THEME: GHANA, A NEW PEOPLE, A NEW NATION UNDER GOD 

PREAMBLE 

Peace be unto you!  

Blessed be the Most High God for the very high note and pedestal on which He ushered us into His Presence yesterday at the opening of the Two-Day Celebration of Divine vision of A NEW GHANA. 

We rejoice over the reminder of the Divine Hand in creation and the affairs of the human race, peoples, and nations by The Very Rev. Prof. S.K. Adjepong, Principal of the Methodist University College. The Very Rev. Prof. S.K. Adjepong is a renowned servant of God, the Church, and the nation.  It may interest you to know that his name was given us by the Spirit of God when we were seeking for a person to address the opening service of the Two-Day Celebration. Thank God for such “soul-saints” in our land. There is hope for Ghana as a chosen nation and people of God. Amen! 

Yesterday, we tried to explain, establish, and project the idea of Divine vision of a chosen nation and People of Ghana, in short, A NEW GHANA—according to the vision, plans, purposes, and works of God. We established three premises for the vision namely: – 

a.)  A people chosen by God for His own inheritance and Kingdom Glory on earth such as it happened with the Biblical nation of Israel—founded and established through Abraham, Moses, King David, and the Prophets. 

In the midst of rebellion, disobedience, the rejection of God—amidst confusion and scattering of peoples and nations and the Satan-Man alliance in the rejection of God, the worship of Him, honor, and observance of His will and dominion on earth, God is out to find A People who will reject the Satan-Man covenant, worship, and honor of Him as God, King, and Lord alone and who He can and will call His own. 

“They shall be My people, and I will be Their God” is the vision. Hence, the Bible declares in Jeremiah 24:7  

“Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.” 

b.) God, in His mercy, has a vision for the reconciliation, deliverance, redemption, and restoration of glory to Africa via the abrogation of the Eternal Damnation that resulted from the Satan-Man covenant in the Garden of Eden, on one hand, and the rejection of and overthrow of the Satan-man order and connected state of darkness and death, idolatry, blood, violence, wars, woes, stagnation, suffering, pain, and desolation in Africa on the other hand. 

It is in this light that He has chosen Ghana as a Star Nation and a model for His vision of a New Africa—a New People of God of His Kingdom on earth. This is established through His mercy and Goodness through faith in His Son Jesus Christ—the Reconciler, Saviour, Redeemer, Restorer, and King of Glory.  

God’s vision for Africa is a New People, A New Africa which has transferred faith, trust, and hope from the power of Satan to Him Jehovah God the Creator through faith in His Son Jesus Christ (Acts. 26: 18; Isaiah 42: 1-13; John 14: 6). It is in this wise that God in His eternal wisdom has chosen Ghana in sub-Saharan Africa in the border of West Africa to set His vision for a New Africa and People in motion. 

Ghana was chosen not because of her size, virtues, or the righteousness of her chiefs and people, but purely on God’s own counsel and grace. It is this election and choosing of Ghana that has manifested in the colonial emancipation era and been confirmed and maintained astutely in the fall of Nkrumah, and other governments whose vision, plan, works, movement, and model of Ghana and Africa fall short of the Divine vision, will, and plans for Africa’s redemption and restoration. Nkrumah’s idolatrous atheistic-humanist socialist philosophy, ideology, and Pan-African movement, politics, and governance were not acceptable to Jehovah God, and were in any case in complete contradiction, conflict, and indeed opposition to the heavenly Divine Vision for the New Africa—redeemed and restored to Glory for His praise and Kingdom Glory in Africa and the world. 

It is the Divine vision, will, and purposes for Ghana, Africa, and the nations, human race and creation in the world that have been revealed and assigned to the Ghana Evangelical Society as a special commission. 

The Society has worked through the years between 1973 – 2005 for the full manifestation of the Divine Redemption and Restoration of Glory, Vision, and Mission in Ghana and Africa.  GHANA IS FREE: AFRICA IS FREE is the mission accomplished according to the Lord. Ghana is now fully poised in the Divine vision and order of a New People, a New Africa under God, Beulah Land, Star of Africa. 

The practical translation and social transformation inherent in the vision of a New People, a New Africa of and under God is what is under discussion at the National Redemption Day Gathering (2012). We noted three areas of investigation and transformation: – The Spiritual Order, the Political Order, and the Cultural Order to turn people and nation into people of God and under God for His Kingdom Glory Order in Africa and the world.  We described this simply as the Christ (Messianic) Government and Kingdom Order in Africa and the Gentile nations. 

INTRODUCTION 

This evening, at this closing service, we want to focus on the practical works, climate, or atmosphere, and conduct in which to launch Ghana/Africa into Progress and Prosperity in the hand, goodness, and mercy of God— stability, security, joy, and hope in Him Jehovah God, Father of Jesus Christ and God of Ghana/Africa. He has become the Salvation, Redemption, Glory, and Hope of Ghana/Africa. 

The Spirit of the Lord has directed that we consider the practical reality for the New People of New Ghana/Africa under God in three major areas:  

(1) The Relation with God  

(2) Politics and Governance in the nation(s) and 

 (3) Social Relations.   

Let us take them briefly here in turns. 

RELATIONS WITH GOD 

 The critical factors in relationship between a people, a nation, and God the Creator are: 

a. The Worship and Honor of Jehovah as God, the only One God in fact (Deuteronomy 6: 1-5; Revelation 4: 1-11; 5: 1-14)

b. Obedience, Observance, Respect, and Honor of the will, law, commandments, light, and way of Jehovah God, the knowledge and fear of Him in all affairs, and

c. The conduct of life and affairs of peoples and nations, state, and government in the knowledge of God in acknowledgement of Him as God, King, and Lord. 

In acknowledgement and observance of these three conditions, there will not only be peace with God as individuals, people, and nation; there will also arise meaningful, effective, rewarding, and blessed relationship with the Creator. It is He who holds and controls the air, water, and sunshine, the lives of men, and the rest of creation.  Hence, He teaches men to pray:  

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.  Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  save us from temptation and deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”  

It is in this respect, that TEMPLE WORSHIP and corporate and national gatherings such as we have done now are significant and very portentous in the relationship between God and Man (cf. 2nd Chronicle 7: 1-4, 12-18). 

The beneficiary effect of worship to people and nation was demonstrated and proven with Israel in the era of King David. This “Davidic Model” of a nation and people under God is what Jesus Christ has shown as acceptable in heaven and will be established in the nations in the Messianic Government and Kingdom era (Isaiah 9: 6-7). 

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE  

From the Divine Kingdom Reign and Rule perspective in affairs of peoples and nations, politics and governance are of crucial and critical significance in the affairs of peoples and nations. When people and nations worship and honor God, they witness and experience the Divine Spirit, Hand, Care, and Blessings in their lives and affairs. This is promised in the Divine Government and in the Jesus Christ Messianic Vision and Kingdom Order on earth.  The Kingdom of God on earth implies God is not only God deserving worship.  He is also King and Lord, involving and demanding His management and control, care, and provision in the affairs of peoples and nations. God is God, King, and Governor of the nations.  

Accordingly, politics and governance are critical to the Divine promise, provision, and blessedness for people, nation, creation, and national affairs in general.  Divine provisions—whether in human, physical, or elemental resources—are part of the Divine Heritage and kingdom order in the nations. 

Politics and Governance are therefore delegated, sensitive, and responsible instruments of Divine concern.  It is God who has signed the covenant with His people and promised provision, substance, security, protection, peace, life, and joy to His people. Politics and Governance are delegated charges which affect God the Creator’s image, reputation, honor, and glory with and among His people in this case, The New People, The New Africa under God. 

The issues at stake here are not merely questions of freedom—such as worship, expressions, association, participation, opportunity, and liberty. They are not also concerned only with accountability, probity, transparency, honesty, and loyalty.  There are equal, indeed, more important issues such as: 

• Politics and Governance in the knowledge, fear, and honor of God, submission, and reverence to Him Jehovah 

• The promotion, observance, and security of peace, righteousness, judgement, and justice in the affairs of nations and peoples. 

