“FRATERNAL CORRECTION” REV. FIIFI FOH ARKHURST ( MATT 18:15-20) 04/09/11

Fraternal correction is simply the way we respond to those who sin against us and efforts we make to bring them back to Christ. it is our duty as christians to find ways to restore fellowship with our brothers to christ.

How do we correct a brother who offends us? Jesus gave three steps in mathew
i.  Go and point out faults to your brother.(Matt.18:15) it is our duty to prevent anyone from leaving God's Kingdom.

ii.We need witnesses to convict one another.(Deut. 19:15)

iii. Take him or her to the church when he/she refuses when to listen.(Matt. 18:17) we are asked to treat our offenders like tax collectors. How did Jesus treat tax collectors? Jesus loved tax collecors and gentiles, we should hence associate with our offendors and not shun them when they wrong us.

These steps are designed to reconcile each of us.(Ezek. 33:7)

Reflections. i. How do we treat those who offend us?
                  ii.How have you treated your offenders?
                  iii. who has offended you,how do you treat him or her?

Its is our prayer that you follow the steps to help restore any one who offends you and not shun him/her.

“THE CROSS” REV. SAMUEL AYE-BOAFO ( MATT 16: 21-28) 28/08/11

Jesus realized that the disciples were convinced he was the messiah, hence saw it necessary to law down conditions in following him.

What is your cross?

The scripture talks about three things, take up your cross, deny yourself and follow me. The most important of all is to take up your cross. The cross is the central message of the Christian faith. The cross is not:

i.                     A wooden structure/metal chain you hang around.

ii.                   Having a health problem, sickness and financial problems.

The cross symbolically is suffering, pain, rejection and death faced in our quest to serve the living God and the voluntary participation in the suffering of Christ or sacrifice.(Rom 12:1) the cross is the way.

Deny yourself in order to face death. It is not refusing to eat, following other things but saying no to self and yes to Christ. In Gal 2:20 apostle Paul said “I am crucified and Christ lives in me”. 

Follow me: the Christian life is not a casual relationship. If you think of yourself you would lose your life but you surrender to Christ you would gain life to the end.

Allow Christ no matter the cost, follow me always. Your life is a day to day affair no matter where you are. If you want to share in Christ’s glory we must be prepared to suffer. “No cross, no crown.’ Jesus wore a crown of thorn before a crown of glory. (Acts 14:32)

Our prayer is that we share in the glory  when he comes the second time, that he strengthens us to the call of Christian life.

“AUTHORITY” BRO. ANDY SAM (IS. 51: 1-6, ROM. 2: 1-8, MATT 16: 13-20) 21/08/11

We all have experienced a form of authority, to come to church or not. Authority is defined as the power or right to enforce obedience, it is influence; by someone whose opinion is accepted through a selection or authority, prophets et.c.

The use of authority in circular world is for the leveraging of power, claiming influence, demanding things from people and gaining an advantage to face opposition but we need to rely on God for exercising of our authority.

There are examples of people in the world who used their authority to saves people. How God wants us to use power? He wants us to comfort people with power as in the first reading. We are all leaders by virtue of birth, position, appointment et.c he wants us to depend on the anointing brought to us by salvation.

In Romans the reading speaks about confession, evidence and benefits of divine authority. By what authority are we doing things today? We need to recognize the anointed one as well as worship him.

Lesson; the centurion in (Matt. 8:5-13) came to Jesus to ask healing for his servant. How much wait do our words carry today?

“GOD'S LOVE FOR ALL PEOPLE” 14/08/11

REV. ISAAC ETUAH-JACKSON (IS.56: 1,6-8, ROM.11: 1-2a, MATT 15: 21-28)

Today is the 9^th Sunday after Pentecost and also a day we have accepted these young ones into our fold to be part of the adult service – congratulations, it is prudent for us to discuss the theme and to be assured that God’s love is for all of us. Amen

In the first reading, we heard the Prophet Isaiah foretelling that the expected messianic Kingdom was intended not only for the Jews but all nations as well. In fact, the theme of the prophet from the pericope we have read is the call of gentiles to the service of the true God on the great day which is to come. The temple of that future messianic age will be a house of prayer for all people.

