Posts in category: Top Stories

The longstanding discourse on defining a man of God remains a subject of ongoing debate. While some hinge their judgment on the manifestation of signs and wonders, others emphasise the character of the man of God. This article delves into the perils linked to assessing the credibility of a man of God solely based on his charisma, proposing a more balanced approach to discerning the true identity of a man of God.

Drawing parallels to the biblical account of Moses before Pharaoh, where sorcerers duplicated miracles, it becomes crucial to reassess the criteria for identifying a genuine man of God. Focusing solely on miracles, healing, and deliverances is perilous, as these manifestations can be replicated through questionable means.

Jesus’ cautionary words about those who perform miracles but are considered workers of iniquity emphasise the need for a deeper evaluation of a man of God’s authenticity. This prompts a reflection on the traits and characteristics that distinguish a true man of God from a mere performer.

Humility emerges as a significant litmus test for the spirit a man of God operates with, echoing Jesus’ call to be gentle and humble in heart. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in Philippians 2:5, emphasising the importance of humility in the life and behaviour of a servant of God.

Love becomes another critical factor, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:2. The absence of love diminishes the significance of other spiritual gifts, underscoring the need for genuine love in a man of God’s ministry.

The transformative impact of a man of God’s ministry on the lives of congregants is an essential criterion. The ability to turn individuals from a life of wrongdoing to one of righteousness demonstrates the true power of a man of God’s teachings.

Family life also plays a pivotal role in assessing a man of God. A well-organized and harmonious home, coupled with well-behaved children, contributes to the overall credibility of a spiritual leader.

Doctrinal consistency with biblical truth emerges as a more reliable indicator of a man of God’s power than mere miracles. The adherence to sound doctrine reveals the source of spiritual power and underscores the importance of scrutinising the teachings of religious leaders.

In a world influenced by religious orientation, cultural practices, and varying spiritual worldviews, it becomes imperative to reevaluate expectations concerning men of God. The criteria of character, charisma, doctrine, and discipline must be carefully weighed to ensure the alignment of a spiritual leader with biblical principles.

In navigating the complexities of the 21st century, believers are urged to choose spiritual leaders cautiously, prioritising character and doctrine over charismatic displays. This discerning approach ensures that the men of God under whom they sit for spiritual nourishment align with the teachings they uphold.

Written by Pastor Luke Sei Nemen (District Minister, Daluayili, Tamale)

For the past three days, Dr. Alex Denkyi of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Isaac Nyame of the University of Development Studies (UDS), Pastor Dr. Patrick Kudadjie of Pentecost University (PU), Deaconess Mrs. Theodore Oduro of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and I have been in residential camping, working on a few research projects and reports for the Church.

Yesterday evening around 10 pm, after completing the day’s activities, we decided to evangelise some of our sisters on the street at night by going through A&C mall and the KFC area at East Legon, a popular suburb of Accra in Ghana.

Ministry to prostitutes (sisters) on the streets is a significant and often overlooked aspect of religious and social outreach. The sisters who engage in sex work face myriad challenges and stigmas that can lead to feelings of isolation, despair, and hopelessness.

By extending compassion, understanding, and support, ministries have the potential to positively impact the lives of prostitutes and guide them towards a path of healing and redemption.

We spent about three hours and 30 minutes undertaking this exercise, resulting in four of them accepting Christ as their Lord and peraonal Saviour. What shocked us was that most of these ladies were Christians but found themselves on the street.

From our interaction with them, it came to light that the sisters on the streets face a range of vulnerabilities and risks, including physical and sexual violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

Almost all the sisters we came into contact with entered the sex trade due to poverty or a lack of viable opportunities. (One of the ladies was a university graduate who studied English but found herself on the street.)

It is our conviction that outreach to these individuals is not about condoning or encouraging their actions but recognizing their humanity and offering them an alternative way forward.

We need to take this ministry very seriously and invest financial resources into it. We cannot just pick them off the street without any resources to support them.

