God's Ultimate Goal For Christians Is To Be Like Jesus web

God’s Ultimate Goal For Christians Is To Be Like Jesus – Apostle Obuobi Asserts

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The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has asserted that God’s ultimate goal for humanity is to become like Jesus Christ, his Son, to transform their spheres in this crooked world.

Apostle Obuobi noted that Christ-like believers are the only people who can transform their spheres of influence with the values and principles of God’s Kingdom. 

This, he said, places a huge responsibility on the church to raise people who exude the virtues of Christ-likeness as part of its commitment to possess the nations for Christ. 

The General Secretary said this in a presentation on Thursday titled, “Raising Christ-Like Believers To Transform Their Spheres,” at the Heads Prayer Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

He pointed out that, as disciples of Christ, it is expected of them to reflect Jesus’ life and ministry in the world because they have the responsibility to model his life and nature in their spheres of influence, having been loved and chosen by God to reflect his image on earth – 1 John 3:2, Romans 8:29.

Citing 2 Corinthians 2:18 and Galatians 4:19, Apostle Obuobi explained that Christlikeness is for a person to be transformed into Christ’s image and have Christ fully formed in them. He also described Christlikeness as the transformation of a person into the image of Christ and the complete formation of Christ within them.

Touching on the kind of life Jesus led on earth, the General Secretary indicated that as believers assume Christ-like character in this perverse world, they must closely examine and comprehend how Jesus lived during his time on earth, saying, “This is because this is the kind of life we are supposed to demonstrate on earth.”

Just as Jesus lived a godly life and demonstrated power throughout his earthly life, he implored believers to be blameless in all their endeavours and be prayerful to receive more power to do greater works.

Apostle Samuel Obuobu identified love for others, humility, showing forgiveness, the ability to sacrifice, and spreading the good news as some of the characteristics that Christ-like believers ought to cultivate.  

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost Donates To Oduman Polyclinic web

The Church of Pentecost Donates To Oduman Polyclinic

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The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost donated medical equipment valued at GHS 20,900.00 to the Oduman Polyclinic near Ablekuma in the Greater Accra region on November 9, 2023.

The Area Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) Coordinating Committee, operating under the guidance of the Area Head, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, identified specific needs within the facility during a visit. Subsequently, steps were taken to address some of the expressed needs to the best of their ability.

Addressing the leadership of the facility, the Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye emphasised that this gesture is a manifestation of the Church’s commitment to the “possessing the nations” agenda.

He expressed hope that the donated items would be utilised effectively to enhance healthcare delivery in the facility.

The medical equipment presented to the facility includes a patient’s monitor, a washing machine (14kg capacity), a baby’s cot, a stretcher, and a bed screen.

Mr. Ernest Osei, on behalf of the leadership of the facility, received the items and extended heartfelt appreciation to the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area for demonstrating great concern for the facility. However, he expressed a request for further assistance, suggesting that the Church consider aiding in the establishment of an emergency centre to attend to urgent cases.

Present at the brief ceremony were Pastors Frank Awuah Fordjour (Area Executive Committee Member), Andrews Eshun (Area Executive Committee Member), Solomon Azagisiya (Area PENTSOS Coordinator), and other ministers within the Area.

Report by Pastor Solomon Azagisiya (Area PENTSOS Coordinator)

Five Gallant Officers Bow Out Of Active Service web

Five Gallant Officers Bow Out Of Active Service

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The Kentinkrono District in the Bompata Area of The Church of Pentecost held a retirement service in honour of five officers of the Church who dedicated several years in service to God and the church.

The glorious service, chaired by Apostle Victor Kwasi Asamoah (Bompata Area Head), took place at the Rev. Osgood Ennin Memorial Temple (ROEMT), Kentikrono-Nsenie, on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

The retirees, consisting of three Elders and two Deaconesses, were recognised for decades of meritorious service to The Church of Pentecost. Elder Seth Owusu-Nimako served for 17 years, Elder Edwin Osei Sekyere for 26 years, and Elder Kwabena Kwakye for an impressive 38 years. Additionally, Deaconess Elizabeth Botah served faithfully for 43 years, and Deaconess Gifty Oppong devoted 38 years to the Church.

The event saw the attendance of distinguished personalities, including Apostle Norman Appiah Danquah (Walewale Area Head), Pastor Ernest Kwabena Addo (Kentinkrono District Minister), Pastor Andrews A. Asamoah (Ayigya District Minister), and Pastor Emmanuel Twumasi (Asafo District Minister & Bompata Area Evangelism Leader).

