February 7, 2010 TEXT: Isaiah 6:8 - “HERE AM I SEND ME” PREACHER: SIS. GRACE SINTIM ADASI

February 2, 2010
TEXT: Isaiah 6:8 - “HERE AM I SEND ME”

PREACHER: SIS. GRACE SINTIM ADASI
The theme suggests that our Lord needs people to send and our response to His call must be the same as Isaiah “Here I am send me”.

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses etc. were all called by God into his ministry. But as humans, we focus on our frailties and inabilities instead of depending on God’s strength and ability.
Isaiah when called said “woe unto me for I am a man of unclean lips”. (Is. 6:5)
Moses said “I am nobody, .....” (Ex. 3:11)
Gideon’s response was “My tribe is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh” (Judges 6:15)
Thus our first reaction to the call of God is to give excuses. But, whoever God calls he equips.

For God to send us there are certain conditions we have to meet, some of which are:
i. Availing ourselves to him.
ii. Asking him for forgiveness.
iii. Being prepared to serve him.
iv. Leaving all we have to follow Christ.

Isaiah had his lips touched and he was used of God. Moses though he was a stammerer became an instrument God used to redeem the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh. Jonah after he repented was given a second chance.

Again when we confess our shortcomings to God, He is able to purge us and strengthen us for His service. And when we miss our routes God is able to redirect us to his calling.

In the second reading, –Paul even though he persecuted the church of God became an apostle and was mightily used by God to preach to the Gentiles the message of the cross and the resurrection from the dead. In the same way, our message to lost souls must be as it was handed down to us; about Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 15:3)

In the 3rd reading Jesus used Peter’s boat as a pulpit to preach to the multitude; after which there was bumper catch. Peter again like others realised his human weakness (Luke 15: 8) but he received the assurance of God and became a vessel for Christ. On the day of Pentecost, he preached and about 3000 souls were saved. (Acts 2:41)
God is interested in our daily lives, just as Peter left the bumper catch to follow Christ, so are we to forsake all that we have – the riches of this world – and follow Him.

The Preacher concluded the sermon with the words in Asempa Hymn 297:
Hear the voice of Jesus crying
“”who will and work today?
Fields are white and harvest fading:
Who would bear the sheaves away?
Loud and strong the master calls you,
He’ll reward you certainly
Who will answer, gladly saying,
“Here am I; send me, send me”?

4TH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 31/01/10 THEME:”DO NOT FEEL INSIGNIFICANT

PREACHER: REV. MARTIN OBENG
After a few days of my ordination I went to a conference which we had to spend days camping. The senior minister responsible for allocation of rooms did this on the basis of post ordination meaning the number of sermons you’ve had after being ordained. This made me disappointed, I felt so low and found a mattress to lay my head on.
There are several circumstances when in one way or another we feel so insignificant ourselves. 1) In our second reading people were amused at how Jesus preached in the synagogue. Though they were amused, they took offence at him and asked each other if he wasn’t the carpenter’s son, whether his mother wasn’t Mary, if his siblings weren’t James, john and made all sought of remarks. 2) Our first reading also talks about how we under estimate ourselves. When Jeremiah was called he gave excuses about his eloquence e t c. GOD asked him not to be afraid since he knew him before he was formed. Sometimes we are not able to perform because of others or ourselves. The bible tells us we were called by grace and we should not allow ourselves to be under estimated.
Today GOD tells us he has set us for a purpose hence we should not be made to coil by fear or estimation. Looking at people around us who we think are better off when we are given tasks, make us feel intimidated and insignificant but let us not see poor reflections of ourselves when we look in the mirror.
Our second reading talks about we edifying ourselves and others with what comes out of us. Instead of looking down on people we should have love, patience, kindness and not envy, boastfulness, pride. Love keeps no record of wrong, it protects gives and hope.
Today GOD says before he formed us he knew us. Let’s rise in our spirit and know GOD loves us. To him be glory forever and ever.

