Christians mark Good Friday

Sunyani (B/A), April 22, GNA - Christians in Brong=96Ahafo thronged the various churches on Good Friday to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with prayers, thanksgiving with praises. Preaching on the theme 93The Hope of The Resurrection", at the Saint Anslem's Anglican Cathedral, the Right Reverend Dr Festus Yeboah=96Asuamah, Anglican Bishop of Sunyani, said the death and resurrection of Christ gave hope and courage to Christians to face the future without fear.

He stated that the revolutionary hope, which was made possible by Jesus' death on the cross, did not only give mankind confidence in life after death or for those facing death, but was also necessary for dealing with the daily decisions of life.

Bishop Asuamah noted that it was important Christians drew the world's attention to the miraculous peace-brokering power in the gospel of Jesus Christ, saying, "the gospel of peace is probably the most potent answer to the war torn places like Ivory Coast and other places on the African continent".

He urged political leaders to rather reflect on the message of Easter and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and true political power, economic prosperity and all other needs they require would be added to them, because 93political power is not the only means to peace and prosperity".

"What Jesus offers is more than political power and economic prosperity. The assurance of peace and eternal life He presents is based on the perfect sacrifice of Himself, to plead for our forgiveness before the Most Holy One", the Bishop added.

He appealed to all 93to pledge our love to Him and surrender our lives to Him, changing our bad attitudes totally to conform to acceptable standards in order to experience abundant life in all areas of our life, socially and economically in our nation and across the world".

Apostle Joseph Albert Mensah, Sunyani Area head of the church of Pentecost, preaching at the church's four-day Easter convention in Sunyani, urged Christians, politicians and the society at large to reconcile for the accelerated development of the country. He noted that in the quest for power and authority enmity and conflicts emerge and this did not augur well for national development, hence the need for reconciliation, to ensure continued peace and stability.

Apostle Mensah urged Christians not to regard the Easter festivities merely as a yearly ritual but to allow the death of Christ to have a positive impact on their lives.

Reverend George Yeboah, Area Head of Christ Apostolic Church International, in a sermon at the church's five-day Easter Convention, advised the congregation to shun negative tendencies that would not help portray them as true Christians.

The convention is under the theme, "Bearing the fruits of the Kingdom".

He stressed that man was a 93tripartite" being, consisting of the spirit, soul and body and cautioned Christians to always try shun negative practices that the body might lead him or her to commit sin. Preaching at Wesley Cathedral of the Methodist Church, Rt. Rev Oswald Samuel Kwadwo Boakye, Superintendent Minister of Sunyani circuit of the church urged Christians to emulate the humility of Jesus Christ and forgive our neighbours "who wrong us".

He stressed that the meaning of Jesus' suffering on the Cross was to save mankind from sin and it was incumbent on Christians to avoid practices that could lead them to commit sin.

The Methodist priest exhorted Christians that whatever sufferings or tribulations that they would go through was a test of their faith in God and should therefore remain resolute for victory to be theirs. 22 April. 11