Using an approach of establishing empathetic and non-judgmental communication, we were able to lead four of them to accept Christ. By actively listening to their stories, we appreciated the level of support that is often lacking in their lives.

The question we kept asking ourselves was what next? Without providing practical assistance and resources, these young sisters will find themselves back on the street.

Resources such as counseling, housing, and learning a trade or seed money to practice the trade already learned will help keep them off the street. This requires more dedication and investment on the part of the ministry for meaningful and sustainable impact to be made. A deeper understanding of the plight of these sisters through an empirical study will help draw deeper insight and a workable approach to getting them out of the street permanently.

To every Christian, let us go to these sisters and clear them off the streets for Christ and also invest our resources in helping them have a better life.

Written by Pastor Daniel Appiah

When parents genuinely love their children, it’s crucial to avoid letting selfishness creep in during the nurturing process.

In essence, parents often tend to mold their children based on their own desires or interests rather than considering the unique needs of the children.

However, parenting should deviate from this path. Scripturally, we are advised to guide our children according to their individual paths, not just replicating our own.

This concept can be likened to mentorship, where mentors identify and cultivate the potential in their mentees. Parenting shares similarities; it’s a challenging task that requires understanding and nurturing individual potential.

Parenting is a responsibility for the matured, as immaturity can lead to a lack of effort in understanding the interests of the children. This may result in imposing the parents’ desires on the children, hindering their development.

Many parents unintentionally shape their children into something they are not, driven by societal expectations. This approach limits their ability to recognise and nurture their children’s true potentials.

Dear parent, avoid being a selfish parent; seek knowledge on child mentorship. Invest time in reading parenting books and attending masterclasses to learn and apply valuable insights. Your children rely on your guidance for their development.

Recognise that as a parent, your strategies alone cannot transform the world. Your children are transformative tools; understanding their potential goes beyond merely thinking for them. Empower them to become peer educators, decision-makers, and agents of transformation.

See your children as individuals capable of positive impact on the world. Even without your perception, they are already influencing their surroundings, either positively or negatively.

Guide them to consistently make positive contributions to their world. The world needs the way you parent your children to foster transformation. Therefore, go all out and unleash their potential upon the world.

Written by Elder Tonnie Baffoe (District Youth Ministry Leader, Ekroful District)

INTRODUCTION

In the recent wave of Guinness World Record pursuits in Ghana, notable individuals such as Afua Asantewaa Aduonum and Chef Faila have garnered widespread attention. Their remarkable feats include Afua’s awe-inspiring six-day Singathon, which spanned an impressive 127 hours, and Chef Faila’s ongoing seven-day Cookathon, aiming to set a record by reaching 240 hours. These extraordinary endeavours have captured the public eye, showcasing not only the determination of the individuals involved but also contributing to the cultural and creative landscape of Ghana. These endeavours not only showcase human achievements but also foster innovation, inspiration, and national pride. However, amidst the pursuit of temporal recognition, a critical reflection emerges on whether these endeavours yield eternal rewards. This reflection prompts believers to collectively assess their endeavours in establishing godly records, finding inspiration from revered spiritual figures such as Jesus Christ, Peter, Paul, Martin Luther, Saint Jerome, William Tyndale, and William Seymour, as well as contemporary influences like James McKeown and Michael Kwabena Ntumy.

The pivotal question arises: What proactive steps are today’s believers taking to cultivate a legacy akin to their esteemed forebears? The aspiration is to craft a narrative that inspires the present and serves as a catalyst for the next generation to surpass current achievements. Aligning with Jesus’ profound words in John 14:12, believers commit to surpassing past remarkable works, driven by faith, to extraordinary heights.

