BEING LOYAL TO YOUR CHURCH (Part 5)

BEING LOYAL TO YOUR CHURCH (PART 5)

(Final Part Of Leadership Problems Which Cause People To Leave The Church)

In the previous discussions, we have been dealing with reasons why some church members are not being loyal to their churches but have been hopping from one church to another. We have been elaborating on church leadership deficiencies which cause members to leave their churches. We have been classifying such leaders based on the character and lifestyles of certain people in the Bible. Please read on.

• SIMON MAGUS: These are the malleable, pliable and corrupt church leaders. The Simon Magus type of church leaders uphold bribing. They can bribe people for their promotion and also literally sell promotions when they are at the top. The sorcerer of Samaria; often called Simon Magus, that is, the Magician, is a typical biblical example, Ac 8:9-24. This artful impostor, by the aid of some knowledge of philosophy, medicine, physics, and astronomy, acquired an ascendancy over the people of Samaria.  But the preaching and miracles of Philip brought great numbers to Christ, and convinced even Simon that a real and great power attended the gospel.  He coveted these spiritual gifts of the apostles for selfish end, and sought them by joining the church and afterwards offering to purchase them with money.

Peter took the occasion to expose his hypocrisy by a terrible denunciation. In some churches, some positions and even transfers to good stations are literally sold, or given to cronies. Whenever people of integrity discover such acts in their churches, they either confront it or leave that church.

• JEHUS: They are the over-zealous, revolutionary church leaders who bring unsustainable drastic changes into churches. Jehu was a general of the army of Joram who slew his master, and usurped the throne of Israel in B. C. 884.  He reigned twenty-eight years.  See his history in 1Ki 19:16,17; 2Ki 9:1-10:36.  He fulfilled the divine purpose in extirpating the family of the impious Ahab, and zealously destroyed the priests of Baal and many other friends of Ahab.  But his heart was not right with God so his dynasty was cut short in the fourth generation.

In the work of ministry, zeal is very much needed. But zeal without knowledge is dangerous. It must be noted that although change is good, people resist it when is it too drastic. People leave the church whenever there are drastic changes.

• SCEVAS: These are copycat church leaders. They have no power: always bragging and copying what others do. At Ephesus, The seven sons of Sceva pretended to practice exorcism, and presumed to call on evil spirits to come out from persons possessed, in the name of Jesus.  (Ac 19:14-16).

Although so many things can be copied as a way of learning, there is no room for copying someone’s anointing! When members discover that their leaders are not creative and innovative people who can bring desirable changes in the running of their churches, they also leave.

• NABALS: These are the church Leaders who are not appreciative. They fail to recognize others and their ministries. They do not give credit to those who are worth it. Neither will they help in mentoring and discipling. This stifles creativity in their members or followers. A typical biblical character is Nabal. Nabal was a descendant of Caleb and an owner of a large property in lands and flocks, at Maon and Carmel in the south of Judah.  He was under great obligations to David, for protecting him from the robbers of the desert; and yet, in the very hour most suggestive of a grateful generosity, he churlishly refused David's modest request of provisions for his needy troop.  Indignant at this ingratitude and inhospitality, David was soon on his way to put him and his men to the sword.

Had it not been the discreet intervention of his wife Abigail, David would have killed him and all his family, 1Sa 25:1-43. Remember, people want to be appreciated on what they do so if their efforts are not recognized, they move to where they would be recognized.

From the discussion so far, we have identified that problems emanating from the camp of church leaders constitute a significant percentage in disloyalty of members to their churches. If church members could be made to be very loyal to their churches and stop hopping from one church to another, there is the need to first and foremost address these leadership deficiencies.

As such, the modern day Elijahs, Sauls, Samsons, Rehoboams, Scevas and Nabals should be eliminated to pave way for Spirit-filled servants of God to take care of the flock of Jehovah.

The equally significant reason people leave their churches in neglect of the teaching ministry. God willing, that will be treated in the next discussion. Stay blessed and keep your fingers crossed.

BEING LOYAL TO YOUR CHURCH (PART 4)

 ( Leadership Problems Which Cause People To Leave The Church)

TEXT: 1Ki 12:13-17

“Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges! So the king did not listen to the people; .. Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying: "What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now, see to your own house, O David!" So Israel departed to their tents but Rehoboam reigned over the children of Israel who dwelt in the cities of Judah.”