Beloved, the liberation of the Jews from the exile of Babylon in 538B.C. was like the last liberation from Egypt, 7 centuries earlier but the promised Messiah would bring real and final liberation not only to the Jews but to all mankind. He will set all humanity free from the slaves of sin and the estrangement from God and will give us all who believe in him, the eternal kingdom of heaven Amen. Today, the Christian church is the new temple of God and the new chosen people of God; which is opened to all nations and people. It is also a place of prayer where all must strive to keep the God’s Law of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen

Beloved in the Lord this is the fulcrum of Jesus encounter with the Canaanite woman whose daughter was healed because of her persevering faith. This woman was a gentile and also belonged to the old Canaanite stock who were the ancestral enemy of the Jews according to Josephus who was a Jewish historian.

Beloved in the Lord a casual reading would make one to conclude that the syrophoenician woman was a nag who wouldn’t take no for an answer. In marks version of the story (Mark 7:24-30), the woman gate crashed a private party at someone’s home. She approached Jesus three separate times with the same problem of her daughter’s demon possession.

Beloved in the Lord, the brightest jewels are often found in the darkest places. Christ had not found such faith, no, not in Israel, as he discovered this poor Canaanite woman. She was a woman of amazing faith; though she could have heard little of him or perhaps had never seen his person at all until the day when she fell at her feet and said, “Lord help me” v.22. my prayer is that someone facing a very discouraging circumstance may nevertheless be led by the holy spirit to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with a strong and persevering faith and be strengthened by the example of this Canaanite woman. Amen

Beloved in the Lord I would like to discuss with us four things about this woman which are worthy of note:

1.       Faith’s mouth cannot be closed: v. 23-24                                                                                                    If ever the faith of a woman was tried so as to make her cease from prayer; it was this woman. She had difficulty to encounter her daughters healing, but she could not put off from pleading for her, because she believe Jesus the Messiah is able to heal all manner of diseases.                         *The actions of the disciples did not deter her; they said “send her away for she keeps crying out  after us.” To the disciples the woman was a nuisance and all they wanted was to get rid of her as quickly as possible.                                                                                                                                                *Also this woman’s resolve was not shaken, her motherly heart was very tender even when Jesus told her “I was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel.” Beloved, if we were in the shoes of this woman, we would give up and say in twi “aden Opoku mfa minku…” Job says though he slays me yet will I trust in him.

            

2.       Faith never disputes with the Lord. V.25-26                                                                                                   Faith worships. Faith pleads but never disputes not even against the hardest things that Jesus says; Jesus had compared her to a dog an d she never disputed but agreed and also agreed that the children must be fed first. This woman who knew her Greek understood that Jesus used the diminutive word for dogs- Kunaria-household pet dogs which is very different from the pariah dog-which named the streets and probed in the refuse heaps. The lesson for us here is that a woman saw a gleam of hope in the words of Jesus; may we also have such faith and never enter into controversy with God. Amen.

3.       Faith argues though it does not dispute. v.27                                                                                                      The Canaanite woman argues and says yet dogs eat the crumbs. Her argument was correct and logical; because it was based on Jesus’ own promise. She was earnest and best of all she believed marvellously. As the children eat let me have the crumbs which drops from well-filled hands and I’ll be content.

4.       Faith wins her suit: v.28                                                                                                                                       Brethren in the Lord, the woman’s perseverance and faith in Jesus won her a commendation from Jesus: woman you have great faith. She gained her desire, her daughter got healed that very hour. Someone who was disqualified because of her sex and background- a gentile was included because of her faith in Christ- Gods love is all people irrespective of tribe, nativity, sex or educational background. A mother’s love and faith makes her heroic for her child and should be a great lesson for us as parents.  

Nobody can claim a birth right to God’s favour; it is God who shows mercy and love to all people and today God is showing his love for us by meeting us at his table where he is both the table and feast. We are not worthy to so much gather up the crumbs under his table but by faith we may receive the bread and wine and be made whole. Whatever your circumstance, never give up but persevere in prayer with an indomitable persistence springing from an- and the good Lord who loves all people will hearken to unconquerable hope your cry. Amen.

