By Eric Appah Marfo, GNA
Accra, April 5, GNA – The Reverend Michael Ayensu, Greater Accra Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Sunday urged Christians to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and peace as they commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He said the Message of the Cross remained central to the Christian faith and must inspire believers to live selflessly and actively reach out to others with the gospel.
Rev Ayensu gave this message during the Easter Sunday Service to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Ringway Gospel Centre, in Accra.
He said the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ demonstrated God’s willingness to forgive humanity and reconcile people to Himself, noting that Christians must reflect those values in their daily lives.
“We cannot believe if we do not reach out to others with the message of the cross,” he said, referencing Romans 10:14-15, and urged believers to intensify evangelism.
Rev Ayensu said while some people would reject the message of Christ, others would accept it and desire to hear it repeatedly and, therefore, called for persistence in preaching.
He urged Christians to pray for peace in communities and across the nation, saying the Church has a critical role in promoting unity and stability.
The Rev Benjamin Tettey, Senior Pastor of the Ringway Gospel Centre, delivering the sermon on the theme: “The Power of the Resurrection,” said without the resurrection, Christian preaching and faith would be in vain, referencing 1 Corinthians 15:14.
“Christianity is not built on Kwaku Ananse stories; it is built on a living Saviour,” he stated.
Rev Tettey explained that the resurrection represents the foundation upon which the Christian faith was built, noting that just as a building depended on a strong foundation, the Christian faith depended entirely on the risen Christ.
The resurrection also signified victory over death and the grave, he said, adding that death, which he described as the “greatest weapon of the enemy,” had been defeated through Christ.
“The grave could not hold Him, the stone could not stop Him, and death could not overcome Him,” Rev. Tettey said, and urged believers to draw confidence from that victory.
He noted that the resurrection brought new life to believers, hence the need to demonstrate the transformation of their lives as a reflection of that power.
“Resurrection is not just an event; it is an experience that must be lived daily,” he said.
Rev. Tettey noted that the resurrection signified access and authority for the believer in this life, assuring Christians that their faith was not in vain because Christ lives.
The resurrection also affirmed Jesus Christ as the Son of God and proved that His sacrifice for humanity had been accepted.
He said the new life in Christ required continuous transformation and encouraged Christians to grow in their faith and avoid remaining spiritually stagnant.
He assured believers that “because Christ lives, your faith is not in vain and your hope remain alive.”
The congregants were in jubilant mood, singing and dancing as they celebrated and commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe