Apostle Mike Kwame Etrue, the Koforidua Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, has reiterated that the resurrection narrative of Jesus Christ makes the Christian faith unique.
Apostle Etrue, who is also the Coordinator of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC), said this on Sunday, March 31, 2024, during the climax of the Easter Convention of the New Juaben Zone in Koforidua.
The Koforidua Area Head explained that what distinguishes Christianity from all other religions is the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and that the resurrection narrative is central to the faith of believers.
Referencing 1 Corinthians 15:4, he mentioned that “if Christ had not risen, then our faith is in vain, and our preaching is baseless, and that those who have died for the cause of the faith have died in vain.”
As to the proof that Jesus Christ indeed rose from the dead, Apostle Mike Etrue shared evidence from scripture and mentioned the empty tomb (Matt. 28:6) and the post-resurrection appearances to individuals (1 Corinthians 15:5), appearance to two persons on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-15); appearances to the eleven disciples (John 20:24-28), to more than 500 people (1 Cor. 5:6), and finally to Paul (Acts 9). Other evidence of Jesus’s resurrection includes the testimony of the angels (Matt 28:5-7; Acts 1:10-11); and the experiences of the early Church.
On the significance of the resurrection, the Koforidua Area Head shared that it is the vindication of Christ that he is true to his word and never fails (John 10:17-18).
Further, the resurrection is the assurance that indeed Christ died for the sins of the world and rose again for the justification of those who believe (Romans 4:25). Again, the resurrection of Christ inaugurated the new creation (1 Cor. 5:17).
Finally, the resurrection of Christ gives the assurance of the future resurrection of believers and their transformation into glorified bodies.
Apostle Etrue admonished believers to demonstrate the evidence of the resurrection of Christ through their transformed lives.
He also reminded the congregation that the Lord has unleashed them to effectively possess their spheres with the resurrection power of Christ and entreated them to offer themselves to make Vision 2028 a reality.
The climax of the convention witnessed the presence of Nana Kwaku Boateng III, paramount chief of New Juaben State, his sub-chiefs, and elders.
In attendance was Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi, the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, who mentioned that The Church of Pentecost was significant in every sphere of the nation and that no politician can do without the Church.
The Parliamentary Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Martin Offei Otu, also graced the event.
Also, present at the climax were Mrs. Ernestina Etrue, wife of the Koforidua Area Head, as well as Elder Dr. Kwasi Mireku and his wife, Mrs. Philomina Mireku, who is also the Women’s Director of The Church of Pentecost.
Pastors Samuel Yaw and Mrs. Josephine Asare, the District Minister of New Juaben; Daniel and Mrs. Juliana Mireku of Old Estate District; Joseph and Mrs. Deborah Tawiah-Kwao of Koforidua District; as well as Gordon and Mrs. Evelyn Ansah, the Koforidua Sector PENSA Travelling Secretary were also present.
Report by Koforidua Area Media Team