“COURAGE! IT IS I! DO NOT BE AFRAID” REV. SETH KISSI (1 KINGS.19: 9-18, ROM.10: 5-15, MATT 14: 22-33) 7/08/11

Courage is to face pain or opposition without fear. Fear is what you show when in danger; it can distort your position. Wrong perception made the disciples see the Saviour as a ghost. In our fears, we magnify problems.

 In our first reading, Elijah conquered the priest of Baal and killed the people. The man of God who had to celebrate this victory went into deep depression and gave up on his life.  God spoke to him in a still calm voice and did not grant his request of death.  Fear does not work for our good.  We have a God who is concerned about us. 

3.    He knows the end of the story and makes all things work for our good to those who love him. He is actively involved in our lives and is in control.

       

Live your life moment by moment; one day at a time. Learn to make it a part of your life to confess the promises of God. There are a host of promises we can confess. David survived all kinds of things through the confession of God's promises. He refuses to focus on his fear. We are called to be courageous. MHB 528

“OUR LIFE IS IN GOD’S HANDS”(GEN.29:15-28, ROM.8: 26-39, MATT 13: 31-33, 44-52) 24/07/11

 PREACHER:BRO. DAVID NYARKO                                                                                    

Everyone says his/her life is in God’s hands because we were created by God. In Christian terms we mean more than that, we commit to God as his children or servants. You might be a member of a church and not have your life committed in God’s hands. What are some indications that would make you say your life is in God’s hands.

1.       Accept the true God us your God and Jesus Christ as your Lord.(Jn. 17:3)

2.       S/he has the Holy Spirit dwelling in her/him. Influencing his thoughts as stated in the 2^nd reading.

3.       Regularly communicates with God and the Lord.

4.       S/he regularly communicates with others whose lives are in God’s hands.

5.       If anything takes you from God, re-establish the relationship.

6.       Make a constant effort to grow as a child of God.                                                                                                                                                                   Be honest, regular at church activities and potray values of the image.

Which divide are you in today? Let’s start early in order to live his image. In the first reading, Laban and Jacob, Laban went against an agreement. Jacob who tried to honour it, your thoughts show where you belong. Our religion with God is of utmost importance Matt. 33:4. He gave the Lord all his treasure and we should live our lives as such no matter where we find ourselves, we should make efforts to grow a relationship with God.

LIVING ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD. (MATT 11:16-19) 03/07/11

Today is the third Sunday of Pentecost, the first Sunday of the third quarter and the second half of the year. Have we all lived according to the will of God? Zechariah a minor prophet (Minor Prophets are the prophets with few books in the bible) was wailing when he returned from exile to see the temple in ruins. This was a fulfillment by an old prophecy that Jesus is the Christ. (Luke 24)

The Jews refused to accept Jesus as the Christ but God choose so much of their intolerance  which is the mercy he shows to us. In the third reading, a reason why Jesus was perplexed with the Jews was that they had hardened their hearts and refused him the honour. They saw Jesus as a glutton because he mixed with all people and shared in their joys and sorrows. The Sadducees and Pharisees saw tax collectors to be sinners. They took taxes looking at ones wealth and made so much profit for themselves, hence the Pharisees and other people despised them.

So how do we live our lives amidst all these criticisms? If all we are doing is according to Gods will let’s continue and let our critics talk. Living according to his will is about leaving our comfortable, secured and self centered lives and listening to his word. Paul acknowledged that our bodies would not be able to help us live his will, but only his grace would to overcome sin.  Wisdom is proved right by her actions, hence our actions and words must be according if we want to live by his will. As Christians we should live our lives according to his will and not by what our churches or ministers say.

DO NOT WORRY(Matt 10:26-42)

26th June 2011(PRAISE AND WORSHIP SUNDAY)
PREACHER:  DR. KOMI AGBEMABIESE              

To worry is to think about an unpleasant thing which has happened, is happening or would happen. Like not being welcome in a place, being discouraged by people who put you off and failing an exam you prepared for very well.

Care is to concentrate the cares and riches of this life. Jesus told Martha only one thing was necessary which Mary had found and that won’t be taken from her. Because we think our world has collapsed (v.33). Life is more important, no wonder the bible tells us to seek ye first the Kingdom of God for in doing so all other things would be added.