Apostle Victor Asamoah delivered a profound message during the service on the topic “Looking for Christ’s Interest,” based on Philippians 2:20-22. He emphasised the great responsibility that comes with being an officer of the church and highlighted the rewards that await those who faithfully serve.

Encouraging the congregation to prioritise the things of the Lord, Apostle Asamoah cautioned against entrusting all resources, time, love, and mind solely into worldly pursuits. He reiterated the eternal value of dedicating all resources to the work of God.

Other individuals who also graced the occasion were Pastor Bright Asare (Tafo Ahenbronom District), Pastor William Quainoo (Ekwe District Minister, Axim Area), Pastor Silas Boateng (Rtd), Elder Francis Adusei (Bompata Area Deacon), Elder Nana Ohene Fredua Agyemang, Elder Joseph Hagan, and Mrs. Rita Adainoo, among others.

Report by Elder Immanuel Asamoah Maclean (FlashVisions)

Catch them Young web

Catch Them Young! – Professor Emeritus Adei Urges Churches To Prioritise Basic Education

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Professor Emeritus Stephen Adei, former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), is urging Christian denominations to prioritise basic education due to its pivotal role in shaping the lives of children.

While acknowledging the commendable efforts of churches in higher education, Prof. Adei stressed the importance of early intervention in primary and secondary education. He cautioned against neglecting these foundational stages while focusing solely on university-level education.

Speaking on the topic ‘Raising Godly Families to Impact the Church and the State’ during the ongoing 2023 November Heads Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh near Kasoa, Prof. Adei expressed concern about the infiltration of unchristian curricula and amoral textbooks in basic education. He attributed this phenomenon to external influences, particularly from decadent western societies leveraging financial aid as leverage.

According to Prof. Adei, the church should not only advocate for moral and spiritual content in basic schools but should establish its own Christian schools to create a Christ-centered educational environment.

“The focus on tertiary education at the expense of pre-university education was not the best approach,” he remarked, calling for a shift in attention.

Highlighting the societal consequences of neglecting basic education, Prof. Addai stressed that the failure to instill godly values in children has a lasting impact on society.

He urged the church to actively engage in basic schools, stressing the importance of catching children young to nurture them as emissaries of positive transformation.

Beyond education, Professor Adei turned his attention to the Christian home, urging Christians, especially ministers, to invest in building godly marriages at all cost.

He emphasised the central role of the family in God’s plan for salvation, asserting that the family is the institution the church can engage with seven times a week.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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Christians Must Demonstrate Kingdom Values And Principles – Apostle Dr Quampah

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An Executive Council Member and Ho Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Oliver Dela Quampah, has emphasised the need for Christians to demonstrate practical kingdom values in every facet of their lives.

According to him, the weak institutions and numerous unethical practices today are the product of deviant moral values like corruption, ingratitude, intolerance, irresponsibility and lack of self-control.

Apostle Dr Quampah made this known when he presented a paper on ‘Living by the values and the principles of the kingdom of God’ today at the ongoing Heads’ Prayer Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

He intimated that the syndrome of irresponsibility, notably the ‘blame game,’ is a trait humanity has inherited from their first parents, Adam and Eve.

“I believe the whole course of human history would have been different if Adam had taken responsibility for their actions and apologised to God when he sinned in the Garden of Eden. Eve also conveniently used the serpent as her scapegoat. Hence, the blame game has persisted in human history,” he argued and cited Genesis 3:3-13 to buttress his points.

Apostle Dr Quampah, who also doubles as the Coordinator of the Volta and Oti Regional Coordinating Committee, averred that courage and perseverance are needed to address and uphold the values and kingdom principles to make a difference in the bid to possess the nations.

He advised Christians to recognise the value exhibited by others and, more importantly, develop an appreciation culture and perpetuate the positive influence of humility.

PENTECOST NEWS

Prepare To Be Remoulded To Make A Difference web

Prepare To Be Remoulded To Make A Difference – Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua

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The Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, has challenged Christians to be remoulded to live as a people of God.

According to him, God is looking forward to empowering and equipping his people for the work of ministry and, therefore, requires people who are prepared to be broken, melted, moulded and saturated to make a difference in this changing world.

Presenting a paper on the topic, “The Church as people of God,” at the ongoing November Heads’ meeting, comprising Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, National/Area Heads, Ministry Directors, VC/Principals and Deans of the church’s higher learning institutions, at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, Apostle Prof Agyapong-Kodua intimated that “like broken particles of clay, we can be remoulded to live as the people of God.”

