Pastor Justice Adane Twene, the Afienya Estate District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, has advised Christians to use their influence to promote the kingdom of God.
Pastor Twene made this call at the climax of this year’s Easter Convention, which was held from April 5th to 9th, 2023, at the district’s Central Assembly auditorium. The event, themed: “Why Do You Look for the Living Among the Dead? He Is Not Here, He Is Risen” (Luke 24:5-6), was well attended and brought people from different walks of life.
In his sermon titled “Characters Around the Burial and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” with Luke 24:2-6 and Matthew 27:1-57 as scripture references, the District Minister highlighted the many lessons that can be learned from some characters around the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These, he said, include Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalen, the Apostles, and the other disciples of Christ Jesus.
Speaking about Joseph of Arimathea, Pastor Twene described him as a member of the Jewish council, a good and righteous man who had not consented to their decisions and actions but was looking for the kingdom of God.
“He was also wealthy and influential and used his position and influence for the benefit of Christ and the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Christ, and when it was given to him, he wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which had been cut in the rock,” he said.
Pastor Twene urged Christians to emulate Joseph of Arimathea and use their position, influence, power, and office for the benefit of Christ and the welfare of the Church.
He stressed that if the Church can possess the nations, believers must influence the world in every sphere of life with Kingdom values and principles.
The District Minister further emphasised that Joseph of Arimathea did not hide or compromise his faith, did not consent to the decision to execute Jesus Christ, and openly defended his faith. He urged believers to contend for the faith and stand their ground when opposition and adversities arise in their Christian journey.
Pastor Twene advised believers to be loyal and people of integrity no matter what they face as Christians.
According to him, Joseph of Arimathea was sacrificial, committed to duty, available, and responsible. He pointed out that no one told Joseph of Arimathea to go for the body of Christ, but he took the initiative himself.
“He sacrificed his time, wealth, influence, and tomb to give Christ a befitting burial,” he said.
Pastor Twene, therefore, encouraged believers to sacrifice their wealth, skills, talents, and resources for the advancement of the Kingdom.
He also advised Christians, especially church leaders, to be responsible, available, and dutiful.
Pastor Twene explained that being responsible is having an obligation to do something, being dependable, keeping promises, and honouring commitments. Responsible people are accountable, answerable, reliable, and available.
He also urged Christians to emulate Nicodemus’ love and compassion as well as Mary’s humility to influence their spheres.
Report by Afienya Estate District Media Team.