Worry brings about physical, moral and emotional consequences; physically we could use inappropriate language for people and also suffer from, mental disorders. A lesson learnt in Gen 22:1-14, tells us of how Abraham obeyed God and was rewarded by sparing his only promised son’s life. It was his faith that made him not worry. We all need to know Christ, have faith in order not to break down physically, emotionally and mentally.(Heb 13:5) God who says we should not worry would take care of us.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY (MATT.28:16-20) 19 JUN 2011 (FATHER’S DAY)

PREACHER: REV. DR. CYRIL FAYOSE      
Trinity simply means one God in three persons. The father, son (redeemer) and the Holy Spirit (strengthens and advises us). The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is not difficult to be understood for instance, water can have three states liquid, solid and vapour which represents the son sent and the spirit which is sent to us.  It could also be explained in humans as we have a body for our physical representation, soul that communes with God and a spirit that comforts and helps us. The trinity does not explain who God is but how he has come to us so far.                    

One proverb says to be a child is natural, but to be a father is divine. This is an acronym put together for God our father today.
F- faithfulness: God is faithful, responsible and brings order out of chaos (Gen 1:2). He is creative and generative as in the scripture.                

A- affirmative: he created things on earth for 1-6days and on the seventh day he said everything he had      created was good. As in the scripture of the prodigal son he embraces his children no matter the problem.

T-  teacher: at creation he taught and instructed Man on what to and not to eat.

H- hopeful: as in the lesson of the prodigal son he always looked out for his son. He expects us to do the right things always.

E- example to us, mentor: sent his son to teach who he is and what he is like. A story about a newly created park in Namibia which had young elephants transfered to it portrayed this, these young elephants destroyed everything they come in contact with and also harmed people, everything was done to change their attitudes but all efforts were to no avail till a psychologist then asked the managers to bring in an older elephant. when this elephant came he was surely an example for them to live by and their attitudes changed. this is how God mentors us.

R- reproof: God shows his anger on disobedient children when they go wayward. These are the marks of our father God.

This teachings do not in any way tell if God is a man but only show his fatherhood qualties. These are how our fathers and potential fathers should be.

THE GIFT IS ABOUT SALVATION OF SOULS (John 20:19-23) 12 JUN 2011

PREACHER: REV. SETH KISSI           

Jesus did not just give us gifts but divine power so it would be harnessed properly. A power of whose full appreciation we have not realised has been placed in our hands, which we have to utilize. That power could be used for good or evil depending on whether we have our gaze on the right focus of the church as we are ambassadors of Christ to release those bound by the devil. To pronounce forgiveness not judgment and use the power of God to release people. Not being overcome by feelings but keep our focus on Christ’s message to release.(forgive people)

DO NOT WORRY(Matt 10:26-42) 26th June 2011(PRAISE AND WORSHIP SUNDAY)

PREACHER:  DR. KOMI AGBEMABIESE              

To worry is to think about an unpleasant thing which has happened, is happening or would happen. Like not being welcome in a place, being discouraged by people who put you off and failing an exam you prepared for very well.

Care is to concentrate the cares and riches of this life. Jesus told Martha only one thing was necessary which Mary had found and that won’t be taken from her. Because we think our world has collapsed (v.33). Life is more important, no wonder the bible tells us to seek ye first the Kingdom of God for in doing so all other things would be added.

Worry brings about physical, moral and emotional consequences; physically we could use inappropriate language for people and also suffer from, mental disorders. A lesson learnt in Gen 22:1-14, tells us of how Abraham obeyed God and was rewarded by sparing his only promised son’s life. It was his faith that made him not worry. We all need to know Christ, have faith in order not to break down physically, emotionally and mentally.(Heb 13:5) God who says we should not worry would take care of us.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY (MATT.28:16-20) 19 JUN 2011 (FATHER’S DAY)

PREACHER: REV. DR. CYRIL FAYOSE      
Trinity simply means one God in three persons. The father, son (redeemer) and the Holy Spirit (strengthens and advises us). The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is not difficult to be understood for instance, water can have three states liquid, solid and vapour which represents the son sent and the spirit which is sent to us.  It could also be explained in humans as we have a body for our physical representation, soul that communes with God and a spirit that comforts and helps us. The trinity does not explain who God is but how he has come to us so far.                    

