Posts in category: Top Stories

MAIN SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:42-46, Ecclesiastes 9:11

“Seize the moment” is a powerful reminder to make the most of present opportunities and experiences. It encourages embracing life’s opportunities, taking action, and living in the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Whether it’s pursuing a goal, expressing gratitude, or simply enjoying the moment, seizing the moment can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Life-transforming moments come in disguise, and some things are challenging. However, full actualization requires much discernment and daring spirit, coupled with some level of preparation.

Life-transforming moments are not always in plain sight; sometimes, they require an inner conviction of what you can offer to be acknowledged. People may not always acknowledge you for what you can offer until you step forward with bravery to showcase your innermost potential.

Life-transforming moments that transcend through generations may require a temporal sacrifice for permanent benefits. It sometimes demands your availability, benevolence, and godly engagement.

For the purpose of our discourse, we shall examine the life and bravery initiative of Joseph of Arimathea.

Joseph of Arimathea is a significant figure in Christian tradition, primarily known for his role in the burial of Jesus Christ. Here’s an outline of his background:

• PERSONALITY: Joseph of Arimathea is described as a wealthy man and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews in Jerusalem. The town of Arimathea is believed to have been located in Judea, though its exact location is uncertain.
• ASSOCIATION WITH JESUS: According to the Gospel accounts, Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus, meaning he followed Jesus’ teachings but likely did so discreetly, possibly due to fear of backlash from other Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. By openly requesting Jesus’ body, Joseph risked being associated with Jesus and facing potential persecution or ostracism from his own community. He is depicted as being sympathetic to Jesus and his teachings.
• BURIAL OF JESUS: Following the crucifixion of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea approached Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and requested permission to bury Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, along with Nicodemus, another secret disciple, took Jesus’ body down from the cross and laid it in a tomb that Joseph had prepared for himself.

LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT

Joseph of Arimathea’s simple yet strategic and benevolent act eventually earned him a significant place in Christianity and made him an important personality to study. This act of kindness was a voluntary, purposeful, and deliberately willing desire to offer his resources to unknowingly secure an eternal and permanent lasting legacy for himself and generations yet unborn.

It’s not always about being the frontier or the main character, nor the vision bearer, but much to do with how you can negotiate your way in sharing/partnering in a divine cause.

To make a lasting impact in our generation may require simple obedience, grabbing the opportunity for several reasons:

• BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS: Joseph is mentioned in all four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) in the New Testament. He is depicted as a wealthy disciple of Jesus and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. This teaches us that we can be relevant in any area we identify ourselves in the kingdom of God, serving with the little we have.
• BURIAL OF JESUS: Joseph of Arimathea played a crucial role in the burial of Jesus Christ. After Jesus was crucified, Joseph boldly approached Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and requested permission to bury Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, along with Nicodemus, another secret disciple of Jesus, prepared Jesus’ body for burial and laid it in a tomb. With the act of bravery, the gospel of Christ, His death, and resurrection cannot be preached without placing emphasis on the vital role he played.
• FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY: Joseph’s actions in burying Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 53:9, which states that the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. This underscores the messianic identity of Jesus and the fulfilment of Scripture in his life and death.
• SYMBOL OF COURAGE AND DEVOTION: Joseph’s bravery in seeking permission to bury Jesus, despite potential repercussions from the Roman authorities and his fellow Jews, demonstrates his devotion to Jesus and his commitment to honouring him even in death. His actions serve as an example of courage and loyalty to believers.
• HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Joseph’s role as a member of the Sanhedrin and his association with Jesus provide historical and cultural context to the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. His prominence as a wealthy and respected figure adds credibility to the gospel accounts.

You can have enough, own abundance, excel greatly, possess great wealth, be a genius, and yet die without remembrance. There have been more rich, famous, and wealthy individuals who once lived, but after their departure, there’s no trace of them, not even in their own lineage. It takes simple but strategic moves, initiatives, and assistance to be remembered for life.

Arimathea was not considered the most powerful preacher, not the eloquent disciple, nor mentioned as a pivotal yet in his small way, made a historic and significant input in Christianity. The gospel cannot be preached without making reference to Joseph of Arimathea. He now holds significant importance in Christianity.

Overall, Joseph of Arimathea’s significance lies in his pivotal role in the burial of Jesus Christ, which not only fulfilled prophecy but also symbolized devotion, courage, and the historicity of Jesus’ life and death.

