NAVIGATING THE web

Navigating The Prevalence Of “Audio Porn” In Our Daily Lives: Effective Strategies For Dealing With Exposure

“Audio porn”, now, that is quite a strong term for an article but, don’t fret yet, it is actually as simple as its root words sound.

Audio porn, basically, talks about songs or music that tend to elicit explicit thoughts or create erotic scenes in the mind’s eye just by listening to them. Some music are so “imagination-racking” that you do not need to watch the music videos to be able to create a near-vivid mental image of what its content are.

Music reaches deep into the annals of history transcending contemporary truncation and amalgamation of ancient cultures and their traditional music. Songs are a form of identification and their cultural significance entails all instruments, distinct vocals, lyrics, and gestures, used in producing that piece of music.

Music has taken a rather dramatic turn towards the erotic over the past five decades. Such erotic music otherwise known as audio porn has clawed its way into the heart of many young people.

Children of God, playlist alert!

We hear a million songs each day-those we sing consciously and unconsciously, those we personally download and those that are externalities. Music influences us more than we even realise and acknowledge. Songs are made up of melody (tune) which affects our emotions, rhythm or beat which affects our will, and lyrics which affect our thought process. Music has the powerto promote certain thoughts and exert influences where we least expect.

 “After that, whenever the bad depression from God tormented Saul, David got out his harp and played. That would calm Saul down, and he would feel better as the moodiness lifted.”              (1 Samuel 16:23)

Music is powerful. The music from David’s harp was efficacious enough to ease King Saul’s depression. Music is a gift from God and as James succinctly states, “every good and perfect gift comes from the Father” hence, the beauty and goodness of music. God gave music to man but the depths from which a particular music is produced determines which part of the “black and white” scale it falls on.

Audio porn has over the years seeped subtly and incongruously through our culture and traditions. We hear it on our way to work, church, market.  We hear it in buses, our residential areas, name them. Ignoring audio porn wouldn’t cause its disappearance, being non-challant about it wouldn’t make it any better. It is expedient of us to acknowledge the fact that audio porn was there before we were born, is still saturated in our environment and will continue to hover around. Day in and day out, we are exposed to music of all kinds; those that are potent enough to crumple our day, those that can make us do things we never thought of doing and those that can make us question our lifestyle.

The fact that sexual utterances readily appear in lyrics is alarming. Content analysis of some selected media showed that music contained 40% more sexual content than any other media, with a whopping 15% focusing solely on sexual intercourse. Music stays in the brain longer, hence listening to degrading songs stick to us and our brain regurgitates it when we are alone or lonely. Continuously listening to erotic songs gradually desensitises us to the initial shocks of hearing such profanity and can lead to sexual immorality as we become accustomed to them. Society is becoming more accepting of overt degrading music due to continuous exposure to such content. Dear child of God, why listen to a song whose lyrics need asterisks before you are able to share comfortably?

Music has the ability to make or unmake us, to build us up or tear us down. Music is so powerful and potent owing to the fact that it deals with our minds and our souls, seeping so gently and subtly but at the same time steadily and can be pernicious to our souls and beings if the wrong lyrics are played. Music has the ability to sit comfortably in our minds and portray the words it contains vividly to us as though we were watching a movie. It leaves indelible marks in our subconsciousness and plays back to us even when we are not listening to it. It has the ability to maneuver its way into our consciousness and manipulate or control our actions. Audio porn has successfully inculcated words portraying or describing sexual activities. Such songs when listened to, replays the words in the songs so vividly back to us and has the ability to weaken the spiritual man in us and even take as to the grass root of our spirituality. It has the ability of draining us so much that we do not even feel the urge to pray or engage in spiritual activities. It can manipulate our actions and liken our mannerisms to the words in the music or the message they relay.

No piece of music should be listened to for the mere thrill of listening. Music has a voice; pay keen attention to what is being communicated: “Does it bring honour to God? Is it promoting immorality? Will it be of positive influence to you?”

If music (sound of trumpets) can crumble the walls of Jericho, then listening to erotic music can penetrate and corrode our spiritual defences and sensitivity. Be guided!

Here are some suggestions for effectively dealing with exposure to explicit music:

1. Be Mindful of Your Music Choices

As the adage goes “a crab cannot father a bird”, same goes for music. Before you listen to the lyrics of a song, be sure to question yourself about the artiste. Some artistes are found of mentioning the name of God in their songs, some even go to the extent of using some Bible verses in their songs in order to coerce music lovers who also love to hear the word of God in music. These songs, though not uplifting music, deceive Christians into thinking that so far as the music contains the name or the word of God, it is okay to sing or play it. What music do you listen to? Who sang that song? What message does it relay? What words are found in the music? Do the words match your inner man or the person you want to be? Answering these questions clearly and correctly would guide you in knowing whether you are following your conviction or diverting from the way of truth. Be extra careful of the kind of music you listen to not forgetting the fact that “a mango tree does not bear pawpaw fruits”.

2. Make No Excuses.

It’s easy to fall victim to the skill of a musician or the popularity of a song, but we must be careful not to let our admiration for an artist cloud our judgment. Similarly, the media can influence our perception of what is normal or appropriate, but we should not use it as our benchmark for morality.

As Christians, we are called to a higher standard of morality. We are called to pursue righteousness and holiness and to reject the messages of the world that contradict God’s truth. This includes being intentional about the music we listen to and the media we consume. The media’s portrayal of what is normal or appropriate should not be our benchmark for morality. Instead, we should look to God’s word as our guide.

In Psalm 101:3, the psalmist writes, “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”

Similarly, in Philippians 4:8, Paul exhorts us to focus our minds on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When we intentionally seek out positive and uplifting music that glorifies God, we can counteract the negative influences of audio porn and other harmful media. This includes Christian music and songs from The Church of Pentecost, which can provide a source of hope and encouragement through their positive and uplifting lyrics.

In summary, we must make no excuses when it comes to the media we consume, including music. We must be intentional about seeking out positive and uplifting music that aligns with God’s truth and promotes righteousness and holiness. As we do so, we can protect our minds and hearts from the harmful effects of audio porn and other forms of media that promote immorality and degradation.

3. Seek Out Positive, Uplifting Music.

Music has a powerful influence on our emotions and mindset. It can either uplift and inspire us or bring us down and make us feel discouraged. This is why it’s important to intentionally seek out positive and uplifting music that can have a transformative effect on our mental and emotional health. Positive and uplifting music is a genre that aims to inspire feelings of happiness, joy, and optimism in the listener. It is characterised by its cheerful and upbeat melodies, positive lyrics, and a generally uplifting tone. This type of music is often used to motivate, encourage, and inspire people, whether it is to get through a tough day, overcome obstacles, or simply to celebrate life. As Christians, we have access to a vast array of positive and uplifting music that can help us connect with God’s presence and experience His love and power in our lives.

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and make music to the Lord in your hearts (Ephesians 5:19). There is an array of Christian songs we can sing and dance to. We are never run out of options! We can sing spiritual songs and still be cool, without tainting our consciences. There are many beautiful and inspiring songs from The Church of Pentecost that can help us to connect with God and experience His presence in a more tangible way.

Delete the draining music on your playlist, delete audio porn from your music library. Push it far from you and begin seeking out positive and uplifting music; music backed by the word of God. Music that is so soothing that it refreshes you and fills your rather dry, arid and weary soul up like a very cold bath after long hours of walking under the sun. Fill your playlist with wonderful songs by wonderful Gospel Artistes, fill your music library with powerful songs that can take you straight to the Throne of Grace. Songs that can uplift your soul so much so that even in your corner you feel like you are on ‘Mount Horeb’ standing and speaking face to face with God. Such songs after seeping into your inner being, tame your subconsciousness and manifest in your consciousness. You hear that small voice in your mind singing those songs so melodiously that all fears fly, faith and confidence are restored and you feel the ever-loving arms of God wrapping itself around you. .