He added that “the quest to be remoulded should not be based on mere obedience to laws but on a life yielded unto God and saturated by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. 

“It is a life broken, melted, moulded and saturated by God that will make the difference God requires of us.”

The PU Vice Chancellor asserted that God desires a group he can call his people. He added that the church as the Holy City of God, the bride of God, the new Jerusalem, among other scriptural derivations, affirms that God’s call and invitation to humanity is not an afterthought but a carefully planned agenda beyond any advanced post-modern development. 

Apostle Agyapong-Kodua also admonished that the church, as a people of God, must do away with sinful desires because they distort their real identity as children of God. 

“Sin distorts God’s agenda of having a community that looks like him,” he said, adding that the purpose of the church is to live and showcase the righteousness of God to please him. 

PENTECOST NEWS

Teach What You Want Your Members To Become web

Teach What You Want Your Members To Become – Apostle Nyamekye Advises Christian Leaders

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has underscored the crucial role of sound teaching in shaping the beliefs and conduct of church members.

“Teaching affects belief systems, and that affects conduct; thus, the Church must teach what we want the members to become,” the Chairman said when he delivered the keynote address at a ceremony to officially unveil the 2024 theme of the Church. The unveiled theme for 2024 is “A People Unleashed to Transform Their World” (1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8).

Addressing a gathering of heads and ministry directors from the church representing 150 nations at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), at Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, Apostle Nyamekye reminded the leaders that the focus of the Great Commission extends beyond the Church and into the world.

“The Great Commission is not just about winning souls but discipling nations,” he emphasised.

He asserted that for the nations to be discipled, members of the church must be unleashed into all spheres. However, this can only be effective when the people are taught the ways of the Kingdom.

Apostle Nyamekye further stressed that the faith of believers must be built through sound teachings for them to truly have substance to transform their spheres, stating, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Referencing John 4:40–42, Apostle Nyamekye noted that the Samaritans believed because of what Jesus taught them, not merely what they heard from the woman.

He called for a teaching pattern that prompts members to leave the church walls and impact their spheres.

The Chairman challenged all church leaders to embrace roles as both evangelists and teachers.

Unleashing people, according to him, means entering the world to build a better world.

“When people come to church, let us raise them to go into their spheres to touch lives,” he added.

Apostle Nyamekye, therefore, urged church leaders to teach their members to view their secular jobs as secular ministries and a call to serve.

He enumerated some vital issues, emphasizing that people of faith should practice what they have learned from Scripture in various contexts.

He advised them to allow God’s word to shape their conscience and highlighted the importance of a holistic view of life.

Domestic life, according to him, is a calling and worship to God, urging Christians to strive to be the best in everything – the best husband, best wife, best teacher, best judge, etc.

He also implored Christians to note that the Church unleashed embraces all – multicultural, multiracial, and ‘multi-all.’ However, he clarified that the unleashed Church is not opposed to ministering to a targeted group if the circumstances so demand.

He encouraged all Christians to allow God’s word to shape their conscience, emphasizing that the preoccupation of the church unleashed is that everyone should come to Christ.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Unleash The Church To Arrest The Ills Of The World web

Unleash The Church To Arrest The Ills Of The World – Church Leaders Told

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged Christian leaders to consciously unleash their church members to transform the world and its systems with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 theme of the Church during the Heads’ meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Apostle Nyamekye stated, “The only remedy for the ills and troubles of the world today lies at the doors of the church, for we are the light of the world.”

According to him, the full potential of the church would manifest through its rise, and that if the church fails to rise, darkness will cover the earth.

Apostle Nyamekye further stated that it would be an anathema for the church to remain silent and merely rejoice in the Lord rising upon her.

“The Church, like Zion, should be concerned about her friends; the light of the world is within the Church,” he emphasised.

Quoting from Isaiah 60 and 61:1 and 21, the Chairman expounded that when the church, the light of the world and salt of the earth, remains silent, society lingers in darkness, ignorance, poverty, and moral decadence.

Apostle Nyamekye bemoaned the inactivity of the church in influencing the outside world when ‘the church has unraveled power to address the ills and troubles of the world today.’

Observing that the church is in a deep sleep, he described the situation as the ‘Church’s courage has been plagued with cowardice.”

He called on Church leaders to recognise that the mandate of the church is to avert decay wherever it is found.

The Chairman also proposed that the Church does not need new denominations or conferences but fire to unleash her.

