During his first visit to the Accra East district following his ordination in March this year, Apostle Charles Addo Asare, of the Accra Apostle Area, served at the Osu Congregation on Palm Sunday 12th April 2022. Honoured by his visit, the congregation greeted the new Apostle with a sash bearing the inscription: “Welcome, Apostle. Congratulations.”

Apostle Asare based his sermon on John 12: 23: “But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.”

“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,” the Apostle began, “Whenever we come to the house of God, He blesses us and gives us joy. God also reveals all the hidden matters in our hearts, gives us understanding and helps us worship Him better. This is a source of joy for us.”

In admiration for the Osu Congregation’s resilience and strong faith in God, Apostle Asare compared them to the church in Thyatira in the book of Revelations 2:19a: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience.” Apostle Asare complimented the Osu congregation with these words and pleaded with God to continue to bless all their works and ways.

Christians celebrate Palm Sunday to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Christians should lift the Lord high and show who we are just as Christ did. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, in order to glorify God and be glorified by God, He knew that the time was due to reveal the works of the Lord. The people who crucified Christ did not understand that everything He did shows that He was truly the Messiah as prophesied by the prophet Zechariah.

In the Bible account in Matthew 21:1-11, the people brought branches of palm and laid their clothes on the floor for Jesus. Apostle Asare continued, “In our local context if someone is victorious in a competition or a court case, we rather pour powder on the person to signify the victory. The people put all their in Jesus and believed in Him.” Adults, children and everyone altogether sang “Hosanna!” meaning “God save us!”

The people’s expectations were soon turned upside down when Jesus walked, dined and interacted with sinners. Their disappointments caused them to give up on Christ and plot evil against Him. Apostle Asare emphasized: “Our Lord Jesus Christ came to show us who God is. He showed that God’s love has no conditions, and He loves everyone equally whether Jews or Gentiles.” God’s love is evident in the story of Adam and Eve. Despite their disobedience, He clothed them and provided for them. Jesus Christ revealed this great love to humanity. Jesus is the Messiah and He seeks our salvation.

“Let’s show who we are and show how mighty the Lord is. May we not be the reason people blaspheme the name of God as stated in Romans 2:24. If we lift the Lord high, He will also lift us high in the days to come. Amen!” Apostle Asare concluded.

He was assisted by District Rector Kankam, Deputy District Rector De Heer and Shepherd Okyere.