THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 

Making Christ Known at Mepe in Ghana

Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-21; Romans 10:14-15

Introduction

Beloved, our theme is drawn from the very essence of who Christ is and our calling as His followers. From the prophecies of Joel to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Paul's impassioned appeal in Romans, we see a divine tapestry woven through scripture, calling us to proclaim the Good News to all people.

The Basel Mission in 1828 received the call to make Christ known in Ghana so they sent the first three people who died from malaria. Another batch was sent with a medical doctor, he was the first to die in a few weeks and the rest followed. They did not stop but sent another batch. Two died, and the only survivor, Andreas Riis, saved a severe malaria attack. Through it all, Riis remained steadfast, fueled by his unwavering faith and the conviction that Jesus is the hope of the world.

One day, after many years of seemingly fruitless labour, the young missionary was about to abort the mission. It was then the chief of Akropong, Nana Addo Dankwa I whose words paved the way to win the souls of the Africans to Christ. Riis, with joy and compassion, invited the West Indies who were Christians to the then Gold Coast to make Christ known. The people having seen dark-skinned Christian men and women, listened to them intently, and as the Holy Spirit moved within them, they embraced the message of salvation.

One soul won after the other sparked a transformation that deepened the Christian faith in Ghana. Riis' perseverance and dedication to making Christ known among the nations bore fruit, giving birth to one of the fastest growing churches in Ghana today, the oldest and continuously existing church in Ghana, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

Today, let us be inspired by the Basel Mission story. We are called to make Jesus known, just as they did, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit and the enduring truth that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega.

Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega

In Revelation 22:13, Jesus declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." This title affirms Christ's eternal nature and sovereignty over all creation. He is the origin of all things and the fulfillment of all God's promises. Understanding Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega deepens our recognition of His authority and majesty.

As the Alpha, Jesus is the beginning of our faith, the Creator through whom all things were made (John 1:3). As the Omega, He is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the One who will bring all things to their appointed end. His life, death, and resurrection are the pivotal events in history, ensuring that He is central to all of existence and our salvation.

The Outpouring of the Spirit: Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:1-21

The prophet Joel foresaw a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people. Joel 2:28-32 speaks of this divine promise: “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”

This prophecy was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:1-21. The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to speak in various tongues and proclaim the wonders of God. This miraculous event marked the birth of the Church and signified that the message of Christ was to be spread to every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Pentecost reminds us that the proclamation of Jesus Christ is not limited by language, culture, or geography. The Holy Spirit equips and empowers us to transcend barriers and make Jesus known to the ends of the earth. The message of salvation through Christ is for all people, and we are called to share it boldly.

The Call to Proclaim: Romans 10:14-15

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the necessity of preaching the Gospel so that all may have the opportunity to believe and be saved. Romans 10:14-15 reads: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

This passage underscores the critical role Christians play in God’s redemptive mission. It is a clarion call for us to be active participants in evangelism. We are the heralds of the Good News, sent to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard. The task of evangelism is not just for a select few but for every believer. Each one of us is called to be a witness to Christ’s love and salvation.

Practical Steps to Make Christ Known

1. Personal Witness: Share your testimony of how Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, has transformed your life. Personal stories of faith are powerful and relatable, often opening hearts to the Gospel. Be a testimony to the faith for others.

2. Cultural Tolerance: Engage with different cultures respectfully and lovingly. Understand their beliefs and practices, and seek to present the Gospel in ways that resonate with them.

3. Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Pray for boldness, wisdom, and opportunities to share the Gospel. Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions.

4. Support Missions: Support missionaries and Church missions through prayer, financial contributions, donations and encouragement. They are on the front lines of making Jesus known among the nations.

5. Community Involvement: Get involved in your Congregation and society. Volunteer, serve, and build relationships. Through acts of love and service, you can demonstrate Christ’s love and create opportunities to share the Gospel.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ, the Alpha, and the Omega, calls us to a glorious mission: to make Him known among the nations. From the prophetic words of Joel to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, and the apostolic urgency of Paul's letters, we see a divine mandate to spread the Good News.

Let us embrace this calling with joy and determination, knowing that we are part of God’s grand narrative of redemption just like the Basel Mission. As we go forth to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ, may we do so with the assurance that He is with us always, to the very end of the age.

Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...