24/01/10 THEME:”THERE IS POWER IN GOD’S WORD”

PREACHER: REV. J.A. QUASHIE
1) Why power in the word? The scripture is fulfilled in heaven.(Luke 4:14-21)
The bible is about Jesus’ life, mission what he did and what he is about to do. This makes it powerful since it is about a powerful being.
In our time people focus on themselves rather than the Christ making him gradually missing in preaching’s eg. a theologian arguing with the word of God about homosexuality and people using the scriptures to defend the fact that they were more powerful than others in the era of apartheid. Christ is fulfilled when the word is about him.
2) Can we trust in the word? Yes, the scripture is about God. Jesus went to the synagogue to preach. Luke was the only one who recounted the ministry of Jesus in his book. The attitude of the ministry must be commended and also be an example to us. Powerful ministries focus on God they are not only about the preachers but also members in a congregation.
In Nehemiah the bible was read from daybreak till noon. (Neh 8:8) The people listened attentively while they were being taught. We learn that;
1) The word of God has the power to take you away from sin and vice versa.
2) The word of God also unites us.
The word of God should be fulfilled in our lives just as it was in Jesus’ life. It is fulfilled when we become attentive to his word and changes us through it. When we change it also unites us that we might experience all the fullness of grace among us.

17/01/10 THEME: “JESUS OUR PROVIDER”

PREACHER: MR ERIC ASARE
God provided a leader to take Israel out of Egypt, a path for Israel in the red sea on their way to the promise land. He provided manna in the desert, water for them when they were thirsty and the law to guide them in their relationships and as a light to see them on their way to righteousness. In diverse ways he was their great provider.
In the Old Testament he sent his word through prophets while in the New Testament Jesus continued to meet the needs of the people. He fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes, healed the sick, dead and was hope to a dispersing world. He was light to a world in bondage and sin.
Prophet Isaiah’s prayer of intercession implies our path to play so that Gods intended plans for us would come and pass (is 62:1-5). Paul emphasises the operation of gifts in (1 cor 12:1-11). In the gospel reading Mary approached God in a prayerful mood (jn 2:1-11).
Examples learnt from Mary
PROBLEM: Weddings took 7 days at the time. While feasting was not over the hosts run out of wine. Mary then said to Jesus they have no wine showing. This showed the need to come to God with simple words and faith when confronted with problems. SOLUTION: Mary knew Jesus as his son, the holy one called son of God (Luke 1:35). She knew where to find solution and that there was no burden Jesus could not bear. Jesus even answered her by saying “dear woman why do you involve me”. Do whatever he tells you. The Servants also played their role by obeying the strange man who gave orders. This shows that obedience goes with faith emphasising our need to wait in faith. RESULTS: this act was the first of his miraculous signs hence 1) Revealed his glory. Obedience is a critical responsibility for God to perform gracious miracles. 2) Led to his disciples believing in him and thus brought people to God.

10/01/10 THEME:” MAY THE LORD BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT”

PREACHER: REV. FIIFI FOH ARKHURST
Water is the most common for baptism. Its baptism is our power as Christians since it contains the Holy Spirit. At a time in Israel there were no prophets and everyone looked forward to the coming of the messiah. When john appeared people thought he was the messiah, but he replied as were the words in Luke 3:15-17.
John’s duty was to prepare believers as they waited for the coming of the messiah and his baptism was a message of repentance. Jesus Christ came to all believers as: i. Source of fire ii. Judgement on those who have decided not to change iii. To extend the idea of righteousness John’s purification was external while Jesus’ was internal.
REFLECTIONS: We have been baptized with water. Have we accepted the Holy Spirit? Our names are in the baptism registers. Do we have our names in the lambs’ book of life? We are members of the visible church. Are we a part of the mystical body?
Peter and john observed that the Holy Spirit was for all believers when he used them to convert over 3,000 unbelievers in Acts 1:8. In the first reading the going through water could drown or strengthen us but with Christ we would be strengthened.
Our prayer should be that the Holy Spirit would baptize us so we would be strengthened ,rooted and built up in the spirit as well as made poised and ready to do Gods word.

COVENANT SERVICE 3/01/2010 THEME:”ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN CHRIST” (COL. 2:6-7)

PREACHER: REV. SETH KISSI

The Old Testament was written in a time when people wanted to know. At that time so many philosophies where into being, to the extent that some threatened the existence of the church leaving Christians to battle them out. Platonic philosophy was one that had a great followership.