Written by Elder Patrick Turkson (Asenemaso District Youth Ministry Leader)

Blessed day, people of God. It is an honour to contribute to the knowledge of the body of Christ. This study seeks to help believers understand the life of the Christian with and without the Holy Spirit. Fast forward to some occasions, Jesus tells His disciples by reassuring them that He will leave, but after He leaves, there is no circumstance where He will leave them as orphans. John 14:18-20 vividly says, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you. Yet, in a little while, the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you will also live. On that day, you will know that I am in my father, and you in me, and I in you.” This vividly tells us the intentions of Jesus Christ as a people of God who will forever have a father, helper, and comforter. Jesus, before the ascension, assured His disciples of the Holy Spirit after His ascension.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ORPHAN

In recent times, the heart of the orphan has certain traits due to their condition. The lack of biological parental care has led to the exhibition and nature of this group of people. Below are some stated characteristics of orphans in our societies:

• THEY ARE CHARACTERISED BY NEGLECT: They tend to be affected by the neglect of their parents, guardians, or loved ones. Hence, they are emotionally affected by the spirit of neglect, which tends to affect the well-being of this group of people. With the absence of their parents, they are taken away by the need to belong and the will to go to great lengths to find acceptance in our communities. This makes them liable to manipulation and abuse, which, gradually, can result in them being affected and having a sense of guilt for not having parents.

• THEY ARE MOSTLY INSECURE AND IRRESPONSIBLE: The nature of an orphan is typically characterised by insecurities and irresponsibility since they do not have biological mentors. They tend to have little or no life experience, lessons, and values of life. They are also insecure in that the absence of the head factor (Father) causes them to have no sense of security at all or very little. They have no one to lean on in times of crisis and no one to boast about in times of need.

The statement of Jesus Christ stating that He will not leave us as orphans highlights His care for the welfare of the believer and assures the Christian of the ordinance of the Holy Spirit. This states the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Lessons learned from the life of the orphan depict the nature of the believer without the infilling and dwelling of the Holy Spirit. It further classifies such believers as orphans in this Kingdom business.

THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

• The believer, without the infilling of the Holy Spirit, has zero strength to fight against the world. As stated earlier, the life of the orphan is one characterised by neglect. This vividly depicts the life of the believer without the Holy Spirit as one who feels some sense of neglect. Believers are, therefore, encouraged to seek with humility the infilling of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of their lives.
• The believer, also, without the infilling of the Holy Spirit, is mostly insecure. The Holy Spirit, who is a part of the trinity nature of God, informs the believer of what is ahead and what is at hand. The Holy Spirit controls and directs the believer to secure places according to the will of God. A believer, therefore, without the infilling of the Holy Spirit, lives an unaware life, being ignorant of what is next since the spirit factor is missing.

THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the life of the believer since it brings unity between the believer and Christ while bringing him into the full body of Christ.

Many verses of the Bible (John 14:26, John 16:17, John 14:16) define the Holy Spirit as a Helper who helps the Christian to run the race to the end. The Holy Spirit becomes the epicentre to help the believer in this modern world of sin by giving out gifts according to His will to believers to sail through this world of sin. Also, the Holy Spirit in a person bears some fruit, which can be found in Galatians 5:22-23. This equips the believer with the necessary values needed to hold on and sail through to the end.

Also, the Holy Spirit serves as a comforter to the believer (John 16:7). Yes, the life of the believer with the Holy Spirit may not be smooth, but there comes our Holy Spirit once again who plays the role of a comforter to the believer and helps the believer to once again step up and keep going. Unlike the orphan who has barely or no one to talk to, the Holy Spirit is the best friend and the personal person for the believer who never leaves the body in times of downfall but rather divinely comforts the believer by any means possible to get back on His feet.

Believers are, therefore, encouraged day to day to yearn for the dwelling and infilling of the Holy Spirit very often since it plays a vital role in unleashing the believer to transform all spheres of their life.

Written by Herbert Obeng Nyarko

In recent years, the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked profound questions and discussions within Christendom. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, including the church, it’s essential for believers to engage in theological reflection to discern its implications for faith and practice.

WHAT IS AI?

Artificial Intelligence refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions, enabling machines to perform tasks with remarkable accuracy and efficiency.

HOW CAN THE CHURCH USE AI?

The church can harness the power of AI in numerous ways to enhance its ministries and outreach efforts. AI-powered chatbots can engage with individuals seeking spiritual guidance or information about Christianity, providing personalized responses and resources tailored to their needs. Additionally, AI algorithms can analyze large datasets of scripture, theological texts, and historical documents, offering insights and interpretations that aid in theological study and reflection.