“If we can awaken and unleash the tremendous power warmed up in the Church, Christianity will explode with unprecedented growth,” he remarked.

Placing the Church in her right context, Apostle Nyamekye stressed that the Church is a strategic orchestration of God to achieve His divine purposes and plans.

He observed that the Church is the conduit through which the manifold wisdom of God is revealed and the mysteries of redemption expressed. “The whole universe is waiting for us,” he charged.

Enumerating the core task of the Church, Chairman Nyamekye indicated that the church is the avenue to train Kingdom-minded people to unleash them into the world to make God famous again.

He said this role called for unleashing the church with a violent force that cannot be resisted, controlled, or hindered.

Revealing the theme for 2024 as “A People Unleashed to Transform Their World,” Apostle Nyamekye explained ‘unleashing the Church’ to mean ‘a call to every member of the local church to be involved in some form of ministry (service) outside the four walls of the Church with the sole aim of projecting the values and principles of the Kingdom of God in their spheres.’

He made a fervent call on Christians to take up this mandate to positively affect everywhere they are with the true light of the Kingdom of God, emphasising that the kind of culture that rules the world is the culture determined by the generation of Christians.

“The effect of the Church’s light will influence the culture that rules the world,” he mentioned.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Catch Vision 2028 And Run With It web

Catch Vision 2028 And Run With It

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The Vision 2028 was clearly unveiled, 

Strategies carefully outlined and actions well detailed,  

And it’s timely message engaged and rightly nailed, 

For a time bound mission that cannot fail. 

These are not words that appeal to the ears 

But a message that brings grace to the hearers 

Backed by great power to the bearers,  

Raising strong pillars for God to become winners, 

And transforming all spheres in societies.  

Come on, church, come on all nations.  

The LORD is gathering His gallant soldiers, 

An equipped army not after the world’s pleasures, 

But to preach the message of the cross and it’s treasures. 

See the fearless generation that match across all borders, 

A people that send the message to even toddlers,  

For the vision they effortlessly carry on their shoulders,  

Until all and sundry become partakers,  

And the lost and wanderer become brothers.

 

The vision has been clearly defined,  

The foundations have been strongly laid, 

Timelines and deadlines have been set, 

The strategies have been mounted and 

The church has been thoroughly equipped,  

And unleashed for the greater task ahead.   

As heralds, they impact and transform their world.  

Indeed, all is set to run with the vision 2028

Rise up and catch the divine vision, 

For the world is sinking in illusion, 

Where pluralism and worldviews promote delusion, 

And dying and desperate souls seek liberation.  

Rise up and raise His banner of salvation, 

For the vision cannot wait while souls perish in anguish. 

Rise up and transform your world,  

For it’s is our time to serve the LORD’S purpose.

  

Catch the vision and run with it, for greater is the reward that awaits us.  

Catch the vision and run with it, for judgment awaits us tomorrow for what we believe, what we stand for and what has been entrusted into our hands.  

Catch the vision and run with it, for it is time bound and cannot wait or delay.

  

Written by Overseer Ernest Kojo Akorli (Kpasenkpe District)

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENJOYING YOUR YOUTH & DESTROYING YOUR FUTURE web

Understanding The Difference Between Enjoying Your Youth & Destroying Your Future

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“Your youth is a canvas of adventure; paint it with memories, not regrets.”

ENJOYING YOUR YOUTH

In the boundless tapestry of life, youth is the most vibrant thread, woven with dreams, adventures, and an undying spirit of exploration. It’s a time when the world stretches before us like an open road, beckoning us to embark on cheering journeys. Our hearts beat to the rhythm of freedom, and laughter dances in the air. But amid this cheering dance with youth, there exists an unstable question, one that whispers in the quiet moments when the music fades: Are we crafting a life worth celebrating or sowing the seeds of our own regret? This question, as age-old as time itself, forms the heart of our exploration today. We find ourselves at the crossroads of pleasure and responsibility, faced with the mysterious dichotomy of enjoying our youth and preserving our future. It’s a journey that touches the very essence of human existence—a quest to uncover the fine line between embracing the present and securing what lies ahead.

Join me as we navigate this intricate terrain, where moments of reckless abandon can collide with the weight of our aspirations. We’ll navigate through stories of happiness and despair, drawing valuable insights to discern the difference between celebrating youth and unwittingly sabotaging our tomorrows. Welcome to the profound exploration of “Understanding the Difference Between Enjoying Your Youth and Destroying Your Future.”

To enjoy your youth means embracing the unique phase of life when you are typically free from the heavy responsibilities and burdens that adulthood often brings. It’s a time of exploration, self-discovery, and unbridled enthusiasm for new experiences. Let us consider some key aspects of what it means to enjoy your youth:

  • Living in the Moment: Youth is the time to relish the present, to fully engage in the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that come your way without being overly burdened by concerns about the distant future. It’s about cherishing the “now.”
  • Adventure and Exploration: It often involves taking risks, exploring new places, and trying new things. Whether it’s backpacking across continents, starting a new hobby, or simply being open to new experiences, youth is a time for adventure.
  • Freedom from Major Responsibilities: Typically, youth come with fewer financial, familial, and career obligations compared to later stages of life. This freedom allows you to be spontaneous and take calculated risks.

DESTROYING YOUR FUTURE

While enjoying your youth is undoubtedly important, it’s equally vital to strike a balance between living in the moment and preparing for the future. This balance is where the challenge lies, as excessive indulgence or recklessness during this period can potentially have long-term consequences. Understanding this fine line is essential to ensure that the pleasures of youth do not come at the expense of your future well-being and success. Let us again delve into the consequences of two contrasting paths: thoroughly enjoying your youth and unintentionally destroying your future. Let us examine the choices made during this vibrant phase of life and how they can shape the trajectory of one’s existence.

  • Health Implications: Excessive enjoyment of one’s youth, often fueled by heavy drinking and substance abuse, can exact a severe toll on one’s health. Alcohol drinking, for instance, can result in alcohol poisoning, blackouts, among others. These health repercussions not only endanger your immediate well-being but can have long-lasting effects on your physical and mental health.
  • Academic and Career Setbacks: Engaging in reckless behavior and impulsivity can lead to procrastination and poor decision-making. This may manifest as neglecting academic responsibilities, resulting in lower grades, or failing to meet professional obligations, potentially leading to job loss or missed career opportunities.
  • Financial Instability: Impulsive spending is another potential outcome of recklessness and impulsivity. Making rash financial decisions, such as overspending on non-essential items or accumulating debt, can lead to financial strain and future insecurity.
  • Missed Opportunities for Growth: Impulsive actions may prevent you from investing time and effort in personal growth, skill development, and goal achievement. Turning down opportunities for internships, volunteer work, or educational pursuits in favor of impromptu adventures can hinder long-term prospects.
  • Long-Term Impact on Future Goals: The cumulative impact of these negative consequences can derail long-term aspirations, making it challenging to recover and achieve personal goals. Constant partying and risky behavior can divert focus away from building a successful career, leading to missed opportunities for advancement.

STRIKING THE BALANCE

This is not to say one should not enjoy life and all the good things God brings in the present. You can enjoy your youth to the fullest without destroying your future if you consider the following:

  • Set Goals: Think about what you want to achieve in the future and set goals to help you get there. This can include academic, career, and personal goals.
  • Manage Your Time: Make sure to balance your social life with your responsibilities. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your schedule and prioritize your tasks.
  • Make Responsible Choices: Think about the consequences of your actions before making a decision. Avoid engaging in risky behaviors and surround yourself with positive influences.
  • Seek Help If Needed: If you’re struggling with mental health issues or addiction, seek help from a professional. Don’t be afraid to ask for support from friends and family.

In the grand narrative of life, youth stands as a vibrant, captivating chapter filled with moments of sheer exuberance and boundless possibility. However, it is a chapter intertwined with a profound dichotomy; the tension between savoring the delights of youth and ensuring that these pleasures do not unwittingly sow the seeds of a future filled with regrets and setbacks. Our exploration of this delicate balance reveals that, indeed, both paths have their consequences. The wisdom of our journey lies in understanding that life is a harmonious blend of youthful enthusiasm and measured responsibility. Striking this balance necessitates making informed choices, learning from our mistakes, seeking guidance when needed, and setting clear goals that harmonize with our passions. This equilibrium ensures that the vibrant experiences of youth enrich our life’s journey rather than hinder it.

CONCLUSION

In closing, the tapestry of life finds its beauty in the juxtaposition of moments cherished and responsibilities met. It is in the ability to treasure the present while carefully tending to the seeds of the future. The path is clear: understand the difference between enjoying your youth and potentially harming your future, and navigate it with purpose, wisdom, and unbridled enthusiasm. In doing so, we craft a life that is not merely lived but celebrated—a life where youth and the promise of tomorrow dance together, creating a symphony of fulfillment and prosperity.

Written by P/Overseer Enock Okain