acts chronicles the rapid growth and impact of the early Church. Acts 2:47 states, “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” This verse highlights the continuous expansion of the Church as more people embraced the message of salvation. The Church’s influence grew, and through its teachings, miracles, and acts of love, it became a beacon of hope and transformation for communities far and wide.

THE CHURCH’S ETERNAL PURPOSE

Ephesians 3:10-11 unveils a profound mystery regarding the Church: “[God’s] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The New Testament Church serves as a vessel through which God’s wisdom is revealed to the spiritual realm. It is a central part of God’s eternal plan, contributing to the ever-increasing glory of His Kingdom.

THE CHURCH’S CALL TO SHINE

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares to His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” These words emphasise the Church’s role in radiating God’s glory and transforming the world. As the Church lives out its calling, it becomes a beacon of hope, drawing people to the abundant life found in Christ.

RELATING MOSES’ DIVINE ENCOUNTER TO THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

In the New Testament, Apostle Paul draws a parallel between Moses’ experience and the transformation happening within the Church. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Paul speaks of a surpassing glory that surpasses the fading radiance of Moses’ face. He explains that as believers in Christ, we have direct access to the glory of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The glory we experience is not temporary but continues to increase and transform us into the image of Christ. It is a process of spiritual growth and sanctification that unfolds throughout our lives, manifesting the ever-increasing glory of God in the New Testament Church.

CONCLUSION

Though temporary, the account of Moses meeting God and his shining face serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative journey of believers in the New Testament Church. We, like Moses, have the privilege of communing with God and experiencing His glory. However, unlike Moses, our access to God’s glory is not transitory but ever-increasing, leading to a continual transformation into the likeness of Christ. As members of the New Testament Church, we are called to embrace this transformative process, allowing the glory of God to shine through us and reflect His love, grace, and power to the world.

Written by Benjamin Mwinbeogre Zii