               

In the previous article, we were exploring leadership misdeeds and inactions which cause church members (and in some cases, some church leaders) to leave the church.  The text for today reveals how Rehoboam’s utterance caused Israel to be divided into Northern and Southern kingdoms as soon as he was enthroned. We continue with our previous categorization of problematic leadership in our churches based on some biblical characters.

<    · REHOBOAMS: They signify immature and fame-seeking leaders. They refuse to grow and hinder the progress of those they lead. Rehoboam typifies such church leaders. He was the most fortunate of all the kings of Israel because he inherited Solomon.1Ki 12:1-33; 14:21-31; 2Ch 10:1-12:16.  Under his reign the ten tribes revolted, and formed the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam.  The immediate cause of this schism was Rehoboam's headstrong folly in rejecting experienced counselors, and claiming tyrannical power.
     
      He at once sought to recover the revolted tribes by force; and though directed by God not to make war, he did not long delay hostilities, and these continued during his whole reign.  The people also fell into idolatry, and were punished in the fifth year of Rehoboam by an Egyptian army, which subjected them to a heavy tribute. All these resulted from Rehoboam’s immaturity. If church leaders fail to handle dicey situations with the proper approach, some members leave the church.

· RECABITES: They signify very conservative church leadership. Jehonadab forbade his descendants to drink wine or to live in cities. They were commanded to always lead nomadic lives. They adhered to the law laid down by Jonadab, and were noted for their fidelity to the old-established custom of their family in the days of Jeremiah and this feature of their character is referred to by the prophet for the purpose of giving point to his own exhortation. (Jer 35:2-11).

Conservatism is good when it comes to the basic tenets of belief. Do not use it as an excuse to dabble in mediocrity, because we are living in a dynamic world. When conservatism is overstretched with regard to church practice, some members will definitely leave the church.  

<    · PHARAOHS: The Pharaoh-type church leaders are callous and stone hearted, Ex 5:1-14:31. They take decisions which eventually bring hardships on their church members. Some of them have always been running around. They are too busy for their members to have access to them. Some of them have also lost touch with their ordinary members; they always move with the well to do members and never go down to the level of the down trodden.

      Some of them also surround themselves with sycophants: their yes-men who shower on them praises. Some are also engrossed in their ambitious projects so much so that the spiritual upkeep of church members is neglected. They eventually destroy the legacy of the church or its achievements. Because of this, the crop of people who leave their churches are the very influential and enlightened ones.

<    · SAMSONS: They are the strong but undisciplined church leaders. They are very strong when it comes to planning and disciplining other leaders and members. Their indiscipline is greatly exposed when it comes to financial mismanagement and immorality. In Judges 13:1-16:31, we see the story of Samson.  His birth was miraculously foretold; he was a Nazirite from infancy and the strongest of men; and was equally celebrated for his fearless and wonderful exploits, for his moral infirmities, and for his tragic end. 

      Some of such leaders are very charismatic, powerful speakers but with controversial character. Critical people will never stay in a church where the leader’s character is bankrupt.

From the discussion so far, we can easily deduce one fact: most of the problems which make people leave our churches have more to do with the leaders. May the Lord God Almighty help us to identify all these and find solutions to them as early as possible.  But we have not exhausted these leadership deficiencies. Watch out for the final part next week. Meanwhile, stay blessed and keep yourself active in the Lord’s service.

PASTOR WILLIAM BOACHIE-ANSAH

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

P.O. BOX 10

NSAWKAW-B/A, GHANA

+233 244137880

boachieansah@gmail.com

copnsawkaw@yahoo.com

CRUCIFIED AND WOUNDED FOR YOU

TEXTS: Isaiah 53:5; 1 Pet 2:21-24

INTRODUCTION: Dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, as I'm feverishly preparing for the Easter Convention which takes off tomorrow, I want to leave you with one of the messages that I shared last year with my church members during the The Easter Convention.

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed"

"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed."

Christ was wounded for our transgressions. that is how Isaiah put it. A wound refers to any break in the external or internal surfaces of the body involving a separation of tissue, and caused by external injury or force.

TYPES OF WOUNDS

1. Incised Wound, or cut, They are produced by a sharp instrument or object;

2. Punctured Wound, if the instrument is pointed and narrow;

3. Lacerated Wound, if accompanied by a tearing of the tissue;

4. Contused Wound, if a substantial amount of tissue is bruised;

5. Penetrating Wound, if the wound passes completely through a part of the body;

6. Subcutaneous Wound, if it involves deep destruction of tissue with a relatively small opening, or none at all, in the surface.