Paul reminded us of our power in Christ though today people have problems with some of these doctrines. He made it clear to us that we don’t be judged on the basis of our fellowship, food, festivals and celebrations.

In Christ we are assured of salvation, being our basis he is enough for us. Let’s continue to live in him that we may be nourished and rooted to face the winds. It is not easy to wait for GOD’s time, in such periods people abandon Christ but when we are rooted we won’t be afraid.

When we face problems in life we sometimes feel like giving up GOD’s word but by being steadfast, established and strong in the word we can overcome the year.

Live As if Christ is Coming Today

The Minister-in-Charge delivered this Sermon. Bible References: Is40:1-11; 2Pet3:8-15a and Mk1:1-8
We are in the period of Advent- a time of expectation of the coming of the Lord.
Isaiah's message was a message of hope, a clear departure from the earlier portion that was a message of condemnation, punishment and woes. God's instruction to him to cry out was to declare reward and forgiveness of sin; that God was coming with a strong hand to save his people.  He will come with reward for his faithful people and to lead them like a shepherd. This message of hope was to overcome the idea of man being like grass.
The coming of the Messiah was a message of hope for his people and a message of judgement for the oppressors of God's people.
John's Ministry was prophesied by Isaiah. Mark confirmes that Jesus is the Messiah. The Jews, however could not realise the kind of utopia or rest or peace the person of Jesus Christ brought- it eluded them and they still expect the Messiah. However, believers are expecting the 2nd coming and they are made up of people from all nations, not only Israel.
Believers have two Advents in view:
the first in which Christ came as a human being and grew as any other child; which we usually celebrate at Christmas and
the second coming- which 2Peter tells us will happen in a dramatic way- the earth and heavens will give way and there will be nothing to hold onto. Therefore we have to live a life of holiness and righteousness. But that day will bring relief and rest for God's people - a day of hope, not a day in which we bow our heads because of judgement. As believers we must look forward to that day with joy and blissful expectation because our redemption draws nigh. It is a time when our deeds of holiness and righteousness will come to light and we will be rewarded. It will be a time when we will enter into the joy of the Lord. The shame and reproach of the Saints will be removed - a time of glory for the people of God.
The early Church's daily prayer was 'Maranatha' meaning 'Come Lord'. But Rev'd Kissi asked' are we longing for the Lord's second coming? Is what we are enjoying in this world make us pray for the delay of His coming? -  the joy of a new marriage, a new car, celebrating important anniversaries etc. cannot be compared to the joy of His coming. How are we therefore supposed to be living if such is the joy we expect?
Rev'd Kissi gave 3 ways believers are expected to live:
1) Constant expectation and constant anticipation
2) Keep what we have - our holiness and righteousness; and what we are - 'without spot or blemish'  and
3) Endeavour to live in the Word of God and work with what he has given us until he comes. He has given us talents, skills, wealth and opportunities and we must use these for the work of the Kingdom.
Pilate found no sin in Jesus, therefore we must emulate him and receive the day of his coming with joy.

A Gift to the House of God

A member presented Flat Screen, projector and accessories to the Church. The Flat screen would enable those who sit at the back to be able to sing hymns displayed, see and read announcements etc. The Minister-in-Charge, Rev'd Seth Kissi , assisted by the other Ministers, dedicated the equipments to the Glory of God. Projecting Hymns on the screen helps especially visitors who might not have Hymn Books to fully participate in Worship.

The Reward Of Faithfulness to the Lord

Bible Readings : 2Sam 23:1-7; Rev1:4b-8; Jn18:33-37

Sis Rose Boadi preached the Sermon.
Here are the main points of the preaching:
*The reward of faithfulness is by Grace.
*Abraham and Ruth acted on their faith and were rewarded.
*Abraham's faith in God led him to offer his son Issac. His reward was that he became a friend of God.
* Ruth was widowed at an early stage and the mother-in-law she clung to was poor, but her faith in the God  she adopted through her mother-in-law, led her to Obed. Ruth's reward was that Jesus was a descendant
of Obed.
*The woman with the issue of blood acted on her faith and was rewarded with total healing for her sickness.
*The Centurion did not allow power, pride and position to stand in his way. He showed great faith and was rewarded with healing for his servant. MHB 758 2nd Stanza, last line says: 'Lord, speak and make me whole'.
*Only faith can free us from unnecessary anxiety. We can be sure God will provide our needs if only we have fath in Him.
*Paul's faith in God made him 'strong' when he was 'weak' for God's grace was sufficient for him.
* Let us remember that faith is always rewarded; and without faith it is impossible to please God.

