With over 500 connections to the NAC Accra-Ghana YouTube channel, Apostle Robert Ashie Kotei of the Cape Coast Apostle area officiated Sunday’s live transmission divine service on 21st June 2020. The service also coincided with Father’s Day celebration.
The sermon was based on a text word from 2 Corinthians 1:24, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers: for by faith ye stand.”
In his opening remarks, Apostle Robert Ashie Kotei observed the Father’s Day celebration encouraging fathers to be responsible for their God-given children. He recalled a personal life experience where he would have lost one of his daughters had he reneged on his responsibility as a father. He admonished all fathers to avoid unnecessary lifestyles and fulfill their fatherly responsibility.
Expanding on the text word, the Apostle said “Never! We (Apostles) cannot control your faith. Even the Lord does not control our faith.” No servant of God has dominion over the faith of another person in the house of God. He further explained “God does not control our faith. He has given us free will and we have to use that will either for good or bad. If God controls our faith, everything will be different in this world. Christianity will not be difficult at all.”
With reference to the Apostles’ creed, the Cape Coast area Apostle highlighted the responsibilities of the Apostles; the Apostles carry the mission and responsibility of preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, forgiving sins in His name and baptising with water and the Spirit, until the return Jesus Christ.
The Apostle further spoke of 3 things that give joy in the Lord; love, forgiveness and wisdom. He explained: “Love gives joy. Out of love comes joy”. He narrated an incidence where for the love between two friends, one was spared of a death sentence and subsequently freed.”
Forgiveness gives joy. An innocent man who was wrongly accused and imprisoned, forgave his accuser after serving all his youthful and early adult years in prison. “When the truth came out, he was not bitter, but he forgave. My brothers and sisters. Let us forgive.”
Wisdom gives joy. From the encounter between Solomon and God where Solomon asked for wisdom from God, he received all he needed. He had wisdom, he gained joy. “Let us seek first the Kingdom of God and all things will be added to us. Let us seek wisdom and knowledge.”
Apostle Ashie ended the sermon with the words of Apostle Paul to the Philippians found in Philippians 4:8, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, and whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
The service was assisted by District Rector Ebenezer Adjei (Accra East district).