Seven hundred and eighty-three members attended the Easter Sunday divine service that was conducted by Bishop Charles Asare of the Accra Apostle Area at the Accra Central Congregation on Sunday 4th April 2020. For the many Accra West district members who were able to attend this united service, they were filled with enthusiasm and renewed hope in this raging pandemic.

The Bishop based his sermon on 1 Corinthians 15:20, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep”. The special bible reading was also read from 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, 20–28.

“I believe a great joy has filled our hearts because today is a special day for Christians all over the world. If we go to church every Sunday, it is because of Easter. On Easter Sunday, Christ won the battle over death” with these words the Bishop began his sermon.

What does Christ’s Resurrection mean? “The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the foundation of our hope for eternal life,” he emphasized. His resurrection is a clear indication of an ultimate triumph of good over evil. The resurrection also means that righteousness has overcome sin, light has swallowed darkness and life has overtaken death.

Death is not the end. Christ’s resurrection is what gives each one of us a sense of hope that not even death can separate us from God. “Death is not the end of man, death is like sleep. When you die in Christ, your soul rests and awaits the return of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Asare added. With reference to Matthew 27:51–53, the Bishop pointed out that just as the “many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised” upon Christ’s resurrection, we too when we die in Him, shall be raised upon His return.

Let us also rise even today. Bishop Asare encouraged members to rise from whatever condition, words, thoughts and actions that are hindering our faith in the Lord and do God’s work. Encouraging the congregation with a word from John 6:28-29 which read: “Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” Is this too hard for you? Bishop asked the congregation. “Our Easter will come when we follow Him”.

“Let us believe in His resurrection, we, even when we are dead, shall rise when Jesus returns. But until then, let us rise, here and now, and follow Jesus Christ and also believe in Him.” With these words, Bishop Charles Asare concluded the sermon.

The Bishop was supported by District Rector Eric Arhin, Shepherd Owusu Korkor and Shepherd Jones Kyere.