This piece serves as a call to action, urging individuals of faith to transcend temporal achievements and focus on setting godly records for eternal rewards. Within The Church of Pentecost, there’s a specific emphasis on surpassing predecessors and ushering in a new era of godly achievements. The present moment offers a unique opportunity for believers to contribute to the spiritual landscape, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations. They must be guided by the divine challenge in John 14:12, propelling them towards a future where faith shapes history and leaves an indelible mark on God’s eternal plan.

TEMPORAL RECOGNITION VERSUS ETERNAL REWARDS

In the pursuit of temporal recognition, a crucial dichotomy unfolds against the backdrop of enduring significance: temporal recognition vs. eternal rewards. While accolades and worldly acknowledgment may provide fleeting satisfaction, the discerning mind contemplates whether such pursuits yield lasting, eternal dividends. This dichotomy calls for introspection, challenging individuals to weigh the immediate allure of worldly acclaim against the enduring value of actions rooted in eternal principles. It beckons a shift in focus from the transient applause of the present to the timeless rewards promised in a spiritual context. In this introspective journey, the quest for eternal rewards takes precedence, reminding us to prioritise actions that contribute to a legacy resonating beyond the temporal boundaries of recognition, aiming for enduring significance and eternal impact.

Biblical figures such as Jesus Christ, Peter, and Paul, alongside revered figures in church history like Martin Luther, Saint Jerome, William Seymour, and William Tyndale, have profoundly shaped the course of Christianity by fighting for eternal rewards ahead of temporal recognition in their generations. These iconic individuals laid enduring foundations for the faith, contributing to its theological richness and global spread. In the contemporary landscape, noteworthy figures like James McKeown, Michael Kwabena Ntumy, and others have emerged as influential voices in today’s Christianity. Their contributions echo the ongoing narrative of faith, bridging the historical legacy of biblical characters and early church leaders with the dynamic expressions of contemporary Christian thought and practice. Together, these figures form a continuum, each contributing distinctively to the vibrant tapestry of Christian history and its evolution over time.

REFLECTING ON SPIRITUAL STALWARTS: FROM FOUNDATIONAL FIGURES TO CONTEMPORARY VOICES

At the heart of Christianity stands Jesus Christ, the seminal figure whose teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection laid the cornerstone of the faith, offering redemption to humanity. Alongside him, Peter, a pivotal member of the Twelve Apostles, emerged as a primary spokesperson and leader in the early Christian community. Paul, initially a persecutor of Christians, underwent a transformative conversion, becoming a prolific missionary and contributing significantly to the theological understanding of salvation through grace. Together, these foundational figures established the bedrock of Christian doctrine and practice through their teachings and sacrificial commitments.

Moving into the era of reform, Martin Luther challenged the established doctrines of the Catholic Church with his emphasis on justification by faith. His “95 Theses” ignited the Protestant Reformation, reshaping the Christian landscape. Saint Jerome’s translation of the Bible into Latin (Vulgate) during the 4th century left an enduring impact on Christian theology and scripture. In the early 20th century, William Seymour played a crucial role in the Azusa Street Revival, emphasising the significance of the Holy Spirit in the Pentecostal movement. William Tyndale’s English translations of the Bible made scripture accessible to a wider audience, significantly contributing to the development of the English Bible.

In the contemporary Christian tapestry, notable figures like Reverend James McKeown, the founder of The Church of Pentecost, which is renowned for pastoral leadership and evangelism in Ghana and beyond, contribute to the ongoing legacy. Apostle Michael Kwabena Ntumy, as a former chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has played a vital role in shaping Pentecostal Christianity in Ghana and beyond. These contemporary voices seamlessly continue the rich legacy of their predecessors, offering spiritual guidance, theological insights, and leadership to ensure the ever-evolving Christian community remains relevant and impactful in the present age.

GUIDING PRINCIPLE: JOHN 14:12

What inspired these revered figures to surpass legacies and tread extraordinary paths? The driving force behind their exceptional commitment can be traced to Jesus’ pivotal statement to his disciples in John 14:12, a foundational principle shaping their transformative journeys. Jesus’ resonant words carry immense transformative power: “Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” This declaration serves as an illuminating beacon, guiding believers to emulate Christ’s footsteps while simultaneously aspiring to new heights of spiritual impact.