Galatians 3:16 says:  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. As we fill our hearts and minds with music that celebrates the goodness and faithfulness of God, we can deepen our relationship with Him and experience His love and power in a more tangible way.

4. Fill your mind with God’s word

Filling your mind with God’s word is a prerequisite to living an uplifting life. The word of God is living and active and has the ability to lay bare the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Feeding, feasting on, dissecting and engaging the word of God is the greatest weapon one can possess. Most of the uplifting music were inspired by the word of God. The word of God gives deeper revelation into the spiritual and even physical realms. The word of God is able to enter the hardest heart, metamorphose it and mould it into a very soft and renewed one. Constantly filling your mind with the word of God gives you guidance in your life’s journey. All scripture is inspired by God and is able to direct you on which song to listen to and which not to. It is able to reprimand you when you go astray, it is able to teach you and correct you when you make mistakes and is also able to train you in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The word of God is capable of all things. Filling your mind with the word of God constantly will leave you surprised at how much of a great change has gone on in you

In conclusion, as Christians, it is crucial to be intentional about the music we choose to listen to. By seeking out music that honours God and uplifts our spirits, we can nurture our faith, deepen our connection with Him, and align our hearts with His truth and goodness. Music has a profound impact on our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being, and by consciously selecting music that reflects biblical values, we invite God’s presence into our lives and cultivate a worshipful attitude. Let us embrace the power of music to edify and inspire, allowing it to become a vehicle for praise, encouragement, and spiritual growth in our Christian journey.

Written by Pastor Jonathan Ebo Quaye (Campus Pastor, KNUST)

Tamale Area Gets New Mission House WEB

Tamale Area Gets New Mission House

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, dedicated the new magnificent Tamale Area Mission House to the glory of God.

Assisting the Chairman was the Tamale Area Head, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, an Executive Council Member and RCC Co-ordinator for Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West Regions of the Church.

The dedication service took place at the E. D. Aninkorah Memorial Temple at Kapolhin, Tamale.

Present to grace the occasion were Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie (Wa Area Head), Apostle Emmanuel Kwesi Acquah (Bolga Area Head), Apostle Norman Appiah-Danquah (Walewale Area Head), Apostle Emmanuel Kojo Aidoo (Yendi Area Head), Apostle David Amankwaa (Sawla Area Head), Apostle David K. Dorsu (Tumu Area Head), Pastor Eric Gyacham (Bawku Area Head), and other ministers and their wives in the Tamale Area.

Providing some historical context of the building, Pastor Benard Aziz Mohammed Abogorago, the Tamale Area Secretary and District Minister for Lamashegu, disclosed that the need for a new mission house arose due to the pivotal role the Area plays in the Northern sector.

“Through administrative restructuring aimed at enhancing Church administration and management, Tamale became the central seat.”

He noted that the new edifice would accommodate the Area Head and his family, while the old mance would accommodate guests who visit the Area for various church activities. It would also serve as transit quarters for church officials passing through to other parts of the Northern Sector.

Pastor Abogorago indicated that the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, mooted the idea for the facility’s construction, which various stakeholders accepted.

The sod was cut to commence the project in January 2021. Delivering a short exhortation on the theme, “Securing a Better Future As a Collective Responsibility,” Apostle Nyamekye emphasised the importance of leaders focusing on the future and the welfare of the people rather than personal gain.

He urged Christians to be mindful of their actions and think about the development of the nation. Apostle Nyamekye also encouraged the members to save and prepare for unforeseen circumstances rather than exhaust all their financial resources.

Dedicating the building, the Chairman thanked the Executive Council for providing the necessary resources.

He commended Apostle Sylvester Arhin and the Tamale Area for efficiently utilising the project funds.

He urged all members to demonstrate their love for the church when presented with similar opportunities.

The six-bedroom mission house boasts impressive facilities such as a study room/conference room, a waiting area, and a laundry room, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

Cape Coast Area Dedicates Double Occupancy Mission House web

Cape Coast Area Dedicates Double Occupancy Mission House

The Cape Coast Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, has dedicated a double occupancy mission house to accommodate the Akotokyir District Minister and the Campus Minister of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA).

