Pilate’s Dilemma

Pilate’s Dilemma

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Jesus Must  Die

The Jewish religious leaders had finished cross-examining Jesus. He had been tried before Annas, the father-in-law of the High Priest (John 18:13, 24), Caiaphas, the High Priest, (John 18:24) and the whole Sanhedrin (Matt. 26:57). The verdict from this trial was: He has spoken blasphemy; He must die! (Matt. 26:63-66).

They wanted him dead but guess what, they were too religious to kill Him with their “holy” hands, so, they resolved to employ the “sinful” hands of the Romans to execute their judgement.

We Must Liaise With the Secular Government to Deal With Him

It was very early in the morning. Pilate had barely risen up from his sleep. The ignorant crowd together with the conspiring Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate’s court. They brought Him to Pilate manhandled, and bound.

Bringing him to Pilate was the beginning of a secular trial to obtain a legal permit to execute Jesus as they had resolved. After a series of cross-examinations, Pilate realized that Jesus was innocent. The Jewish leaders had only brought Him there because of envy (Matt. 27:18). His wife confirmed his convictions about Jesus when she sent a word of caution to him while he sat on his judgement seat. She cautioned, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” (Matt. 27:19).

Pilate is now in a Dilemma

Pilate sat in his judgement seat confused. He had been put on the spot. An urgent decision must be made. A verdict must be passed. Neutrality was impossible. By all means, he had to take sides, but which side? A sentence must be passed on Jesus, the Son of God. The crowd and the Jewish leaders were resolute: Jesus must die because He is blasphemous; He makes Himself God (which He indeed was). Pilate is in danger of coming into conflict with Caesar, his boss. How does he keep a friendship with Jesus and Caesar at the same time?

His strategy to outsmart the Jews by pairing Jesus with Barabbas, a murderer had proved futile. They had denied Jesus, “the Holy One and the Just, and asked for Barabbas the murderer” to be released to them. They had delivered Jesus, the Author of life to death instead of the murderer (Acts 3:14-15).

Pilate’s Dilemma

Finding himself in a great dilemma, Pilate asked the crowd, “What shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?”

Which Option is Best?

Should I follow the example of the greedy Judas Iscariot in selling Jesus for money or  I should follow the steps of the fearful Peter to deny Him before people to save myself from persecution?

Should I follow the demands of the envious and corrupt Jewish religious leaders to crucify Jesus Christ so that the merchandise and exploitation in the house of God could continue or I should follow the example of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea to become secret followers of Jesus Christ for the fear of men?

Should I follow the example of the unbelieving and sinful soldiers in mocking and humiliating Jesus,  only to realize in the end that truly, He was the Son of God when it is too late (Matt. 27:54) or  I should follow the example of the selfless Simon of Cyrene in giving myself to carrying the cross of Christ daily and also to believe on Him to give me the assurance of paradise (heaven) even while I am still on earth like He did with the repentant thief on the cross?

Pilate Makes a Grave Mistake

Unfortunately, Pilate made a grave mistake in resolving his dilemma.  Instead of taking responsibility for resolving it himself, he decided to allow the crowd to influence him to do so.

Therefore, Pilate asked the crowd, “What shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” They all answered, “Crucify Him!” When Pilate realized that their response conflicted with his personal convictions about the Christ, he retorted, “Why? What crime has He committed?” But the crowd shouted even louder, “Crucify Him!”

Sorry, Pilate, You Cannot Shirk This Responsibility!

Now, when Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere with the crowd, but that instead, an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. By that act, Pilate was signifying to the crowd that he was not responsible for his decision but the crowd was. He was shirking his personal responsibility for resolving his dilemma about Jesus Christ to the crowd but it never worked. Centuries later, our creeds will still read that Jesus  “suffered under Pontius Pilate!” He could not be innocent after all. History did not allow it to be so and eternity will not be any different!

Pilate’s Dilemma is Humanity’s Dilemma

“What should I do with Jesus Christ” is every human’s dilemma. Every one of us must personally decide on what to do with Jesus, who is called the Christ. None of us can be neutral to this dilemma. It is a must-choose, for there is no middle ground!

Today, God has granted that every human being who walks the face of this earth sits on their judgement seat like Pilate did, ‘cross examine’ Jesus, and pronounce their verdict of what they will do with Him who is called the Christ (John 3:18-19) while being mindful that soon, Jesus will also sit on His judgement seat and pronounce His judgement on every single human being according to what they chose to do with Him. (Matt. 26:64; 2Cor. 5:10).

Those who denied Him before men, He will also deny before God (2Tim. 2:12; Luk. 9:26); those who scorned at His instructions and beckoning,  He will also treat light when calamity falls on them (Prov. 1:24-27); but those who believed in Him,  He will give them the power to become the children of God (John 1:12). Now, is the decision time. What will you do with Jesus, who is called the Christ?

Written by P/Ovr. Isaac Kwabena Tagoe (CoP, Nanton, Tamale)

New Combine Women’s Ministry Embarks On Outreach At Nyameben Basic School web

New Combine Women’s Ministry Embarks On Outreach At Nyameben Basic School

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesWomen's Ministry

New Combine Women’s Ministry in the Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost has embarked on an outreach programme at Nyameben Basic School, near Marine in Akosombo.

Preaching the gospel at the event which took place on March 24, 2023, Mrs. Esther Kesse, the wife of the District Pastor, based her message on John 3:16 and said that God has packaged Jesus Christ for the world so that he would become the solution to the world’s problem.

She indicated that Jesus was packaged in such a way that everything that mankind needed is found in him.

“So if you are looking for success in your exams, it is found in Jesus; if you are looking for a bright future, it is found in Jesus; if you are looking for deliverance and breakthrough in life, it is found in Jesus who has been packaged as a perfect gift for the world,” she said, adding, “You need to accept this perfect gift from God targeted to meet all our needs and aspirations in life.”

Mrs Kesse revealed that God did not impose Jesus on mankind. Instead, God gave him as a gift to the world to be owned by any man who receives him with a good and thankful heart.

She, therefore, encouraged the students to accept Jesus Christ whom God gave to the world out of his abundant love because the solution to the world’s problems is found in him.

In all, 56 students and a teacher accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour while 37 backsliders rededicated their lives to Christ.

Pastor Martin Kesse (District Minister), who prayed for the new converts, took the opportunity to talk to the students and staff to be environmentally conscious by keeping the school and home environments clean.

He encouraged the teachers to inculcate environmental-related topics in their lessons to conscientize the students to take good care of the environment.

The outreach exercise ended with hot lunch. All the 250 students and staff were served with hot lunch.

In response, the headmaster of the school, Mr. Eric Siakor, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the District Pastor and his wife, and the Women’s Ministry for the uncommon gesture done to them.

He blessed The Church of Pentecost in general for the precious investment it is making in all spheres of life to possess the nations. He encouraged the church to come to the school frequently to talk to the students.

Report by Esther Kesse, Akosombo

Teshie-Nungua Area Ready For Easter Convention WEB

Teshie-Nungua Area Ready For Easter Convention

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Members of the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost are gearing up for the 2023 Easter convention, which is starting today at three centres in the Area.

The Annual Easter convention, which is one of the major events on the calendar of the church, is held every year to commemorate the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This year’s Easter convention which has the theme, “Jesus Christ Paid It All” (Isaiah 53:4-6 and Colossians 2:14), is taking place from Thursday, April 6, to Sunday, April 9, 2023. There will be morning and evening sessions.

The English Zone convention comprising the two Pentecost International Worship Centres (PIWCs) in the Area, namely PIWC Sakumono and PIWC Graceland as well as D. K. Arnan Worship Centre, James McKeown Worship Centre, Thomas Nyarko Worship Centre, Nungua District English Assembly and other English Assemblies in the Area, will take place at the Fred Safo Memorial Temple at Nungua Nshorna, Accra.

That of the Teshie Zone will take place at Camp 2 Park while the venue for the Nungua Zone is the GHACEM Park, Sakumono. Speakers include the Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman; the Resident Minister for D. K. Arnan Worship Centre and Finance and Administration Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko; Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd) – former General Secretary of the church, and the Area Secretary, Pastor Joseph Asumadu Berchie.

Various committees are working assiduously to ensure a successful convention in all three centres.

The Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman, has indicated that this year’s convention is of a different kind since a lot of prayers have been invested ahead of the convention.

He urged members of the church to come with an expectation to receive from the Lord. “This year’s convention is special, come with all your household, invite friends and neighbours to come and meet the Lord Jesus who has already paid it all,” Apostle Nkrumah-Agyeman said.

Report by Deaconess Isabella Gyau Orhin

Tema Greenwich Meridian District Retires 4 Officers

Tema Greenwich Meridian District Retires 4 Officers

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Four officers of Tema Greenwich Meridian District of The Church of Pentecost were honoured at a retirement service held in their honour on March 26, 2023.

The service, which was held at the Community 2 Revival Assembly, was officiated by the Tema Area Head, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, with support from the pastorate in the Area.

The four retired officers were Elder William Hammond (38 years of service), Deacon Yaw Oppong-Frempong (20 years of service), Deaconess Janet Ofosu Darko (39 years of service), and Deaconess Augustina Dua Awere (33 years of service). They have served with dedication for many years in various capacities.

Apostle Ankra-Badu spoke on the theme, “Building on the Foundation – The Discipline We Need,” with 1 Corinthians 3:10-17 as his key Bible scripture.

He highlighted the importance of knowing Christ as the foundation of the Christian life and leadership.

He further emphasised the role of discipline in building a deeper foundation on Christ, pointing out key areas in developing Christian character,

These keys, he revealed, as being a disciplined person, having disciplined thoughts, exhibiting disciplined actions, and confronting the brutal facts in oneself and others.

The District Minister, Pastor Dr. Suleman De-Graft Issaka, in his remarks, congratulated the retired officers on behalf of the church.

In their response, the retired officers expressed their gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve in His vineyard in different capacities.

Report by Deacon Benjamin Quarshie

Jesus Is The Supreme Saviour Of The World - Chairman

Jesus Is The Supreme Saviour Of The World – Chairman

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has emphasised that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour of the world, and for that matter, all men must come to faith in Him to be saved.

Apostle Nyamekye said this in a live televised sermon on PENT TV during a Special Evening Service on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

Reading from Romans 3:25 and John 4:10, the noted theologian enlightened that Jesus is God’s gift to humanity through whom the world must be saved. He, however, cautioned that failure to accept Christ Jesus brings condemnation.

“Jesus is the supreme Saviour of the world and that He is Lord of all and Lord overall,” Chairman Nyamekye stressed, adding, “His name is supreme to any other name.”

“I want you to establish in your spirit, fix it firm in your mind and in your memory that with Jesus you are secured,” he further stated.

Giving exegises of Psalm 9:10, Apostle Nyamekye noted that having the understanding and an in-depth knowledge of the supremacy of Jesus and His name is paramount because it enables one to put their trust in Him as the name ‘Jesus’ carries tremendous power and brings salvation and deliverance (Acts 4:7-12).

“Those who have apprehended clearly and with certainty that Jesus is the supreme Saviour of the world and that He is the Lord of all and know the authority vested in the name ‘Jesus’ will put their trust in Him,” he highlighted.

He prayed that the Lord would open the eyes of the understanding and wisdom of everyone to better know Jesus and know Him for themselves, saying, “To know is deeper than to see.”

He added: “It is not enough to confess Jesus as Lord, but to know the name ‘Jesus’ as well because any individual who knows His name holds their anchors firm and secure in Him in the midst of storms.”

On how to gain knowledge about Jesus, Apostle Eric Nyamekye urged Christians to get closer to Him (Jesus), make time for Him and walk arm in arm with Him.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

Aflao Area Donates 50-Seater TATA Bus To PPS-Aflao

Aflao Area Donates 50-Seater TATA Bus To PPS-Aflao

by with No Comment Church NewsPENTSOSTop Stories

The Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated a TATA bus to Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS) at Aflao in the Volta Region.

The Aflao Area Head, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo, who presented the bus to the school at a brief ceremony held at the school’s premises on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, stated that the donation of the slightly used bus was in fulfilment of the church’s commitment to ensure that the school was adequately resourced to deliver improved learning outcomes in the Ketu South Municipality.

The bus which was initially received from the PENTSOS Directorate of the Church’s Head Office was refurbished by the Area at a cost of GH¢50,000.00 before being handed over to the school. It has come at a time when the school was in dire need of a means of transport for the students and staff.

The Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Yvonne Semakor, who could not hide her joy expressed her appreciation to the Area for the timely intervention. She assured the leadership that the bus will put to proper use for maximum impact and longevity.

Also present at a short ceremony were Mrs. Ophelia Agyen Brefo (Area Head’s wife), the Pastorate, Elder Emmanuel Awuakye (Area Deacon) and the Area PENTSOS Committee members.

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey, Aflao Area Reporter

PIWC-Graceland Donates $20,000.00 To Support Missions Work

PIWC Graceland Gives Massive Support To Missions

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Pentecost International Worship Centre, Graceland (PIWC-Graceland) in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) has donated $20,000.00 to the International Missions Office in support of the CoP’s external branches in Tanzania, Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and the Osogbo Area in Nigeria.

The Church has also donated 20 pieces of wax prints, an undisclosed cash amount to the Bawku Area pastorate Ministers and their wives, a motorcycle valued at GHC 12,000.00 to the Ekye Amanfrom District in the Afram Plains Area, and GHC 60,000.00 towards the upkeep of Missionaries’ children in Ghana.

The donation was made today by a church delegation led by the Resident Minister, Pastor Felix Okyere Anti, at a short ceremony held at the CoP’s General Headquarters in La, Accra.

In a brief remark, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, commended the Church for the wonderful gesture, emphasising the importance of the support to missionaries’ children in Ghana.

“Your donation demonstrates your commitment to supporting those in need around the world and will help to advance the work of missions in the Church,” he said.

The PIWC-Graceland entourage included Elder Joseph Tawiah Ahinde (District Executive Committee Member), Elder Miguel Ekow Andoh (District Administrator), Elder Samuel Ainoo, and Deaconess Edith Delali Ametepey (Assistant Women’s Ministry Leader).

