Over the weekend of 4th to 6th August 2023, Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo paid a working visit to the Volta North Apostle Area. On the itinerary were two divine services in the northern part of the Apostle Area located in the Oti Region of the country.

On Saturday August 5, the Lead Apostle conducted a divine service at our church in Nkwanta (Krachi Bimbilla District). Here he served the over 119 souls with a bible word from Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

The Lead Apostle in his opening remarks emphasized the most important reason children of God assemble in the presence of God; to be prepared for the day of the Lord. He admonished members to be zealot for the Lord and avail themselves so that the Lord may sanctify them for His return.

Being Christ-like
“Are you Christlike?” quizzed the Lead Apostle. The Apostle called for an introspection by members. “Every good parent expects a resemblance from their children” he continued, “This is what God expects from us – that we may be like Him in Christ, thereby become worthy of His kingdom”. This must be exemplified in our daily conducts. We must resemble Christ in our relationship with our neighbour.

The power of Words
The Lead Apostle explained the effects of our utterances and conduct on our neighbour. He stated that these two testify of us. The Lead Apostle averred that the words out of the mouth can lead to one of two things at every time: conflict or peace, pain or joy, calmness or unrest, unity or separation.

He admonished all gathered that it is necessary to watch over the tongue in our day to day conversations with one another in order not to stir up strife as he referenced Ephesians 4:29. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers”. He further outlined circumstances under which one must exercise utmost watch over the tongue:

• In moments of anger and bitterness from offences meted out to us- “let us be slow to react and  avoid curses but be filled with forgiveness”
• In responding to questions however irritating they might be – “provide soft answers”
• In our prayers – “not all utterances are acceptable before God. We must pray in humility”

“Many have lost their jobs, marriages and friends owing to words of mouth and attitude. The effect of our words are not only spiritual but physical and can be devastating”, he emphasized. He further reminded members of the justification or condemnation we will receive because of our words.

Concluding the sermon, the Lead Apostle emphasized that, our tongue and conduct testify of our childhood in Christ. “Let our words be seasoned with salt, full of peace and forgiveness. Let us respond to harsh words with a gentle answer that seeks to de-escalate the situation. Let us adjust the tone of our conversation even if we are justified”.

Apostles Richard Osei (Volta Central), Alexander Poku-Akubia and District Rector Eric Arhin (Accra West) supported the divine service.