7. Septic Wound, or infected, wounds are those in which the area is contaminated by bacteria, which can cause suppuration or shedding of tissue.

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was badly wounded! God revealed it to the great prophet Isaiah long before the event, but people could not accept it because their expectation of the Messiah was quite different, (Isaiah 53;1-2). The crucifixion stories in the Bible depict how Jesus endured all forms of pains and and wounds in order to deliver us from the grips of Satan and sin. Jesus sustained all manner of wounds as described above, yet he did not complain. He sustained silently so that the salvation plan for mankind could be effectively accomplished.

Jesus was wounded for your salvation, healing and deliverance and salvation. He reconciled men with God through the same wounds. Through the same method, He defeated Satan. He teaches us that whatever pains that we are going through in life, He is able to help us out. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted, (Heb 2:18).

What are you doing for Him in return? The most important thing you can do for Him is to spread the message: Let the whole world know that JESUS SAVES. Additionally, we should live our lives with the Hope that whatever comes our way, our Saviour is capable of helping us out. Live the victorious life victoriously! He has completely saved you, rejoice always in Him.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour,let this Easter season be the best time for you to surrender your life to Him. He has paid for the punishment you deserve for your sins with His wounds. Accept him today and you will never regret.

Stay blessed.

http://boachieansah.webs.com
pastor.boachieansah@facebook.com
boachieansah@gmail.com
+233 244 137880
+233 262 137880

WHO IS THAT JAMES McKEOWN?

 INTRODUCTION

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we celebrate the Work of James McKeown this week, we feel obligated to compile some of the things we’ve heard and read about him here for the sake of the younger generation.  As you read about him, bear in mind that you will give to support Missions, which happened to be what he was most passionate about.

EARLY LIFE Rev. James Mckeown was born on September 12th, 1900, at Ballymena in Scotland to his Irish parents, William John Mckeown and Elizabeth Thompson. He was brought up in a Christian home. He knew his Bible and even liked the idea of becoming a minister when he grew up.

CONVERSION AND MARRIAGE At the age of nineteen, he became converted through the ministry of Rev. Robert Mercer. Rev. George Jeffreys of the Elim Four Square Gospel Alliance in Ballymena, baptized James and Sophia, who later became his wife. He received his Holy Spirit baptism later. Rev James Mckeown left school at the age of eleven. Sophia however, got educated to the advanced age of nineteen and studied dressmaking for two years becoming a fully qualified seamstress. Rev. James assisted his father on the farm and later became a tram driver, when an inspector on Glasgow ’s tram put James’ name forward.

He got married to Sophia Kennock, in 1927. Sophia was attracted to James because of his praying habit. She said, she never heard anyone prayer like that before.

CALL TO MINISTRY AND VISION
At an Elim meeting, at which both James and Sophia were present, there was a prophecy that someone from that group would go to Africa. Rev. James came into contact with the Apostolic whilst at Glasgow. At a large Apostolic convention in England, it was specifically prophesied that James and Sophia should go to West Africa as Missionaries. Both James and Sophia were not present at the convention. The executive finally informed him about the prophecy. However, like Moses, he looked into himself and realized his weaknesses. He refused the call chiefly because of his inadequate formal training.
Fifteen months went by before he accepted the call when he could no longer contain the persistent cries of Sophia, urging him to do so. James left the United Kingdom for the then Gold Coast on a boat in February 1937. On March 4th, 1937, Rev. James arrived in the then Gold Coast to begin work as resident missionary of the Apostolic Church of Bradford.

Rev. James Mckeown’s vision was to help establish the Church and announce the good news of  God’s Kingdom and to be a living testimony to the people about the power of God.

McKEOWN’S GOLD COAST
The Apostolic Missionary arrived at a time and period of profound social and political awareness, which was to pave the way for the independence of the Nation in 1957. During that time, formal education was at its infant stage. The progress of Christianity in the Gold Coast was also slow, with the greater proportion of her people worshipping idols.
Rev. James therefore began his full-gospel ministry within the setting of social and political tension on the other hand, and general spiritual darkness on the other. He plunged into action and worked tirelessly in towns and villages in the southern part of the Gold Coast winning thousands of converts who in turn witnessed to other people about Christ.
As a man of action, Rev. James personally took part in manual work undertaken by the Church. For example, he was actively involved in the construction of the first Mission house at Asamankese. Such display of humility and service characterized his ministry to the extent that the people among whom he worked emulated his example.