One proverb says to be a child is natural, but to be a father is divine. This is an acronym put together for God our father today.
F- faithfulness: God is faithful, responsible and brings order out of chaos (Gen 1:2). He is creative and generative as in the scripture.                

A- affirmative: he created things on earth for 1-6days and on the seventh day he said everything he had      created was good. As in the scripture of the prodigal son he embraces his children no matter the problem.

T-  teacher: at creation he taught and instructed Man on what to and not to eat.

H- hopeful: as in the lesson of the prodigal son he always looked out for his son. He expects us to do the right things always.

E- example to us, mentor: sent his son to teach who he is and what he is like. A story about a newly created park in Namibia which had young elephants transfered to it portrayed this, these young elephants destroyed everything they come in contact with and also harmed people, everything was done to change their attitudes but all efforts were to no avail till a psychologist then asked the managers to bring in an older elephant. when this elephant came he was surely an example for them to live by and their attitudes changed. this is how God mentors us.

R- reproof: God shows his anger on disobedient children when they go wayward. These are the marks of our father God.

This teachings do not in any way tell if God is a man but only show his fatherhood qualties. These are how our fathers and potential fathers should be.

UNION WITH CHRIST IN PRAYER AND SUFFERING. (JOHN 17:1-11) 05 Jun, 2011

PREACHER: REV. ISAAC ETUAH-JACKSON   

This day marks the ascension of Christ. It is important for us as Christians to prepare ourselves within the next four days as the spirit pours. The main thrust of the passage read is the need and devotion to prayer. Having but limited human minds, we might be tempted to wonder why the risen Christ spent so much time (40 days) appearing to his disciples- what we call the resurrection appearances and again why did Jesus tell his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the holy spirit and it took ten days- when the apostles had a great task ahead of them i.e. bringing good news to the whole world.

Beloved in the Lord, Jesus in acts 1:6-14 teaches the early church and by extension to us today to be united and devoted to prayer as they waited for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three weeks ago, we were all caught up in the experience of the disciples in acts 1:6. They asked, “Lord are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom”.  Jesus answered, “it is not for you to know the times and dates father has set by his own authority”. (v.7)

In fact, the disciples were more concerned about the actual timetable for setting up the kingdom of God. They did not want to miss the opportunity to establish it then and there with themselves installed as the ministers of this Kingdom. This is because they hungered for kingdom restoration in their time. They longed to see political authority excercised against their enemies and rulers the Romans. Jesus here teaches them that the task ahead of them is not about when the kingdom would be established but about being able to receive the power of the Holy Spirit for mission 3.

Brethren, how do we prepare for Pentecost? The explicit command of Jesus is to wait. Again, how are we to wait? Is it to sit down idly and speculate? Is it to gossip about people to in the church, workplace, schools et.c. Is it to move from one prayer meeting to another thinking we would get our prayers answered.

Waiting is to unite in prayer to prepare for Pentecost. Our best waiting for Christ’s return is to waiting for the spirit to give us the power to be his witnesses in the world. The disciples joined together v.14. K.J.V uses- “with the accord” they waited in the spirit of expectancy, in prayer in repentance and in deep fellowship; it might have included fasting. When we include ourselves in prayers, he prepares us for the task of evangelism. He uses vessels that are prepared.

Pentecost demands serious preparation. We undervalue uniting in prayer because we overvalue personal schedules. Prayerfulness for these disciples was faithfulness.

Beloved in the Lord, this is the lesson Jesus teaches us in john 17: which is known as, the high priestly prayer.Jesus does three prayers in this chapter:
1) prayer for himself. (v.1-5)                                                           
2) prayer for his disciples. (v.6-19)                            
3) and for future believers.(v. 20-26)

Jesus prayer for himself focuses on his glorified. Jesus was glorified for God when he went through suffering on cross, death, resurrection and ascension and now sits at the right hand side of God. His original place of honour and authority. This explains Steven word in Acts 7:56, when he was being stoned. Look he said, “I see heaven open and the son of Man seated at the right hand side of God.”

Jesus requested god for protection by his power for his disciples. Jesus did not pray for the disciples to be taken out of this world; he prayed that they might find victory and not escape, for we are in the world but not of the world. The core message here for us is that, it is in the rough and rumble of life that we must live out he Christian life. This is why he prayed and is still praying for us to be united in harmony and love as the father, son and the Holy Spirit are united. The strangest of all unions. Unity was never meant to withdraw a man from life, but to equip him better for it ; it does not offer us easy peace but a triumphant warfare over  sin and the world; it does not offer us a life in which troubles are faced and conquered.

Beloved, this is the essence of 1 Pet 4:12-14, 5:6-11 read to us. Peter wrote to Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution for their faith in Asia Minor under Emperor Nero. Throughout the Roman Empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith. So peter wrote to comfort them with hope and eternal life, and challenged them to continue living holy lives.

Beloved we must remember that we become partners or in union with Christ in his suffering when we undergo suffering and persecution for our faith.

Finally brethren, Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples. Where there are divisions, exclusiveness, where there is competition between Christians, the cause of Christianity is harmed and the prayer of Jesus is frustrated. Beloved, the gospel cannot truly be preached in any congregation which is not one united band of believers. The world cannot be evangelised by competing Christians.

May God help us as we prepare for Pentecost to be united in prayer and suffering with Christ so as to share in his glory when he appears. Amen. Roderick k. Deist once said; little prayer, little power, much prayer; much power. Amen.

OUR ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. (1 PET 2:9) 22 May, 2011

REV. J.M.Y EDUSA-EYISON              

The passage addresses the troubled heart of the disciples because Christ was going to die, Jesus asked them to have faith because as Lord and Master over death he is in authority and control. When he tells them about where he is going and what is in stall in that place, that many roads are in his father’s house it indicates to us that we believers are strangers here on earth and have a place to go where there are rooms we can’t comprehend. We all have rooms. It isn’t made with hands and is eternal. There is no death, hunger, sickness et.c there. None of us would be in want; the Lord would be our sacrifice. Jesus is the living upon which our success is built. He leads us, personally guides us, and gives us faith that overcomes death.

“I am the truth”; In Israel, truth signifies divine order. so he is thing distinguished from deception. Teach me thy ways that I may walk in thy truth. (Ps 86:7)  “I am the life”, not mere existence but the very life of God. We all bear features of our parents, so if Jesus is peace we must show it in our live that people are drawn closer to him. Whoever has seen him has seen the father.

The apostles were yet to learn that   the vision of God given to this world is through Jesus. That the way we live our lives would be in the truth of the word, and in the quality of new life that he brings. Jesus lived an ordinary life of temptation and death teaching that as ordinary as we are we can live this life to glorify the God who has called us in his priesthood. If Christ fed thousands we should also be able to feed millions because that is our calling.

In 1^st pet, one cannot participate in spreading the faith by without first growing in personal holiness. It can only happen when Jesus becomes the foundation stone of our life. As living stones we become members of his chosen race, like building blocks. The word laity from the Greek “Laos” which means people of God, we have the ordained (ministers) and unordained (others). In Israel you had to belong to a certain family before becoming a priest, but Christ broke this rule and became our high priest. We also can do all these workers. The slogan for Protestants is priesthood of all believers. Reverend Ministers are only revered ministers.

We from generations are one family and we serve God with all may come to that realisation that there is a God who loves us and saves us to the outermost. Know we who were no people are people to his mercy. In spite of our diverse nation, racial and social backgrounds, we are united in Christ. We are made up of one holy nation under one head agreeing under one head and custom governed by the same law, consecrated and devoted to God, renewed and sanctified by his spirit. We have been called from darkness to his marvelous light to experience a certain joy, pleasure and prosperity that by virtue of this, we can sing praise to him as a royal priesthood we have a duty to seek unity among people. The new law tasks us to love one another more than thyself just as Christ has loved us. Jesus loved us more than himself and he died on the cross for us.

Finally, the church, the priest of God takes the side of the disadvantaged, marginalized; this is what real life is about, a life of involvement and sharing in which people are called to go beyond themselves.  Amen.