Christians urged to remain conscious of God's presence everywhere

By Christabel Addo, GNA

Accra, Jan. 1, GNA - Christians have been urged to remain constantly conscious of the presence of God in all spheres of their lives and be truthful in their dealings no matter where they find themselves.

Apostle Samuel Gyau-Obuobi, the Resident Pastor of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) - Atomic, speaking at the watch night service, said many people have lost this consciousness because they have failed to fear or desire to live in harmony with God's righteous standards -and to seek to know and serve Him.

In his message titled: "A fear of the Lord," the Resident Pastor said, the presence of God was not limited to the church auditorium, but that God hears and sees all things, even those done in the dark and without such consciousness, people would be living their lives anyhow.

He said the fear of God involved reverence and submission which would keep a believer from various sins.

The Bible, he said, admonishes Christians to walk in the fear of God, shelter and security to those who obey, but then each person would be held accountable for their own actions, thoughts, words and motives.

He cited Daniel and his friends in the Bible, who refused to defile themselves with pagan foods in a foreign land because of their consciousness of God's presence with them.

He read some Scripture passages from Psalm 25: 12- 14, 1Timothy 1-7, Proverbs 23:17, as well as the Chapter 14:26, which talks about God's perfect power for humanity, that is devoid of any form of intimidation and cautioned against envying sinners among other things.

Apostle Gyau-Obuobi said "our very survival and the success of the church in the year 2020 and beyond will depend on our continuous fear of God.

The congregants at the PIWC also joined other Christians across the world for their annual watch night service, which heralds the New Year.

The year's service as usual witnessed a great crowd of worshipers including yearly visitors, most of whom were dressed in white to symbolize their victory over 2019, and the joy of being given a chance to witness another year.

The service was preceded by intense opening prayers, Bible readings, testimonies by members, and short exhortations from Apostle Emmanuel K. Anim, and Reverend Professor Kingsley Larbi, both Associate Pastors of the Church, on the need for all to understand the true meaning of life.

They described life as a complex journey which requires the traveller to have a map which is the Word of God, and a compass, the Holy Spirit, for clear direction, and also to maintain constant fellowship with other believers in order for them to remain focused on their path.

They also encouraged Christians to exhibit great humility before God in order to receive His blessings.

By the strike of 2200 hrs, the excitement in the over 3000-seater auditorium had reached a crescendo as the New Year was just two hours away.

The Resident Pastor said people often get scared entering a New Year for fear of the unknown and assured all Christians to be hopeful of a brighter New Year and led the entire congregation in an intense prayers to herald the New Year at 12 midnight.

Then the shouts of joy began, emotional outbursts and displays by some members was also witnessed; others lay prostrate on the floor to show their helpless state before God; and some danced their hearts out to melodious tunes from the church choir till dawn.

GNA

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