Staff from the Missions Office, including Pastor Gideon Boadu-Yirenkyi (Personal Assistant to the IMD), Mrs. Victoria Kumi-Woode (Administrative Manager To IMD), and Deaconess Ruth Adjabeng (Accounts Manager), were also present at the ceremony.

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PIWC-Seattle Donates To Internal Mission Areas In Ghana2

PIWC-Seattle Donates To Internal Mission Areas In Ghana

by with No Comment Church NewsMissionsTop Stories

The Pentecost International Worship Centre, Seattle (PIWC-Seattle) in the California Region of the United States of America has donated 11 boxes of clothing and shoes to the internal missions areas of The Church of Pentecost in Ghana.

The items were presented to the missions directorate by Deaconess Mrs. Lydia Owusu Acheampong (Women’s Ministry Leader of PIWC-Seattle), and her husband, Mr. Chris Owusu Acheampong, during a short donation ceremony held today at the Church’s General Headquarters, La in Accra.

Handing over the items, Mrs.Lydia Owusu Acheampong said that the donation is an initiative of the Women’s Ministry with support from the entire church.

“We are confident that this will contribute significantly to the propagation of the Gospel in the mission areas,” she said.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Church, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, assured the donors that the items would be put into good use and distributed to the appropriate areas.

He also thanked the women for their thoughtfulness in supporting missions work in Ghana, urging, “Tell the men to also follow the lead of the women by doing exceptional donations.”

Present at the donation were some staff of the Missions Office including Pastor Gideon Boadu-Yirenkyi (Personal Assistant to the IMD), Mrs. Victoria Kumi-Woode (Administrative Manager To IMD), and Deaconess Ruth Adjabeng (Accounts Manager).

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Kpadjai District Organises Gospel Crusade & Medical Outreach

Kpadjai District Organises Gospel Crusade & Medical Outreach

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

The Kpadjai District of The Church of Pentecost, in partnership with the Jesus Rescue Team, organised a four-day gospel crusade and medical outreach in Kpadjai and its surrounding towns.

The event, which was sponsored by Eternal Footprint and Sustainable Medical Missions, took place from March 15 to 19, 2023.

The primary aim of the programme was to present the gospel to the people of Kpadjai and provide medical assistance to meet their health needs.

The four-day activities included a durbar of chiefs and people of Kpadjai community, medical screening and medication, schools outreach, and a gospel crusade at Kpadjai Kokombaline.

The medical outreach provided screening and medication to about 1,500 people in communities such as Kpadjai, Kodome, Kikyei, Alhassan Akura, and Adakope, at a cost of GHS12,000.00.

During the house-to-house visitation exercise, Kwame Mafren, who had been bedridden and unable to walk for about four months, received instant healing and was able to walk again after prayers were offered by the team.

In addition, the team, led by Rev. Michael Davis, the founder of the Jesus Rescue Team, and Commodore Samuel Walker of the Ghana Navy, also donated four student mattresses worth GHS1,000 to the Kpadjai CHPS compound.

The event was a success, with many souls being led to Christ, and a home cell has been established

Report by Pastor Isaac Asante Ayeh (Kpadjai District).

270 Children Receive Holy Spirit Baptism During Camp Meeting

270 Children Receive Holy Spirit Baptism During Camp Meeting

by with No Comment Children's MinistryChurch NewsTop Stories

Two hundred and seventy children in the Tamale Area of The Church of Pentecost experienced Holy Spirit baptism during a non-residential camp meeting organised by the Area’s Children’s Ministry for children in the area.

The event, which took place on Saturday, April 1, 2023, was organised at both zonal and district levels including the Tamale Zone, which was chaired by the Tamale Area Head and Executive Council Member of the Church, Apostle Sylvester Arhin.

The main aim of the camp meeting, according to the Area Children’s Ministry Leader, Overseer Andrews Owusu, was to reposition the children in the power of the Holy Ghost for maximum impact. 

During his sermon on Matthew 8:1-4, Apostle Arhin said that Jesus is able to make every child whole and to empower them to become successful farmers, artisans, lawyers, medical doctors, teachers, politicians, and ministers of God, in future.

He further emphasised the importance of following Jesus and making Him the centre of their lives. He reassured the children that, despite their young age, God can use them to bring glory to His name.

In his exhortation, Overseer Andrews Owusu also convinced the children of the need to receive the Holy Ghost baptism and all other spiritual gifts.

Reading from Daniel 2:1-19 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, he ignited the children’s desire for the power of the Holy Spirit and led them in a time of intensive prayer.

The event recorded a remarkable attendance of close to 1000 participants, including the Area pastorate, their wives, and children’s workers.

Some parents, who participated in the event with their wards, expressed gratitude to the Church leadership for organsing such an impactful programme.

Report by Tamale Area Media Team.