HOW PEOPLE SAW HIM

He lived as an African in very many ways. His meals were, for that matter, locally prepared. Earlier in his ministry, when development projects had not reached the rural areas, he drunk from the typical African well dug out for him by the members. His ministry also involved extensive trekking on foot and across streams and rivers.
He was an honest, gently, affable and respected man of God. As a condiment and skillful leader, he combined humility with firmness to nurture the Church of Pentecost to the height of success. By his wisdom granted by God, he chose a band of selfless disciples who pioneered the Church from hard times to the present glorious day. Rev. James always insisted on self-reliance as against soliciting for financial assistance from abroad.
In early 1982, Rev. James decided to hand over the mantle of leadership to an African minister. He explained that age was having a telling effect on him and that it was time he tired. So on the tenth of October 1982, he inducted into office, Rev. F. S. Sarfo (deceased). He later left the shores of the country for the U.K. from where he was fed with reports on the progress of the church. In 1984, Rev. James paid his last
visit to the country.

FAMOUS QUOTES

1. "Prayer is the work, and the work is prayer."

2. "The seed that was sown and watered with much tears of prayer has borne fruits.  The big question now is “Will the fruit remain” (He was contemplating on the future of the church)

3 “Stop preaching rats; preach Christ!” (He was drawing a pastor/s attention to the fact that he was overemphasizing an illustration with a rat story in his preaching)

WHAT HIS CRITICS SAY ABOUT HIM

Too harsh
Too inconsiderate
Trusted elders more than Pastors
Too swift in decision-making

WHAT HE HATED MOST

1. Lazy ministers.
2. Money-conscious pastors. (He used to call them greedy grabbers).
3. Lying church officers, especially Elders.
4. Pastors who engage in other works such as farming, etc at the expense of ministry
5. Church members not being assisted to receive Holy Ghost Baptism.

As we reflect on the biography of one of the greatest missionaries to Africa, may his Mission-minded Spirit spread to every member of this church so that each of us would be able to give our time, talent and treasure to promote the Kingdom business of our great Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Stay blessed.

PASTOR WILLIAM BOACHIE-ANSAH
THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST
P.O. BOX 10, NSAWKAW - B/A, GHANA
+233 244 137 880
copnsawkaw@yahoo.com
boachieansah@gmail.com

                          

BEING LOYAL TO YOUR CHURCH (PART 3)

WHY PEOPLE ARE NOT BEING LOYAL TO THEIR CHURCHES

Many factors have been contributing to this negative practice. We begin with problems emanating from the camp of church leaders.

1.      LEADERSHIP PROBLEMS

These refer to problems associated with some church leaders and pastors which cause church members and even pastors to leave their churches. A sizeable percentage of people leaving their churches could be attributed to the commissions and omissions of church leadership. That is, what we leaders do or fail to do may cause many people to leave our churches. I have categorized some of these leadership deficiencies, based on biblical characters who displayed some of them.

·         ELIJAHS:- These are the church leaders who never share their vision with their followers. God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. Yet he moved on with Elisha without telling him what was about to take place. It is very difficult to follow such leaders. People become fed up with them and quit.

·         SAULS:- These are those leaders who are jealous of others and their successes, (1Sa 18:6-9). Saul was jealous of David because he succeeded in killing the giant Goliath. They become insecure when they see members applauding their associate ministers. They begin to intimidate whoever becomes popular and successful in one way or another. Leaders should know that they are leaders not because they have all the gifts and are capable of doing everything perfectly well. It is just by the grace of God. Recognize the gifts of others and make good use of them, and they will forever be loyal to you and the church.

·         JOSHUAS:- These are one-man-show leaders, (Josh 24:29-31). Joshua had only one contemporary with him when they got to the Promised Land. Both Joshua and Caleb were 40 years older than any of the people who entered the Promised Land. We did not hear of any circumstance where Joshua involved Caleb in anything. In fact, Caleb had to use wisdom in order to appeal for his share of the Promised Land. Joshua had taken his portion of the land God promised to give to the two of them for their faithfulness, yet he forgot to help Caleb to secure his portion. Although he won all the battles he fought, he couldn’t train anybody to take over so as soon as he died, the nation suffered political disintegration. When leaders fail to involve and empower the up-and-coming leaders, it makes many people leave the church. This generally affects the cream of people who are gifted enough to be of immense benefit to the church.