HOW IS THE CHURCH ALREADY USING AI?

Already, we see AI being integrated into various aspects of church life. Facial recognition technology is used for security and attendance tracking in some congregations, while AI-powered translation tools facilitate multilingual communication during worship services and mission trips. Additionally, churches utilize data analytics platforms to analyze member engagement and tailor ministry programs to better meet the needs of the church.

Opportunities and Challenges of AI to the Church

The opportunities presented by AI for the church are vast. AI can help streamline administrative tasks, improve communication and engagement with congregants, and enhance the effectiveness of evangelistic efforts. Through AI-powered tools, the church can reach new audiences, foster deeper connections with existing members, and adapt to the evolving needs of society in the digital age.

However, along with these opportunities come challenges and potential threats. Ethical concerns surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the dehumanization of interpersonal interactions must be carefully addressed. Moreover, there is a risk of AI technology being misused or manipulated for malicious purposes, posing threats to the integrity of Christian values and beliefs.

THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION OF AI

As Christians, our response to AI must be grounded in theological reflection and ethical discernment. While AI offers exciting possibilities for enhancing ministry and outreach, it also raises profound questions about the nature of humanity, the role of technology in God’s plan, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

At its core, AI is a human creation—a product of human ingenuity and innovation. As such, it reflects the inherent creativity and intelligence endowed by God to humanity, who was made in His image (Genesis 1:27).

However, AI also poses challenges to traditional theological concepts such as free will, moral responsibility, and the nature of consciousness. Can AI possess genuine autonomy and moral agency? Can it exhibit qualities such as empathy, compassion, and spiritual discernment? These questions invite theological reflection on the unique attributes of humanity and the limitations of artificial intelligence.

Ethical considerations are also central to theological reflection on AI. As Christians, we are called to uphold values of justice, compassion, and human dignity in all areas of life, including the development and deployment of AI technologies. The use of AI in surveillance, predictive policing, and social profiling raises concerns about privacy, discrimination, and social justice—issues that demand careful theological scrutiny.

Moreover, theological reflection on AI ethics must grapple with questions of power, control, and accountability. Who determines the ethical standards governing AI systems? How do we ensure that AI technologies serve the common good and promote human flourishing rather than reinforcing existing inequalities and power dynamics? These are complex ethical dilemmas that require theological wisdom and discernment.

Beyond ethical considerations, AI also has implications for Christian ministry and worship. The use of AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and digital platforms opens new avenues for evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral care. AI algorithms can analyze scripture, theological texts, and historical documents, providing insights and interpretations that aid in theological study and reflection.

However, theological reflection on AI in ministry must also grapple with questions of authenticity, relationality, and spiritual formation. Can AI-mediated interactions truly nurture deep, meaningful relationships and foster spiritual growth? How do we ensure that technology enhances rather than detracts from the embodied, communal nature of Christian worship and fellowship? These are theological questions that demand careful consideration in the age of AI.

One of the central theological questions surrounding AI is its relationship to divine revelation. Can AI truly discern the will of God or deliver inspired insights into scripture? While AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns, they cannot replace the spiritual discernment and wisdom that comes from a personal relationship with God. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

The Response of the Church

In light of these theological considerations, how should the church respond to the rise of AI? First and foremost, the church must recognize that AI is a tool—an enabler, not a substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit. While AI can assist in data analysis, multimedia production, and research, it cannot replace the role of prayer, sermon preparation, spiritual discernment, the will of God, and reliance on God’s guidance in the life of the believer.

However, this does not mean that the church should shy away from embracing AI. On the contrary, the church can and should leverage AI to enhance its mission and ministry efforts. As Romans 12:2 exhorts us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

AI, when used wisely and ethically, can serve as a powerful tool for advancing the Kingdom of God. It can help churches reach new audiences, engage with congregants more effectively, and adapt to the changing needs of society. However, it’s essential to maintain a critical perspective and guard against the potential pitfalls of AI.

Already, we see AI being utilized in practical ways within the church. Data analytics platforms help churches understand their members’ preferences and needs better, enabling them to tailor their ministries accordingly. AI-powered multimedia tools enhance worship experiences, while automated communication systems streamline administrative tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for the church. By engaging in theological reflection and ethical discernment, the church can harness the potential of AI to advance the Kingdom of God while safeguarding its core values and beliefs. As Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Let us, therefore, prayerfully consider how AI can be used to glorify God and further His Kingdom, trusting in His guidance and wisdom every step of the way.