The brothers and sisters at the Takoradi district In the Kojokrom congregation were blessed to celebrate the last divine service of the month with Bishop Thomas Ampofo of the Takoradi Apostle working area on Sunday 27th September 2020.

Bishop Ampofo based his message on Genesis 4:4, ‘Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering’.

Bishop Ampofo began by saying we should have hope that we are part of those whom Christ is coming for and trust in the baptism of the Holy Spirit in which the Apostles have given us.

God appreciates our offerings

The Bishop said God appreciates it when one gives offering. God, Himself, is the first to give us offering by giving us His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life. Subsequently, Jesus Christ sacrificed His life for the redemption of our sins, following the effects of the original sin committed by Adams.

Give wholeheartedly

Reading from the scriptures, Bishop Ampofo said Cain, the firstborn, was a farmer, and his brother Abel was a shepherd. The brothers made sacrifices to God, each of his own produce, but God was rather pleased with Abel's sacrifice. The Bishop explained that God was not so much concerned with the type or quantity of sacrifice but rather the attitude of Cain; Cain's offering was rejected because of his impure heart. He may have brought the very best that he had, but he did so with entirely the wrong attitude. This would be comparable to somebody giving a large sum of money to the church with a grudging attitude.

He will provide

Bishop Ampofo proclaimed that God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering. Just as Abraham was about to slaughter his son in obedience, an angel of the Lord stopped him because Abraham had proved his faith. Bishop Ampofo remarked, “how many of us can withstand the kind of test Abraham was subjected to and responds positively to God's command to sacrifice his son or daughter? But in the end, God responded to Abraham by providing a ram instead and reiterating the promise.”

The Takoradi Working Area Bishop ended his service by advising the ministers not to use their own power or initiative to misapply or misappropriate church offerings, but rather, always seek the consent of the Apostle. He further encouraged the congregation to show their heartfelt appreciation to God during this year’s Thanksgiving service.

Bishop Ampofo was assisted by District Rector Fenyi and Deputy District Rector Boadi