BE ATTENTIVE AND ACTIVE AS WE WAIT FOR OUR REDEMPTION

1Sam1:4-20; Heb10:11-18; Mk13:1-8

Rev'd Fiifi Foh Arkhurst preached the Sermon. He defined redemption as the freedom obtained when the price has been paid - usually by a third party. During the time of the Israelites in Egypt, God redeemed the Israelites from slavery through the destruction of Egypt but Jesus is our Redeemer because he paid the price.

In Hebrews, the work of Christ is compared to the work of the priest. While the priest repeated his sacrifices very often - which could not remove sin - Christ offered one sacrifice and went up to heaven to sit at the right hand of God. He forgives and remembers our sins no more.
The blood of sheep and goats could not and cannot cleanse us. Only the blood of Jesus can.
In Mark, Jesus warned his followers about the future so that they can live in the present. We must be careful not to be deceived as we wait for his second coming.We must not relax but be attentive and active.
To be redeemed is to be forgiven, sanctified and made free; and so as we cannot redeem ourselves we must access the redemption Jesus freely offers.
It is a clarion call, Rev'd Arkhurst said, to all believers to remain focused, be available and useful.
Our Salvation, he continued, is closer than we think and we must work at it "with fear and trembling". There will be distractions as we seek it but we must remain focused. The redemption is a continuous process. God is redeeming his people all the time and we should not allow anything to stand in our way. In conclusion he said ' Jesus paid a debt he did not owe and we received freedom for which we did not pay"

Harvest & Thanksgiving Sunday

The Harvest Sermon was delivered by the Very Rev'd Prof  K. Asamoah Gyadu. the Bible Readings was from Psalm 116: 1-4; 8-14.
Thanksgiving Services are part of fundraising and part of worship. We use thanksgiving services to tell God we cannot pay for His Grace by giving our all. Thanksgiving Services are about
1. Acknowledging God for what he has done (Ps116:9) 2. Rededicating ourselves to Him not only as individuals but as a community, church and nation (Deut 26)
3. Fulfilling our vows to God; reminding Him everything we have is from Him.
The benefit we receive is the salvation He has given us (2Cor 8:9 & MHB 371)
God has emptied Himself for us.

