Fruitful Living
Do you remember? (Part 1)
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” —John 3:17
INTRODUCTION
This year’s Easter has provided another opportunity for the Christian world to elaborate on the crowning work of our loving Saviour. We spent time to dissect the horrors of the supreme sacrifice that made the positive difference in our eternal destiny. Sermons, songs, and in some cases, the ordinance of foot washing and communion, helped to re-enact the events of the last supper. And once again, we remembered that someone gave His life that we might have everlasting life.
It was a recollection that filled us with dread. For how could a holy God love our sinful human race so much that He put His only begotten Son through that much suffering so that we might be saved? It was also a recollection that filled us with hope. For how could we fear for the future when the crucified Christ rose from the dead and now lives forever?
As the rest of the year stretches ahead of us, if there is one message to keep in mind, it is that Jesus did not die in vain. He died for a purpose, and that purpose extends beyond the Easter holidays. In our key text, we are reminded that He came to save, and not to condemn the world. He has completed His part, and left us to do our part.
As terrible as the pain was, He bore it for our sake. As humiliating and degrading as He was made to feel, He patiently submitted Himself to it all, though He could have called ten thousand angels to slay all those who played principal parts to perpetuate that injustice. He bore it all, so that we can benefit from it. What then are we expected to do in response to such a greatexpression of love?
THE GENERAL RESPONSE
TO CHRIST’S SACRIFICE
We know from Biblical accounts that those who witnessed the crucifixion of Christ did not forget in a hurry. There were those who denied it, knowing in their hearts that they were untrue to compelling evidences and to their own consciences. There were those who had previously doubted, but understood Him clearly only while He was on the cross.
All were touched in irreversible ways. And when Jesus rose again, it was the cue for many to then confess Him as Lord till their last breath.
Jesus did not need to remain physically with them after His resurrection. He had taught them during His three and a half years with them and left them with the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide. His disciples remembered, and the fervor of their witness ignited new generations of other witnesses. They did not just confess Him with their mouths or profess Him merely in their hearts. They did so with their lives. Undaunted by the threat of death, they considered the spilling of their blood a feeble match for the shed blood of God’s Son.
When Peter came face to face with the cross, he saw his unworthiness in stark contrast to the innocence of the One condemned.
When Paul was confronted with the reality of the One who died on the cross, he made a U-turn. Stephen kept his faith to the last, unshaken by the weight of the stones thrown at him, and it did not succeed in shutting out his witness. He breathed his last as a faithful, unrelenting witness of the power of God’s grace. The apostle John died with his belief in the efficacy of the sacrifice of the Son of God.
These men realised how important the issue of salvation is. The recollections of the Roman whip on Jesus’ back, the jeers, and sneers, and shoves—all for a crime He did not commit fired them up. These spoke to them louder and clearer than even Jesus’ words.
Those who were His disciples remembered the times He got hungry and thirsty and tired, all because He wanted to save sinful man. They saw clearly how He went through all of that, by choice, and not because we deserve it.
They remembered how, during the last supper with them, He broke bread and poured wine and commanded them: “Do this in remembrance of me.” As believers, do we remember all these, or have they faded from our memory already, buried under a pile of work and day-to-day concerns?
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE
Remember how on Easter Sunday, we showed up in our Easter clothes and listened with rapt attention to the preacher?
irred deep within us and evoked a commitment to forsake all for the cause of Christ. Just as we were reminded that He died for us, so we are committed to live for Him. Do we still feel the same way today, or have the cares of the week piled on top of the commitment we made? Has it been so long already since that stirring sermon?
Is our life back to the routine of the usual grind? Do we think we can go back to our old way of seeing and doing things? Does Christ’s death and sacrifice impact the choices we make, the friends we keep, how we use our resources, what we eat, and drink, and wear, and how we live our lives?
Do we remember why He died for us? And do we remember that He lives interceding for us so we will not be lost? What has changed about our lives since we pondered the account of Easter this year? Remember, He did not die in vain. Remember, we should not hear the account of His death or profess our belief in His sacrifice in vain. If we recognise that, then we should accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. And if we accept Him as Lord, then we should let Him to have full reign and take charge of our lives.
In closing, Bill Gaither reminds us of our hope as believers in his classic hymn, Because He Lives.
1. God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives!
Chorus:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!
2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
3. And then one day, I’ll cross the river, I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!
To be continued!
Stay blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0243588467 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@ gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
By Dr Joyce Aryee, The Author
“…at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” – Romans 5:6 (NIV)
Introduction
JESUS Christ shed His blood on the Cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for our salvation.
The Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and we are baptized in Him into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God.
The Holy Spirit also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
We continue from where we ended last week.
Seven words on the cross
4. The word of spiritual suffering
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Mark 15:34.
These words mark the climax of Jesus’ suffering for a lost world. Jesus experienced separation from God the Father as the sinner’s substitute. Here the sorrow, grief and pain were at their worst.
He was pierced for our transgression – “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 (NIV), and gave Himself a “ransom for many” – Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6.
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for you and me – 2 Cor. 5:21.
Jesus died, forsaken that we might never be forsaken – Psalm 22. Because of this we are redeemed by the suffering of Christ – 1 Peter 1:19.