The building was dedicated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, with support from the Area Head.

The dedication ceremony, which took place at the Kwaprow Assembly auditorium, brought together people from all walks of life, including ministers, officers, PENSA members/ alumni and church members.

Delivering a sermon on the topic “Repositioned After Pentecost for Maximum Impact,” with scripture references from Joshua 5:1-13, 2 Chronicles 5:14, and Ezekiel 11:14-25, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated that Christians must reposition themselves to be pruned by God in order to maintain the glory of God.

The General Secretary said that the forebears have worked hard to bring the Church this far and the present generation is currently enjoying the fruit of their labour.

He, therefore, urged the current generation to strategically and consciously reposition themselves to build a more glorious Church in the coming years for maximum impact in the nations.

He further stated that after encountering the Holy Spirit, one’s mind must be renewed by the word of God, which will affect the way they perceive things as they are being transformed into the image of Christ.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi added that any spirit-filled believer should have a renewed spirit where they are conscious in choosing their words carefully.

“After Pentecost, your thoughts must change, your hearts must be renewed, and finally, your words must have a positive impact,” he affirmed.

Dedicating the building, Apostle Kumi-Larbi commended Apostle Yaw Antwi, who also serves as the Coordinator for the Central Regional Coordinating Committee (CRCC) and Executive Council Member of the Church, for the great work done to ensure the successful completion of the project.

“Apostle Antwi has managed and used the grants very well to put up this edifice, which will house the PENSA-UCC Campus Pastor and the Akotokyir District Minister,” he said.

Each apartment of the double occupancy mission house comprises four bedrooms, one office, a study, a family hall, a visitor’s hall, a dining area, and a kitchen, among other facilities.

Elder Kwabena Owusu provided a brief history of the project, mentioning that the idea for the mission house was conceived when Pastor Mark Kofi Adom-Nyankey, the former District Minister of Hopedo in the Ho Area, generously donated his parcel of land in Kwaprow for the Akotokyir District mission house project.

Upon receiving this great news, the Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, together with the Area Executive Committee, who were also looking for a plot of land to construct a mission house for the PENSA UCC Campus Minister, came up with the idea of using the plot of land to build a duplex storey building to accommodate both ministers.

The dedication ceremony had in attendance the Cape Coast Area pastorate and their spouses, Elder Daniel Quainoo (Area Deacon), Mrs. Margaret Serwaa Antwi (Wife of the Area Head), Deaconess Georgina Ashley (Area Women’s Ministry Leader), Nana Kwasi Mensah II (Chief of Kwaprow), and Farinyi Kweigya VII (Chief Fisherman of Moree).

Report by Pastor Frank Akonnor (PENSA-UCC Campus Minister)

Mile 3 District Retires 5 Deaconesses web

Mile 3 District Retires 5 Deaconesses

The Mile 3 District in the New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost has honoured five retired deaconesses after years of exceptional and invaluable services to God and the Church at a special retirement service held on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Central Assembly auditorium.

They are Deaconesses Hannah Davies (47 years of service), Agnes Oppong Fosu (39 years of service), Comfort Anning (30 years of service), Agnes Akwaboah (18 years of service), and Patricia Adu Poku (14 years of service).

Speaking on the topic, “Privileges Of Being A Christian,” the New Tafo Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, who officiated the service, read Psalm 103:1-5; 89:34 and expounded that it is a great honour for being a Christian, and a double honour to be an officer of The Church of Pentecost. He stressed the need for members and officers to be cognizant of this fact in order not to live their lives anyhow.

He bemoaned the situation, where some Christians take their calling for granted, especially when they are confronted with challenges and trials, and begin to denounce their faith in God, forgetting the power they wield to weather the storms of life. 

He admonished Christians to be conscious of their position in God and know very well that God will never forsake His people, therefore, when things turn out to be horrendous, they must learn to trust the Lord.

Prophet Tetteh Doku lauded the retirees for their years of selfless service offered in God’s vineyard and urged them to keep living an exemplary life for the younger generations to emulate.

Citations and certificates of service were presented to the retirees whilst their profiles were being read.

Present at the service were Pastor Joseph Ankomako (Mile 3 District Minister), Pastor George Amesawu (Old Tafo District Minister) and their spouses, Apostle Isaac Kwasi Amoako (Rtd), and a section of the New Tafo Area Women’s Ministry Executive Members, among others.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu

Woman Receives Miraculous New Womb Following Surgical Removal web

Woman Receives Miraculous New Womb Following Surgical Removal

Priscilla Addai Amponsem, a nurse and a devoted member of The Church of Pentecost in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, shares a remarkable testimony of receiving a new womb from God after surgical removal by doctors.

According to Priscilla, she was working a night shift in 2020 when she experienced unexpected bleeding accompanied by fluid and a strong odour.

She sought medical attention and was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

She embarked on a six-month treatment regimen, visiting the hospital every fortnight. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated, and she ultimately had to undergo surgery to remove her damaged womb at age 25.

Priscilla revealed that she had also been diagnosed with bone cancer during her nursing training.

Her aunt, who resides in the USA, had extended numerous invitations for her to join her there.

Strangely, Priscilla found herself paralysed every time she received her aunt’s invitation, making it impossible for her to travel outside the country.

In February 2023, she attended a revival organised by the El-Shaddai Revival Centre of The Church of Pentecost in Konongo-Odumase to seek the Lord’s guidance regarding her desire to travel to the USA.

While in prayer with Elder Godfred Asare, the leader of the Centre, she entered into a deep sleep and had a dream in which she received three parcels.

Upon returning home, her mother informed her that she had dreamt of Priscilla having a baby. Encouraged by her mother, Priscilla reluctantly visited the hospital to check on her womb, though aware it had been.

To her astonishment, the scan revealed the presence of a new womb. Overjoyed, she attended the revival in March 2023 to testify that she had regained her menstrual cycle.

Priscilla attributed all the glory to God for this miraculous gift of a new womb.

PENTECOST NEWS

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The Grass Is Not Always Green

A couple of months ago, I passed by the corridors you are seeing in the footages above .

The grass and vegetation looked dry, neglected and miserably hopeless.

This time around, however, it was a different story all together.

Wow! The Holy Spirit taught me these seven (7) lessons worthy of sharing:

1. Do not envy people in their glorious and happy moments; For you know not what they might have been through.

2. Do not also scorn and laugh at those in challenges because when their rains and their pastures begin to look green, you may not be able to behold their sight. Indeed, No condition is permanent. Once the rains start, the grass will look good again.

3. As Christians, let us remember that The Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and early Fathers of the faith had their turns of spiritual dryness and glorious moments. Therefore, when things begin to go haywire, let’s maintain our composure and wait upon Him. For HE knows how to calm the troubled soul and make the wounded spirit whole again.

4. Continue to trust in the Lord during your dry season because the Lord of the rains is alive and faithful

5. As I passed by a couple of months by the same corridor, there were no birds, grazing animals or traces of human activity, but this time around, the story is different. It is, therefore, a true saying that Success has many friends. Fret not when friends begin withdrawing from you during your “dry” season. It’s normal.

6. You may not be the only reason for the rains and greener pastures because as you can see from the picture, the Cows and birds were all feasting quite well. So, humble yourself and be measured when things begin looking good.

7. Connect to the Lord Jesus Christ and His rains of life everlasting will make you evergreen.

Written by Pastor James Agyin

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Guard Your Hearts Against Bitterness – Apostle Nyamekye Admonishes Christians

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has admonished Christians to guard their hearts against bitterness, which tends to destroy the human body.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, bitterness is a seed of resentment, displeasure at someone, dissatisfaction, and discontent at something considered unjust in the human heart.

He further explained that bitter people describe their feelings as righteous anger because they feel offended but do not want to retaliate.

Apostle Nyamekye made this admonition on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the climax of the ‘You Must Be Born Again’ Gospel Crusade, held at the multi-purpose auditorium of the University For Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus.

Ministering on “Bitterness: Seed of Resentment In the Heart,” the Chairman of the Church mentioned that the human being is a complex being with a spirit, soul and body.

Expanding on the nature of the human being, Apostle Nyamekye described the spirit and soul as components of the heart, the inner essence of a person.

He emphasised that the heart plays a significant role in shaping one’s character and actions.

“This inner man is the shaker and mover of the entire body, and the human mind can be very deceiving because it can stand aside few actions,” the Chairman said.

Apostle Nyamekye further stressed that Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus but had a different motive.

“You are a good person or a bad person depending on the state of the heart,” he stated.

Quoting Matthew 5:8, he said, “Seeing God depends on the purity of the heart and not some gymnastics one shows in church. It is not about what you do on the outside but what is done on the inside.”

He added: “Be careful not to have a sinful and unbelieving heart that will turn away from God.”

The President of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) emphasised that the sickness of the heart depicts bitterness as a viral disease that is acquired, destroys the carrier, defiles many, is infectious and tends to spread to others.

“Bitterness weakens your spiritual immune system, making you susceptible to other spiritual ailments,” he said, adding, “The health of your heart should be told from the onset because when people harbour bitterness, they think it’s a justifiable anger.”

Apostle Nyamekye urged Christians to prioritise the health of their hearts by guarding against bitterness.

To combat bitterness, he advised church members to refrain from nurturing it, emphasising the devastating consequences it brings.

“Bitterness not only harms the individual but also destroys relationships, marriages, organisations, churches, and even nations,” he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye highlighted common symptoms of bitterness as anger, hatred, an unforgiving spirit, dwelling on past wrongs, inflicting pain, and experiencing sleepless nights.

He ended his sermon by recommending four approaches to overcoming bitterness: expressing it, repressing it, subduing it and confessing it.

PENTECOST NEWS

TARRY FOR THE SPIRIT web

Tarry For The Spirit; Speak In Tongues

It is Pentecost Week, and I hear the call:

Tarry for the Spirit

He shall come in showers

Energising wholly all your ransomed powers

Signs shall follow service in the Holy Ghost

Then the Church of Jesus prove a mighty host.

I hear the resounding response:

On, then, Church of Jesus

Claim your Pentecost

God shall now baptise thee in the Holy Ghost

The Pentecostal experience is infectious and efficacious. Wherever He went, the warmth of His presence, the awe of His being and the power of his performance cannot be denied or ignored. The Holy Spirit is active and alive. And all who seek Him, He comes in showers (Luke 11:13, Hebrews 2:4, Psalm 72:6, Hosea 6:3). Yea, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 6:11), so come, He will. For us Pentecostals in Ghana, there should be no doubt of this. Apart from the records of Acts 2 and the history of Azusa Street, we have the Asamankese evidence where the Holy Spirit practically fell like on the Day of Pentecost as a huge tongue of fire.

Exactly one hundred years ago, on 20 May 1923, a yearning group of men and women had gathered in Asamankese with one primary passion: To experience the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit. And He came! The entire town saw the small temple in which these believers had gathered on fire. When they rushed there to aid in putting out the fire, they saw, to their amazement, men and women speaking in an unknown tongue and unharmed by the fire. This unique experience was to birth and mark the great Pentecostal revival in the land.

What Azusa Street, Asamankese and Acts 2 have in common is ‘tarrying for the Spirit’ (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4) by a host of yearning hearts (Acts 2:1–2). It takes tarrying (waiting) with holy yearning hearts to experience this great outburst of the Spirit showers. Let us be ready for it. We must cultivate that habit of waiting. In The Church of Pentecost, Friday morning prayers used to be called ‘Tarry’. It was time to cry out and wait for the fire to fall.

The zeal and the expectancy in the air must not die with Pentecost Week year by year. Let us sustain a ‘tarry’ in our local assemblies, be it at dawn, morning or evening prayer meetings. Even on a Sunday morning, let us be ready to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We must not be shy to be a people intoxicated by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). There is nothing shameful about being ‘obsessed’ with a desire to be filled by the Spirit. In fact, as Pentecostals and Christians, this must be our utmost desire. Jesus said it was for our (Christians) good that His physical being left this earth for one reason: The coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). If the Saviour and Master says something is for our good, should that not be what we seek daily?

On the eve of the settling of the dust of the historical turmoil The Church of Pentecost endured, Rev. James McKeown had written as a father to the church these words: ‘Now if you have Jesus, if you have the Holy Spirit, then you have a fire in you; that is the language of the Bible, He shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost and fire. Let us take it like this, fill the kettle with water, and set it on fire; when it begins to boil, if it is a whistling kettle, then it begins to whistle; If it is just an ordinary kettle, then the lid begins to dance and sing’.

Our founder was pointing us to what matters most. The Baptiser (Jesus) and the baptism (the Holy Spirit). He was also pointing us to the evidence of the baptism (the tongues) – the whistling of the kettle.

It is important to stress that as classical Pentecostals, The Church of Pentecost believes in speaking in tongues as an initial sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This we must not compromise in the face of divergent views. It is evident in scripture that speaking in tongues (the whistling of the kettle) always accompanied the baptism (Acts 2:4; 19:6; 10:44–46). It was convincing evidence for Peter, and he reiterated same before the apostles (Acts 10:46–47, 11:17). Paul thanked God that he was an ardent speak of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). There is no downplaying speaking in tongues. Let our hearts be stirred; may our minds not be deceived by any.

The baptism happens once, but the infillings are many (Acts 2:4; 4:31; Eph. 5:18). It is a command, not a suggestion, for us to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 5; Luke 24:49, Acts 2:38, 39; 8:14–20; 9:17). Our Pentecostal doctrines and roots are intricately tied to this belief without which there is no basis for our claim of Pentecostalism. When He comes, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) becomes easier, and we are equipped for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:8–11) in an extraordinary way.

It is easy for us to be swayed by past events, but Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, says there is no need to keep dwelling on Azusa Street revival. That was over 500 years ago. May I reiterate his rhetorical question, ‘Is that all God can do?’ Certainly not! However, if you think the glorious days of the Church are behind you, then you will not be expectant of anything extraordinary in your time, but if you believe the glorious days of the Church are here, then your heart will be stirred for deposits. Indeed, we need ‘fresh anointing and fresh revival’.

Another experience of the manifestation of Pentecost today is possible. God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh in the last days (Joel 2:28–29). Peter speaking on the Day of Pentecost, did not hesitate to claim this promise, calling their era the last days (Acts 2:16–18). If Peter calls their time the last days, then we are in the amber of the last days, the very last day of the last days. May there be a greater outpouring now for all who yearn and tarry (1 Corinthians 14:1).

The God who, in time past, wrought miracles and built His Church through the power of the Pentecost (Holy Spirit) is the same in our day. May He do with us as He did with our forebears. Let us be firm as they stood. Let the fire of Pentecost burn in us. Come into the chariot of fire, the time is now.

Written by George Osei-Asiedu

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Christian Men Urged To Go The Extra Mile In Service

The 5th Bezalel Conference organised by Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, came to a close today with a clarion call on all participants to be diligent in service and to go the extra mile.

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of over 2000 Christian men at the event, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Nyamekye, in his sermon titled: “The Making of Fathers – Living for Others, ” emphasised that those who leave an indelible mark on future generations are those selflessly dedicate themselves to the well-being of others.

Quoting Matthew 5:29, Apostle Nyamekye urged the participants to be willing to make great sacrifices by going the extra mile for the sake of others.

The Chairman, citing influential historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa, underscored the power of living for others.

According to him, despite facing adversities and sacrificing their lives to serve others, these individuals became timeless heroes, inspiring people across generations.

Apostle Nyamekye challenged the participants to examine their lives and consider how they would like to be fondly remembered and celebrated as fathers, husbands, pastors, teachers, and leaders even after they are no more.

He also encouraged them to be channels (vessels) through which God’s grace would flow and bring positive change to their communities.

The Chairman shared stories of three exemplary individuals who epitomised selfless service: Mordecai, who worked tirelessly for the welfare of his people; Nehemiah, who declined personal privileges to avoid burdening others; and Job, known for his support of the poor, fatherless, and destitute., to buttress his assertion.

These men, he further noted, were characterised by their humility, God-fearing nature, compassion for the vulnerable, encouragement, pursuit of peace, diligence, nobility, and influence within their communities.

He, therefore, urged Christian men to emulate their exemplary traits so as to leave behind a godly and positive legacy for future generations.

The Bezalel Conference is a bi-annual event of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry aimed at empowering Christian men for maximum impact in society.

This year’s event, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the ministry, took place from May 24 to 26, 2023 and was under the theme: “Repositioning Men for Maximum Impact: Building upon the Legacy of the Fathers.

To the glory of God, the 2023 Bezalel Conference concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to embrace the call for selfless service and make a meaningful impact in their spheres of influence.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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Rise Above Mediocrity – Apostle Nyamekye Tells Christian Men

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, challenged Christian men to rise above mediocrity and strive to leave a lasting impact on their generation.

The Chairman issued this clarion call when he delivered a powerful sermon at the closing session of the 5th Bezalel Conference of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC).

Speaking on the topic: “The Making of Fathers – Living for Others,” while referring to a quote from Pastor Sunday Adelaja, Apostle Nyamekye stressed that: “A person is remembered for the number of lives he had touched or his contributions to the world that he lived in, not what he made in life.”

He urged Christians, particularly Christian men, to consider how they wanted to be remembered after this generation passed and emphasised the significance of going the extra mile and living for others.

Apostle Nyamekye further noted that individuals who go above and beyond are the ones who leave a lasting legacy and are forever remembered by future generations.

The Chairman referenced historical figures who had selflessly impacted the world to exemplify the power of living for others. One notable example he mentioned was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist preacher and civil rights advocate who sacrificed his life to pursue racial justice.

According to him, despite his tragic assassination, Dr King’s heroism continues to inspire people around the globe.

Apostle Nyamekye further noted that true living is living for others, as demonstrated by Mother Teresa’s work among the destitute.

“Mother Theresa said that: At the end of life, they would not be judged by their diplomas, wealth, or personal achievements but by the number of lives they touched,” he said.

Apostle Nyamekye, therefore, challenged Christian men to live in such a way that others would be blessed in their name, akin to the blessings associated with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Chairman also urged them to strive for nobility so that future generations would call them noble and mourn their departure, just as the community mourned the loss of Moses.

Quoting Hebrews 11:23-26, Apostle Nyamekye highlighted Moses’ sacrifices for the liberation of the Israelites, underscoring the significance of rising to authority or promising to build up others rather than seek self-aggrandisement.

He said that to be remembered as noble fathers, husbands, pastors, teachers, chiefs, leaders, and more, they need to critically examine the causes they live for, whether they are self-centred or geared towards benefiting others.

Apostle Nyamekye stressed the importance of being channels through whom God’s grace flows, making sacrifices, and going the extra mile for others.

He drew examples from the lives of Mordecai, Nehemiah, and Job, who loved others, demonstrated humility, cared for the vulnerable, and were influencers in their communities.

Referencing Daniel 5:11ff, the Chairman encouraged attendees to move away from mediocrity and strive for spiritual and intellectual excellence.

He urged them to be men and women of intellectual power, capable of solving difficult (complex) problems.

“To possess the nations, we need men and women who are strong in spirit and are great influencers in society,” he said.

The sermon concluded with a reminder that Christian men should store treasures in heaven, live to serve others and always strive to improve what is entrusted to them.

PENTECOST NEWS.