Rev'd Seth Kissi Inducted as Minister-in-Charge of Trinity United Church

The Sermon was delivered by the Rev'd Dr J.O.Y. Mante, the Chairman of the Akropong Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church. Readings were from: Deut 6:1-9; Heb 9:11-14 and Mt 11:1-6 and the title was ARE YOU THE ONE WHO IS TO COME OR WE SHOULD LOOK FOR ANOTHER? Directing the whole Sermon to the new Minister-in-Charge,  Rev'd Mante traced the history of the question which forms his theme for the Sermon, when Obadiah asked the prophet Elijah a similar question when King Ahab wanted to see the Prophet on certain issues. John the Baptist was in prison and heard of all that Jesus was doing. Additionally, Jesus was John's cousin and John expected him to do something about his imprisonment, such as a miracle or something like that to get him released from prison; but Jesus did nothing and although John, at the baptism of Jesus, saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove, he still doubted and that was why he sent his disciples to Jesus to find out whether he (Jesus) was the one to come or they should wait for another. Jesus' response, according to Rev'd Mante, was not in terms of his qualifications or degrees obtained from any university, but his works: 'Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.' Rev'd Dr Mante's hope was that after a time of heading the Trinity United Church, Rev'd Kissi's spiritual profile will be that he had a greater impact on the congregation; and his 'classroom dynamics' will be the same as his 'Churchroom dynamics'; his morals and teachings will reflect in his lifestyle. Again Rev'd Mante said a pastor, apart from good education, must be able to spell the word 'pastor'.
P = Progressive: for no one wants to follow a leader who is retrogressive 1Tim 1:14 & Jer 29:7. God Himself has plans that will prosper us- morally and spiritually.
A = Availability: the church is too important for the pastor not to be available when the flock needs him, so the pastor must be available.
S = Sacrifice: The congregation will not sacrifice when they do not see the pastor making any sacrifices. Nothing great or important, Rev'd Mante said, is achieved without sacrifice. Anyone who sacrifices gets followers. No cross, no crown he concluded.
T = Teamwork: Allowing teamwork is difficult because there is the tendency, as a Minister-in-Charge, to think that one has all the skills and knowledge to do everything, but in the church are many gifts which must be allowed to operate. Rev Kissi should therefore play the coach's role in the United Church and allow members to play their respective roles.
O = Overcomer: Spiritually and morally to be able to help members to also become overcomers. To be an overcomer, the pastor must be prayerful; seeking God's face all the time.
R = Reverence: 1Tim 4:7 A pastor must train himself in godliness. This also is difficult but with meditation, prayer and fasting, the pastor will portray reverence.
The Rev'd Dr Mante concluded his sermon with a prayer for the new Minister-in-Charge for God's guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen him.

Photo Gallery of Induction Ceremony

The Church Council Secretary, Bro Yaw Buaben Asamoa, set the ball rolling by telling us who Rev'd Seth Kissi was. He read his CV. His first station was Saltpond Presby Church...and many more which will be published here next week...








...while Rev'd Kissi and wife Mavis stand in readiness for the ceremony.
















Rev'd Dr Cyril Fayose and Rev'd Dr Mante and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Rev'd Dr Frimpong Manso pray for Rev'd Kissi.










RIGHT: Rev'd Dr Fayose performing the Induction Ceremony. On his left is the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev'd Dr Frimpong Manso and on his right, the Rev'd Dr J.O.Y. Mante.

The Moderator congratulating Rev'd Seth Kissi. Looking on and ready to do same are Rev'd Dr Cyril Fayose, the immediate past Minister-in-Charge and Rev'd Dr Mante.

Church, here is your new Minister-in-Charge!

Council Members congratulate their new boss.

TOP: A section of  Rev'd Kissi's students at church to lend their support.

RIGHT: Some Teacher-colleagues of Mrs Kissi were also there to share in the joy.

...his Fathers in Ministry were there to provide  the much-needed Spiritual help...
















...Mom and Uncles were also there.

Church was filled to capacity

Rev'd Kissi's Acceptance Speech

In a short but impressive 'speech',  Rev'd Kissi said the Head of the Church is Christ therefore he will rely on the Holy Sprit for 'it is not by might or  by power'. He said he is happy to be appointed the Minister-in-Charge, for Trinity United  Church is a 'sophiscated Church'  with a wide variety of gifts and skills. He said 'my hands will continually be in the hands of Christ that my steps will be ordered by Him'.
He paid a glowing tribute to his wife who 'was willing and able to make difficult and exacting sacrifices as a worker and mother and  as a father to their children when he was not there'. God, he said, will bless and bless her. He thanked his predecessor, Rev'd Dr Cyril Fayose for his help and guidance. He hinted that his last child is named Cyril, after Rev'd Fayose. Rev'd Kissi thanked his
Mother, the Presbyterian Hierachy and indeed the whole church for giving him this opportunity to serve. He asked for prayers from everyone so that he will receive wisdom and strength to do this work.

Trinity United makes a presentation to the new Minister-in-Charge

The idea was that usually a Minister is transferred after becoming an Assistant Minister at TUC for a while; but in Rev'd Kissi's case he is the first Assistant Minister to be appointed a Minister-In-Charge and so the Church presented him with a gift that he would have been given if he were going on transfer. Here the Council Secretary, Mr Yaw Buaben Asamoa makes a presentation on behalf of the Church to Rev'd & Mrs Kissi.

Mrs Kissi thanking the Church for the present with Rev'd Kissi looking on with intense admiration.