5. The word of physical suffering
“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” – John 19:28.
Jesus nearing death goes through the agony of thirst. Jesus the fountain of Living Water desires earthly water and is given vinegar – sour wine which He rejects. He had to endure pain and shame.
6. The word of triumph
“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished” – John 19:30.
Mission accomplished. The work of redemption is done. Jesus did not say “I am finished.” Rather, He triumphantly made a declaration that He had completed and accomplished His work on the cross.
• He had accomplished the earthly mission assigned by the Father;
• He had fulfilled the important Old Testament prophecy about the suffering Messiah – Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53:3–12;
• Completed the work of redemption as the sacrificial and Passover Lamb of God – John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7, involving blood atonement – Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12 & 22;
• The decisive moment of victory over Satan and his network of demons – Colossians 2:15;
• Jesus has achieved the means of reconciliation of God with His creation and sinful humanity – 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 & 21; Colossians 1:20–22.
It is worthy to note that nothing can be added to the finished work of the cross for salvation. The way of salvation is now open to all who believe and draw on Jesus’ finished work on the cross – Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46.
The debt for our sin has been paid in full and the plan of salvation established.
7. The word of committal
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.” – John 19:30; Luke 23:46.
The Lord Jesus voluntarily committed His life into God the Father’s care – He went in spirit to His Father in Heaven.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16 (NIV).
Author
Kindly note: You are warmly invited to join us for our programme, Meditations on Easter, on Saturday, 11th April 2026 at Christ the King Parish Hall at 8:00 a.m.
The theme is: “He Is Risen Indeed, Hallelujah!!! – The Transformative Power of the Resurrection” (Matthew 28:5; 1 Peter 1:3–4).
Our deepest desire this Easter is to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection more intimately in our lives and to share the hope of the risen Lord with others.
Stay Blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightgh.org
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
Fruitful Living
HAJJ: The 5th Pillar of Islam, a sacred journey to the house of Allah…an elevated call to faith, sacrifice, spiritual renewal (Final part)
Types of Hajj: Understanding the forms of pilgrimage
THERE are three recognised types of Hajj:
• Hajj al-Tamattu’: Performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, and then entering Ihram again for Hajj.
• Hajj al-Qirān: Combining Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram without exiting.
• Hajj al-Ifrād: Performing only Hajj without Umrah.
Each type has specific rulings, and the choice depends on the pilgrim’s circumstances.
Miqāt and the State of Ihram
The Miqāt refers to designated boundary points where pilgrims must enter into Ihram before proceeding to Makkah. Crossing these boundaries without Ihram invalidates the proper commencement of Hajj.
Ihram is not just clothing—it is a sacred state of discipline, intention, and spiritual consciousness.
Fidyah and Dam: Expiation in Hajj
Islam provides remedies for mistakes during Hajj:
• Fidyah: Compensation such as fasting, feeding the poor, or sacrifice for minor violations
• Dam: Sacrificial penalty required for certain omissions or violations
• Tawaf
• Sa’i
These ensure that errors do not invalidate the pilgrimage but are corrected through prescribed means.
The virtue of Hajj Mabroor
The ultimate goal is to attain Hajj Mabroor (an accepted Hajj). The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:
“An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Its signs include sincerity, avoidance of sin, humility, and lasting transformation after the pilgrimage.
The role of intention and acceptance
Hajj is not judged by outward actions alone but by sincerity of intention (Niyyah). A person may perform all rituals correctly yet fail to attain acceptance if sincerity is lacking.
Allah looks at the hearts, not merely the actions.
Life after Hajj: A new beginning
Hajj is not the end—it is the beginning of a renewed life. A pilgrim is expected to:
• Maintain righteousness
• Increase acts of worship
• Avoid returning to sin
• Become a model of good character in society
The true success of Hajj is reflected in one’s transformation.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. It includes:
• Ihram
• Tawaf
• Sa’i
• Shaving or trimming hair
Though not obligatory like Hajj, it holds immense spiritual reward. The Prophet Mohammed said:
“One Umrah to another is an expiation for what is between them.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
While not a pillar of Hajj, visiting the Mosque of the Prophet Mohammed pbuh in Madinah is a highly recommended Sunnah.
The Prophet Mohammed said:
“Do not undertake a journey except to three mosques: Al-Masjid al-Haram, my mosque, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Praying in the Prophet’s Mosque carries immense reward, and sending salutations upon him at his grave is a deeply spiritual experience.
Summary and conclusion
Hajj is a journey of total submission, unity, and spiritual rebirth. It connects the believer to the legacy of the Prophets and prepares the soul for the ultimate return to Allah.
The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah and avoids obscenity and wrongdoing will return like the day he was born.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1521; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1350)
May Allah grant us the opportunity to perform Hajj, accept it from us, and make it a means of our salvation. Ameen.
• Author
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam
Governance Expert and Islamic Scholar
Imam Saeed Abdulai is a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader known for his impactful teachings on faith, governance, and societal development. He actively contributes to religious education and public discourse in Ghana and beyond.
22. References
• The Noble Qur’an (2:197, 3:97, 22:26–27)
• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi
• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim
• Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert
