Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday, today and forever

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.| Pastor Percy Nii Tackie Otoo

The Church observed the climax of the Miraculous Jesus Encounter on the theme scripture for the week, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Pastor Otoo started by stating that believers have full responsibility towards their leaders. He enumerated these responsibilities to include;
1. Remembering them
2. Obeying them
3. Giving them reception (greeting them)

Pastor Otoo observed that it is unfortunate that believers do not practice these stated requirements in the Bible. He mentioned that believers must follow the faith of their leader. For this reason, Christians must participate in Christian activities designed by the Church to grow their faith. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 11:1, believers imitate their leaders knowing that these leaders are imitating Christ. From Hebrews 5:10, the man of God explained that the church’s leaders are ordained according to the precepts of God.

Believers must however consider the outcome of the faith of their leaders, taking into account their behaviour, demeanour and associations. With these, one can judge if their leaders are projecting Christ. Pastor called on leaders to ensure their character portrayed Christ in order not to mislead the believers entrusted to their care.

Pastor registered his disappointment at the fact that sin had become a stronghold in the church because believers are not looking on the example of Christ. Christ’s victory over sin has not changed therefore believers are not expected to fall to sin. There may be valley experiences but they are not to weaken us or make us sin, they are expected to strengthen us as God prepares our glorious end.

Linking the sermon to the relevance of God’s unchanging Word, Pastor Otoo admonished the congregation to believe in the Word of God, relying on it as our source of survival forever. He explained that man is a product of what he believes for this reason believers must recognize and live what they have believed, i.e. the Word of God. This Word has not changed since the beginning of time neither has the God who spoke them.
Pastor Otoo prompted the Church however that, as we imitate our leaders, we must be conscious not to repose our hope in men. Pastor Otoo shared the testimony of his encounter with God’s healing power when he was completely healed of liver cancer. He explained that his healing was assured because he did not put his hope in man but believed God for his healing. Encountering Jesus means we are redeemed unto the blessed hope of eternal life. Referencing Isaiah 43:10, the Church was called to know that God is the only and ultimate solution to any issues or confusions confronting believers. Whereas we may use our religious leaders as reference points, Jesus is the only unchanging and ever faithful model of our faith.
Pastor emphasized that one can, however, only share in the unchanging faithfulness of God if they are in His fold. He called on everyone to come to the saving knowledge of Christ in this changing world. He stated that technological advancement and the many changes the world is experiencing cannot replace the truth of God and His unchanging relevance unto eternal salvation.
Christians may face challenging times but this must not faze the faith we know. It is during such times that we must be firmly anchored in our faith in Jesus. We are assured of His steadfast protection.
Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever, inspires confidence. The old and true Christian question remains, “whose report do you believe?”. Pastor asked believers to always hold fast to our confession of faith in Christ. Hebrews 4:14-15 reminds us Christ, our High Priest, knows and has experienced every situation we are faced with and will not let us fail. Like Job are faith confession must always be true to God and He will establish His will concerning us. Believers are encouraged to follow Christ wholly, knowing He is the author and perfection of our faith. We must not defer from our faith and follow the world- 2 Timothy 4:3-4. Hebrews 13-9 teaches believers not to be swayed by ungodly doctrines. Believers are encouraged to stay focused and faithful at all times and in all situations.
In concluding, Pastor Otoo referenced Revelations 1:8, reminding the Church that God will forever remain Who He is, the Alpha and Omega.