Service started at 7:00AM, with a session of prayer and worship. The congregation then broke out into their various Bible Studies groups for discussions, focusing on Excellence in Service. The lesson for Bible Studies was drawn from the life of Daniel as found in Daniel 6:1-6. Presiding Elder Michael Ofosu Ampadu, ministered the word on the theme “God’s Mercy”
Elder Ampadu reminded the congregation of the forgiving and reconciliation power of God’s mercies which cover all believers. He defined mercy as the power of God to withhold punishment from those who have sinned or are undeserving of forgiveness. Daily, God renews His mercies towards us. Lamentations 3:23. God’s mercies are demonstrated in the life and possessions we have. There are more deserving people of the things we have but God has chosen us to be partakers of His mercies.
From Jonah 2:1-10, Elder Apmadu prompted the congregation to consider how many times believers act like Jonah by neglecting God’s directive. However, when believers cry out to God as Jonah did, God demonstrates His merciful nature by delivering us from imminent punishment. God reaches out to those who call on Him in the face of death (i.e. situations we have prompted). His mercies locate those who acknowledge it. God does not rejoice in punishing the lost, His mercies are more easily given to bring the loss to Himself.
Elder called on Christians to be as merciful as God is, to those around them. It amounts to nothing when we wish harm on our enemies. Christians have to extend mercy to those who consider them enemies.
Drawing from John 5:1-8, Elder Ampadu called on Christians to make use of the healing pool beside them (reference the healing pool of Bethesda). In some situations, God’s mercy is right next to us but we do not make use of the opportunity. The preacher admonished the Church not to be oblivious to the many mercies around us, sometimes we have to take the initiative to gain God’s mercies just like the woman with the issue of blood moved and touched the hem of Christ’s garment (Luke 8:43-48).
The highlight of Elder Ampadu’s message was taken from Mathew 18:23-35. Elder explained to the congregation the value of what the servant in the scripture owed his master (an equivalent of 200 years of his annual income). Yet, his master showed him mercy and wiped out his debt when he pleaded for mercy. This master’s mercy is not close to what Christ did for us when He gave His life on the cross for sinners who persecute and crucify Him daily. Though He had the power to avert His death, He went to the cross like a lamb to the slaughter, so we may have life in abundance. Elder then threw a challenge to Christians to live up to their name (Christ-like), by demonstrating the same kind of mercy Christ demonstrated for us, towards those who dislike us. Yet, when we, who have been forgiven, do not show mercy, God will cast us away, like the unforgiving servant in Mathew 18:35. Elder also mentioned there are health benefits in avoiding grudges and holding on to hurt.
“Forgive as you have been forgiven!”
In concluding his message Elder Ampadu called on Christians to show mercy and forgive as we have been forgiven. The Church was called to remember the many times we deserved punishment or mishap but we were delivered from our predicament, thanks to God’s mercies.
In the same vein, we are reminded to extend mercy to those who have offended us, though they be unrepentant.
The sermon was followed by a time of prayer acknowledging God’s mercies, asking for forgiveness for the times when we did not show mercy, and requesting for strength to demonstrate God’s mercies in us in our daily endeavours. The Church also prayed for help not to lose sight of God’s divine calling on each member’s life.
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