Fruitful Living
Embrace the truth as hallmark of faith – Pentecost Elder urges Christians
Elder Professor Stephen Owusu Kwankye
An Elder of the Church of Pentecost (COP), Malejor Assembly, Professor Stephen Owusu Kwankye has called on Christians to embrace the truth as a hallmark of their faith.
Addressing the congregation on the theme ‘Know the Truth to Be Set Free,’ he said the growing trend of Christians compromising truth to please people was worrying.
In a thought-provoking sermon that coincided with the observance of the Lord’s Supper, Elder Prof. Kwankye emphasised that truth should be a defining characteristic of every Christian, transcending mere words to encompass one’s character and relationship with God.
He noted that the authenticity of a Christian’s truthfulness often becomes evident through their actions and interactions with others, ultimately influencing how they are perceived within their communities.
Quoting passages from the Bible, specifically John 8:32 and John 14:6, Elder Kwankye stressed the liberating power of truth.
“Jesus declared, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me,” he stated, highlighting the pivotal role of truth in the Christian faith.
Explaining these verses, he asserted that truthfulness should serve as a distinctive marker of a Christian’s identity, drawing others closer to Christ by exemplifying honesty and integrity.
Drawing parallels from the scriptural account of Jeremiah’s era (Jeremiah 5:1-3a), Elder Prof. Kwankye lamented a time when truth had disappeared from the tongues of the people.
He cautioned the congregation against taking God’s mercy for granted, emphasising the potential consequences when divine wrath descends upon those who have strayed from the path of truth.
Elder Kwankye urged Christians to re-evaluate their commitment to truthfulness, asserting that the abundance of God’s mercy should not lead to complacency.
He called for a renewed dedication to truthfulness as an essential hallmark of the Christian faith, reminding the congregation to let their actions mirror the teachings of Jesus Christ.
By George Obeng Osei
Preparing for Ramadan through the month of Sha‘ban
THE month of Sha‘ban, which precedes Ramadan, serves as a spiritual training ground. The Prophet (s.a.w.) devoted significant attention to this month, fasting frequently and encouraging heightened acts of worship. ‘Aishah (r.a.) narrated:
“I did not see the Messenger of Allah complete fasting in any month except Ramadan, and I did not see him fast more in any month than in Sha‘ban.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
During Sha‘ban, Muslims are encouraged to:
• Observe optional fasts,
• Increase Qur’anic recitation,
• Engage in charitable deeds (ṣadaqah),
• Strengthen community bonds and service.
These acts gradually condition both the body and soul for the rigours and blessings of Ramadan.
Scholarly guidance and community sensitisation
Across Muslim communities, scholars and religious leaders organise lectures, workshops, sermons, and media engagements to educate the Ummah about Ramadan. These initiatives address:
• The jurisprudence (fiqh) of fasting,
• The obligation to make up missed fasts from previous years,
• The ethical conduct expected during Ramadan,
• The spiritual, social, and health benefits of fasting.
Modern studies have also affirmed that fasting, when properly observed, contributes to improved self-discipline, metabolic balance, and emotional regulation—findings that align with Islamic teachings on moderation and self-control.
The role of parents and families in Ramadan preparation
Preparation begins at home. Parents play a vital role in nurturing a Ramadan-conscious environment by:
• Encouraging children and young adults to try voluntary fasts,
• Training family members to wake up for Tahajjud (night prayers),
• Establishing regular family supplications and Qur’an reading sessions.
Such practices help instill lifelong spiritual habits and strengthen family unity through shared worship.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
JESUS, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. – Luke 4:1-2a
Introduction
Lent is a period when the Holy Spirit strengthens us to face the day to day testing and temptations. Just like Jesus overcame the temptations of the devil, we also have power and will to overcome any temptation that comes our way. I invite you to give your whole heart to Jesus Christ and enjoy the power to overcome the devil’s schemes.
Tempted by the devil
One aspect of Jesus’ temptation resolved around what kind of Messiah, or Saviour, He would be and how He would use His anointing (His authority and empowerment) from God. (Many Jews would reject Him because He did not fulfill their expectations of a political “Saviour” who would step forward with military might and free them from Roman rule.)
• Satan tempted Jesus to use His power to serve His own self-interest to gain glory and power over the nations instead of accepting the humility and suffering that was ahead for Him. This was an opportunity for Him to satisfy the people’s expectation for a charismatic Messiah.
• Satan still tempts Christian leaders to use their spiritual authority, position and ability for their own self-interest, to establish their own reputation and power and to please people rather than God. Those who selfishly compromise with Satan have actually surrendered to His control.
• Jesus turned away every one of Satan’s temptations by properly referring to God’s Word (“It is written”). If this was the effective strategy for Jesus, we certainly must know and rely on His Word as revealed to us in the Bible.
LUKE 4:4 – MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.
• Satan tempts Jesus’ “flesh”, or physical desires, of which hunger is perhaps the strongest – particularly after such an extended time without food. While it may have seemed reasonable to perform a miracle to eat, Jesus would not be tempted to use His power for selfish reasons. Jesus meets and resists Satan’s temptation by declaring that He will live by God’s Word above all else.
Jesus is saying that everything truly important in life depends on God and His plans and purposes. To strive for success, happiness or material things apart from God’s way and purpose will lead to disappointment and end in failure.
Jesus emphasized this truth when He taught that we must seek God’s kingdom (God’s authority, activity, purposes and power in our lives) above anything and everything else. If we do, God promises to take care of all our needs and give us all other necessary things just the way He intends.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
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