·         AHABS:- These are leaders without vision (1Kings 16:30). Ahab had no good agenda when he became the king of Israel. When a church is headed by visionless, purposeless, leaders like Ahab, opportunists get upper hand over the true committed and dedicated servants of God. Such leaders may be dictated to by others who may be Jezebels. When members realize they cannot continue to suffer quietly under the Jezebels, they leave the church quietly.

·         ABSALOMS:- These are leaders who usurp their position and  power from others, (2Sa 15:1-6). They come to power through “coup d’états” in the church. Absalom used such strategy to gain political power over his own father David for the throne of Israel. Some people will leave a church where subordinates backbite and manufacture all sorts of lies against leaders for the sake of promotion and other personal benefits. Those who break away and unceremoniously bait church members to follow them should be aware that one day, some associate leaders will also do same to them, because disloyalty begets disloyalty in greater proportions.

·         ELIS:- This refers to the two sons of Eli the priest, (1Sa 2:12, 22). They were immoral, raping women who have come to offer sacrifices to God. And they were doing all these in the house of God. “What would you do if you were a lady and your married pastor wants to have sex with you?” This was a question a lady backslider asked me when I identified that she had not been going to church and attempted to counsel her. Immorality and even hints of it, amongst the top echelons of authority in the church may cause many people to leave it.

·         HERODS:- They are worship-receiving church leaders, (Act 12:20-23). They do everything possible to draw all attention of the church members to themselves, instead of God. And woe betides anybody who dares to criticize them! Songs are composed in their name. All church paraphernalia have their pictures on them. They name their buildings after themselves. At times, they instruct church members to even pray in their names. They appear in pomp and pageantry, looking invincible and displaying their opulence wherever they go. They should remember that one Herod was killed for allowing people to worship him. When members realize that these semi-divine tendencies within church leaders are getting out of “containable” proportions, they leave such churches.

There are many issues to be considered, especially about leaders. We shall continue next week. Meanwhile, let this discussion remind you that we need to pray more for our leaders! Stay blessed.

PASTOR WILLIAM BOACHIE-ANSAH

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST
P.O. BOX 10
NSAWKAW-B/A, GHANA
+233 244137880
boachieansah@gmail.com
copnsawkaw@yahoo.com

BEING LOYAL TO YOUR CHURCH (PART 2)

THE PHILOSOPHY OF “CHURCH”

BY PASTOR WILLIAM BOACHIE-ANSAH

Texts: 2KINGS 2:1-15; JOHN 6:67-68
2Ki 2:1 And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 Then Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they went down to Bethel….14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. 15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him.
Joh 6:67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? You have the words of eternal life.

PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH

In part one of the discussion, we dealt with the loyalty of Elisha which earned him the double portion of God’s anointing. He was loyal both to God and his master Elijah even though some behaviour of Elijah was more or less difficult to understand. In order to be loyal to your church, there is the need to understand the purpose of the church.

Can you answer Jesus’ question rightly as Peter did? Many people are leaving the church. Some are hopping from one church to another. Some people are leaving to join the cults. Others are also leaving to join the occult. And yet still, others are just backsliding. But Peter was right. To whom shall we go? After tasting the goodness of the salvation, healing and deliverance which only Jesus Christ can give, where else should I go? There is the need for me to remain in Him, be an active member of my church and contribute my quota in making it a better institution.

Let’s touch briefly on the purpose of God’s church on the earth. The church is described as the only institution on earth which does not exist for itself. If we have a better understanding of the purpose of the church, it will help us to remain loyal and strive to maintain our membership no matter the challenges which come our way.

The first purpose of the church is Reaching up to God in Worship. This is where praise, honour and adoration are directed to God, for His gracious gifts to His people through Jesus Christ. Worship in other words refers to an appreciation of the greatness of God as manifested in creation. We worship by glorifying and adoring Him as God the Creator, speaking of His majestic power and authority, and giving to acknowledge that He is the giver of life and all things.
All loyal members of the local church are duty-bound to involve themselves in church worship, in addition to their private worship.

The second purpose of the church on earth is Reaching in to believers in fellowship (Acts. 2:42-47). To be loyal to a church, it is not enough to only have your name in their register. You should be able to mix freely with other members. Having fellowship therefore means ministering to one another in relationship, service to one another in love and assisting each other without expecting a reward. We serve one another with our talents no matter the cost. In addition, churches teach, exhort and encourage in love, share time and substance with one another in order to strengthen fellowship. To continually deepen fellowship, members should learn how to demonstrate practical love to each other by forgiving one another in time of offences and be faithful to one another. Members should also pray for, and share in the fears and aspirations of one another.