Derived from this scripture, a divine challenge takes root—an invitation to surpass the remarkable works of the past. Jesus, embodying the pinnacle of faith and divine action, transcends mere modelhood, becoming an aspirational benchmark, for “Christ’s power is not only shown within his own person, but it is spread through the body of his entire church.” The call to believe in and replicate His works acts as a powerful catalyst, propelling believers beyond the confines of historical achievements. It beckons them to transcend familiar boundaries and enter a realm where faith becomes the propulsive force, lifting them to extraordinary heights of spiritual influence and service.

This commitment is not a mere call to replicate history but to surpass it, urging believers into uncharted territories where faith stretches its bounds and its impact is magnified. It encourages a paradigm shift, where the unfolding narrative of faith transforms into a dynamic, ever-expanding journey into the miraculous. Aligning with Jesus’ words in John 14:12 signifies more than a connection to Christianity’s historical roots; it symbolises an active participation in an ongoing, transcendent narrative of faith promising even greater manifestations of divine grace and power.

CALL TO ACTION FOR BELIEVERS: SURPASSING GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR SPIRITUAL LEGACY

In the current Ghanaian landscape, the fervour for breaking Guinness World Records has become a prevailing trend, with individuals seeking temporal recognition for various feats. However, contemporary believers should embrace a more profound call to action: setting spiritual legacies that transcend mere temporal achievements. This call becomes even more critical amid the prevailing culture where breaking world records is a dominant pursuit. Unlike the transient accolades associated with Guinness World Records, the emphasis here is on establishing godly records that yield eternal rewards in heaven.

This imperative resonates strongly within The Church of Pentecost, where a transformative agenda is underway, propelling believers to surpass the achievements of their predecessors. The call to action is embedded in the unleashing agenda, a paradigm shift where members are not merely breaking records for the world’s applause but are being unleashed to transform their world. The agenda focuses on spiritual impact, aligning with the divine challenge articulated in John 14:12.

Contemporary believers, particularly within The Church of Pentecost, are encouraged to contribute to a lasting spiritual legacy that echoes through eternity, transcending the temporal pursuits of worldly acclaim and Guinness World Records. In this call to action, the faithful are empowered to forge a path towards spiritual significance that outshines the ephemeral allure of breaking records for records’ sake.

In this present moment, believers stand at a unique juncture to initiate an unparalleled era of godly records. Beyond merely shaping the spiritual landscape, it entails creating a legacy that will endure for generations. It is a call to transcend the transient and embark on a journey that not only contributes to the present spiritual narrative but also leaves an indelible mark, resonating through the annals of time for those who follow. The present opportunity beckons believers to be architects of a spiritual heritage that transcends the immediate, fostering a lasting impact on the future of faith.

CONCLUSION

In the pursuit of a spiritual legacy amidst Ghana’s penchant for Guinness World Records, this narrative emphasises the timeless importance of setting godly records that yield eternal rewards. Believers are called to surpass the remarkable works of the past, as articulated in the divine challenge of John 14:12. This piece serves as a resounding call to action for contemporary believers, urging them to transcend temporal achievements and focus on forging a lasting spiritual legacy. Within The Church of Pentecost, this call is heightened through the unleashing agenda, urging members to contribute to an enduring spiritual narrative that surpasses worldly pursuits.

The commitment to align with John 14:12 signifies not only a connection to historical roots but active participation in an ongoing, transcendent narrative of faith, promising even greater manifestations of divine grace and power. As believers stand at a unique juncture, the present moment beckons them to initiate an unparalleled era of godly records, contributing not only to the spiritual landscape but also leaving a legacy that resonates through eternity, shaping the future of faith for generations to come.

 Written by Pastor Emmanuel Foster Asamoah (Abasraba District, Winneba)