It must be noted from these that, fellowshipping with the church will cost you your time, talent and treasure. You also need to tolerate all manner of people with all their annoyances and surprises. It means there is the need to learn how to put up with all sorts of people and make friends with them. This will help each an everyone to have the “I belong” feeling. It is easy for people who do not share fellowship to leave the church. Church fellowship suffers the most when members are not loyal to the church.

The third purpose of the church on earth is Reaching out to sinners in evangelism (Acts 1 :8; Mark 16:15-17) This refers to all the activities the church undertakes in order to win new people to join them for good. There are so many ways of doing it, but churches normally specialize in one or two methods of evangelism. Loyal church members involve themselves in evangelism. It will be difficult to leave a church which you are actively involved in winning souls for. The purpose of evangelism is to bring people to Christ through personal and group efforts.

The philosophy of Christ’s church is therefore to sustain Christ's ministry on earth (Luke 24:46-47), promote righteousness in the world (1 Pet. 2: 11-12) and to destroy the work of the devil through prayer, the word of God and evangelism. (Eph. 6:10-12)

Being loyal to the church means staying faithful in helping fulfil its purpose. It also means making yourself available for the church’s use, putting your talents and giftings at the disposal of your church – responding to the call to serve the church in any capacity. One thing to remember is that we serve God with all we have. When the church needs money, it is the duty of all loyal members to contribute it to advance the kingdom business. Anything short of these constitutes disloyalty. You are not in the church for nothing. You are not in the church only for what you can gain from it, but also for what you can do for it. See the church as God sees it. Make an impact in it, and you will be rewarded for your loyalty. God bless you.

PASTOR WILLIAM BOACHIE-ANSAH
THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST
P.O. BOX 10
NSAWKAW-B/A, GHANA
+233 244137880
boachieansah@gmail.com
copnsawkaw@yahoo.com

BEING LOYAL TO YOUR CHURCH (PART 1)

Texts: 2KINGS 2:1-15; JOHN 6:67-68
2Ki 2:1 ¶ And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 Then Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they went down to Bethel….14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. 15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meet him, and bowed to the
ground before him.

Joh 6:67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

INTRODUCTION: LOYALTY PAYS
There are so many instances in the Bible where people were rewarded for being faithful and
loyal to their convictions. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi earned her a noble, good husband in Boaz, and subsequently becoming an ancestor to Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. (Ruth 4:21-22)
Rahab’s story is no different. She stuck faithfully to her conviction that the Lord God Almighty
was with Israel so her people could never win over Israel and therefore promised to protect the Israelite spies. This earned her deliverance for herself and her family. (Joshua 6:23)
Abigail was one woman who was not only saved from the wrath of David but also secured a better
husband in David from that foolish Nabal. (1 Samuel 25:37-39)
Caleb and Joshua, the only two people out the twelve spies of the Promised Land, were
blessed with long life to survive the vagaries of the wilderness and to possess special inheritance in the Promised Land. (Numbers 26:65)

ELISHA: THE CASE STUDY OF HIS LOYALTY TO ELIJAH
With all these instances of people being loyal to the cause of God in mind, I want to draw
your attention to the main character of this discussion – Elisha. Elisha is the only prophet in the bible who received a double portion of God’s anointing. He is credited with the first of two post-humous miracles in the Bible… He was so anointed that long after his death, his bones could bring a dead person back to life! Yet this man did not take it easy in his calling and ministry. He was called out into ministry
when he had the greatest chance of making big money as a commercial farmer. He had prepared a very big land for a very ambitious agricultural project. But he left it and followed Elijah, the man of God.

Unfortunately when the time came for Elijah to hand over the ministry to Elisha, he subjected
this young prophet to a very difficult testing. Elijah knew he would be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, yet he asked Elisha not to follow him. But upon being persistent, he followed Elijah to where he was taken up and received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing. Take note that Elisha’s motto was, “I will not leave you”. He made such statements several times. And he never left Elijah till he achieved what he was determined for.

Never ever leave your church. There may be some people like Elijah who may hide many things from you, but if you persist and remain loyal, God will reward you with all your heart's desires. The import of this discussion is very simple and straight-forward. There are many of us who
profess to be church members and yet do not want to totally commit themselves to the church. The scenario now is that many Christians have been hopping from one church or ministry to another. This is having some serious repercussions to ministry in churches. If this menace is
not halted, a time will come when one of the essential purpose of the church –
thus fellowship - will be replaced with disunity and incoherence. Pastors and church leaders cannot tell members from visitors. This has already started in some prayer ministries. We
would want to explore the possible causes to this scenario and assign solutions to them in the subsequent discussions. God bless you all.

PASTOR WILLIAM BOACHIE-ANSAH

THE CHAIRMAN INTERACTS WITH JOURNALISTS AND THE MEDIA PERSONNEL

The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost and the
President of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council Apostle Dr. Opoku
Onyinah has once again taken time of his busy schedule to meet with the
journalists and other media personnel at the church’s headquarters in Accra on
Thursday February 2, 2012.

In an address to the journalists, the Chairman based
on Isaiah 52:7-8 to exhort them as he gave the origin of the printing press. To
him, a journalist is a person who writes news stories or articles for a
newspaper or magazine or broadcasts them on radio or television and the media
connotes newspapers, magazines, radio and television considered as a
group. As a member of the National Peace
Council, Apostle Opoku Onyinah’s concern here was for all who are involved in
the Media.

In assessing the importance of the media, the Chairman
reiterated that modern society cannot run away from the media because of their
importance. The media is a tool of communication, used for either good or bad.
He added that the role of psyche in reading, hearing and watching cannot be
grossed over. He said the Media is now
called the king makers in the West. They are used for News, Politics, Entertainment,
Romance, Sports, Music, etc. Media have more influence on society than any person
can have. Many believe and act on what they read, see, or watch. Though many
Christians will not visit theatres or cinemas to watch movies but when it comes
to TV many Christians watch same TV as unbelievers. The moral fabric of society
is eroding because people write more on sex, violence, division, bad news, etc.
The crux of the Chairman’s message to the media personnel has been given below.

THE CHALLENGES OF THE CHRISTIAN JOURNALIST
The Christian journalist in modern times is bewildered
with many challenges. Among these challenges are that good news does not sell;
many people delight in sexual matters and as such writing or talking about it sells. Sexual acts feature in much literature and on
the TV/Drama/Radio. Journalists seem to be attracted to many people because of their
popularity. In view of this, they tend to face lots of temptations. There are
the tendencies for people to bribe them to twist the truth; do things against
their conscience; and sing the voice of their boss instead of their master
Jesus.

WHAT CHRISTIAN JOURNALISTS CAN DO
Accept your job as a call and practise as a
Christian
Make a good choice of what you write
Check the rationale behind your writing or
presentation
Find out the interest of the persons giving you
the story or asking you to make a presentation
Find out if you would be embarrassed when asked
by your pastor, parents or friends about what you said or wrote.
Write to promote Christ and his kingdom
Write or present a programme that will lead to
progress and peace
Be very careful of writing or making a
presentation against the church
Tell your church leaders about your challenges

SIX QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU
Will what you are writing or presenting help
society by leading to progress, peace or liberation?
Does it bring glory to God?
Will it help your Christian life?
Will it enslave you?
Will it strengthen you against temptation or lead
you to it?
Is it the characteristic of God or the world?

WHAT THE CHURCH CAN DO TO HELP THE JOURNALIST
The church is called upon to accept the journalists’
job as important and a call, and then encourage them. Pray with them and get
them involved in church activities and use their talents. The church should not
buy or patronise bad media programmes. The church is encouraged to buy their
literature or patronise their programme.

THE CHAIRMAN MEETS ACTORS AND ACTRESSES

THE CHAIRMAN MEETS ACTORS
AND ACTRESSES

The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah has
ushered in the month of February with a maiden meeting with the actors and
actresses of the film industry in Ghana. The meeting served as a medium of
interacting with the actors and actresses and praying for and with them for
their contributions to national development. This special meeting took place at
the Headquarters of the Church of Pentecost, La in Accra on Wednesday February
1, 2012.

The Chairman addressed them on the theme, the Christian Actor or Actress based on Mark 9:42 and said that
their acting should by no means cause people to stumble or sin. In his
introduction, Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah reminisced, “Pentecostals did not
initially attend cinema, film shows and watch TV. Initially Christians condemned films. As late
as 1990, I went to the home of one Pentecostal couple; they did not have the
TV.” He said that the trend has changed and as such the importance of TV and
movies in the modern world cannot be underestimated since almost every home has
a television set. To the Chairman, the actor or actress is a prominent
personality who brings the message on the TV. Using the account of Rebecca and
Jacob scheming to take the blessings of Esau found at Genesis 27:11-33, he gave
a graphical explanation and biblical example of who an actor or actress is – someone
who pretends to be someone else while performing in a film, theatrical
performance, or television or radio programme. Below is the highlight of the
full speech of the Chairman delivered at the meeting.

TV/VIDEO/DVD/MOVIES HAVE BECOME
PART OF LIFE
In recent times, TV/VIDEO/DVD/MOVIES have virtually become part of
life. They are used for news, entertainment, sports, films, music, rock music,
at home, on buses, airplanes, shops, stores, offices, etc. Movies and TV have
more influence on society than any preacher has now. Many believe and act on
what they see. Example is an adult asking whether the people of Israel wear the
same clothing as they see in films. Many people will not visit places to watch movies
as many Christians will not do this but when it comes to TV, many Christians
watch same TV as unbelievers. One thing which glares all of us in the face is
that the moral fabric of society eroding, because more sex, violence and bad
language found on TV. In fact, we cannot run away from it. Movies and TV are
tools of communication, used for either good or bad.

THE POWER OF MOVIES AND TV:
EXAMPLES OF BAD EFFECTS
In early 1970, a group of youth in Boston poured petrol on a derelict
and set him on fire, re-enactment of a scene in the movie "Fuzz". In
1973, a young woman was killed by a 17-year -old boy in Atlanta; he mimicked
the action of a suspect in TV movie, "The Marcus-Nelson Murders". In
1978, 4 teenage girls assaulted a 9-year-old girl, in imitation of a scene in a
two-hour drama called "Born Innocent". In the drama female reformatory inmates
appeared to assault a teenage girl with a wooden rod. The imitators used an
empty beverage bottle. In the 1990, two boys kidnapped a child who was being
pushed by her mother in a trolley and killed him; they were mimicking a film
they had watched. An attempt to capture President Ragan by John Hinckley was
attributed to the movie, "Taxi Driver". Why all this? It portrays the
power of sight that has direct bearing on our psyche. Everybody is affected by
movies and TV in one way or the other, be it positive or negative.

THE POWER OF THE TV: PREACHING
AND CHRISTIAN FILMS
Modern preaching on TV especially most popular ones is influencing
viewer’s lifestyle. Recently, someone watched the movie entitled “The Passion
of Jesus” and died in Brazil.


THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHRISTIAN
ACTOR/ACTRESS
Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah enumerated the following as some of the
challenges of the Christian actor or actress. Many people delight in sexual
acts, and that sells and gives money to individuals. Sexual acts features in most of the things on
the TV/Drama/Radio. There are very few Christian films and dramas in the market
due to the view that they may not sell and that very few Christians are in the
film and TV business. Being an actor or actress attract many people, because of
popularity making them face lots of temptations. The actor or actress is beset
with the tendency to live what they act.

WHAT A CHRISTIAN ACTOR/ACTRESS
CAN DO
Accept your work as a call and act as a
Christian.
Make good choice or be more discerning
before participation: what is good or evil.
Find out the premises: good triumph over
evil; ruthless ambition destroys itself; love triumph over selfishness;
forgiveness brings reconciliation. Try to find the premise, before acting.
Does the premise agree with or conflict with biblical truth? Does it give
impure thoughts or healthy one? How is the premise solved?
Find out the moral statements
Find out who the hero is
Find out who the villain is
Find out how Christians, pastors, and
religious people are portrayed
Find out how the world is portrayed
Find out how reality is portrayed
Find out how evil is portrayed
Find out how the government is portrayed
Find out how love is portrayed
Find out how the family is portrayed
Find out the interest of the key people
(e.g. producers and distributors) in the film.
Find out if you would be embarrassed
seeing yourself watched by others, or watch the film with friends,
pastors, or Jesus
Tell your church leaders about your
challenges

FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
BEFORE TAKING PART IN ANY MOVIE/DRAMA
Does this bring glory to God?
Will this help my Christian life?
Will it enslave me?
Will it strengthen me against temptation
or lead me to it?
Is this the characteristic of God or the
world?

WHAT THE CHURCH CAN DO TO HELP
THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES
Accept actors and actresses; encourage them and pray with them. Get
them involved in church activities and use their talents. Christians should refuse
to sell, buy or watch bad films; people who make films want money; they will
stop if people are not buying it. This is what the Roman Catholic Church did in
1933, and later sought the support of other Christians. Instead, they are to
patronise Christian films.
Christians who are called into this film/TV business should get into
it and change the trend.
Form a Christian Actors and Producer Association that will come out
with only Christian movies.