• The maintenance and flourishing of trust and hope in God —a veritable platform for sustained recognition, honor, and reverence to the covenant between the creator and people and nation as well as the security of Divine Throne, Kingdom, Reign, and Rule in the nations. 

• The care of poor, needy, weak, afflicted and oppressed, et al 

• The proper stewardship with the nation’s resources, treasury, wealth, finances, and assets including the human beings. 

• Legislation, administration and supervision of laws, statutes and regulations with due reference and reverence of the will, law, commandments, statutes, light and way, and knowledge of God as a whole. 

• Finally, the proper acknowledgment, respect and honor of the sacredness of life, the nurturing, provision and protection and reverence of life particularly man as with animal and the natural order. 

Politics and Governance is key to the Kingdom of God Order which involves the honor of God, truth, and joy—and the building, maintenance, and flourishing of Peace, Righteousness, Judgement, Justice, and Joy in Him. The critical barometer of good politics and governance is the knowledge and fear of God, and the injunction “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14: 34 NKJV) 

We do not need to comment here about the dark, negative, corrupt, violent, and wicked forms of politics and governance in Ghana/Africa. We spoke yesterday of the Satan-man alliance—idolatry, sorcery, witchcraft, blood, violence, and wars.  Africa should never forget the sad effects of the rulership and governance of grabbing, gain, exploit, oppress, expropriate, rob, steal, and transfer resources, wealth, and assets to personal, private and group interests and the promotion of tribal and ethnic hegemony. 

Corruption and robbery, party and groups interests, ethnicity, idolatry, blood sacrifices, and bloodshed are basic to the woes and backwardness, poverty, suffering, pain, stagnation, non-progress, and desolation in Africa. 

The New People of the New Africa need totally new leaders and new leadership—humble, honest, efficient, competent, loyal, and God-fearing, princes, and administrators in politics and governance and all sectors of the economy. 

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29: 2NKJV) 

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1 NKJV) 

Hence, David offered this prayer for Solomon saying: “Give the king Your judgement, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s son. He will judge Your people with righteousness and Your poor with justice. The mountains will bring peace to the people, and the little hills, thy righteousness. He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy and will break in pieces the oppressor.” 

David brought His vision for new governance;

“For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, and will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; and precious shall be their blood in His sight. And He shall live; Prayer also will be made for Him continually, and daily He shall be praised. There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, on the top of the mountains; its fruit shall wave like Lebanon; and those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.” (Psalm 72: 1-4, 12-16 NKJV)

SOCIAL RELATIONS 

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1: 1-2 NKJV) 

Psalm 1 gives the basis and picture of social relations for The New People of the New Africa under God. The key issue in social relations in the knowledge of God is Love, Liberty, Peace, Righteousness, and Service. 

Under relations in society, we would highlight only three points 

1. Homes – education is part 
2. Business or economic sector 
3. Social enterprise in general 

• HOMES OR HOME ORDER 

Homes represent the nucleus and breeding and nurturing ground of humans and to some extent creation in Society.  Father are heads, parents are to educate, practice, and honor societal relations in the knowledge, fear, and honor of God, partnership in enterprise and service in society.  Schools in formal education can be considered as adjoints or extension of homes—reinforcing the parental care, creative development, and commonality in worship, citizenship, and service in stratified society all before God the Creator, King, and Lord.  Children are Heritage of families, tribes, and nations. 

• BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC SECTOR 

Simple comment here is service of God and fellow man. Business affords opportunity of service of God, man, society, nation, and people in trust, responsibility, honesty, accountability, and stewardship of societal resources and assets. The factors of production, creativity, and the promotion of wealth, progress, and sustainability, viability, progress, and prosperity of nation and people, fellow citizens as groups and corporate entities is a Heavenly Trust as well as People and Nation (or national trust). Personal gain, progress, and happiness are rewards for faithful service and stewardship.   

The “capitalist maximization” proviso in social relations can be a deadly weapon for robbery, cheating, exploitation, oppression and social destabilization and destructive device. Unless this is done in love of God and neighbor, society, country, and people. (cf the credit crunch and financial crisis in the USA and world and governmental disingenuity such as perhaps in Greece, Italy and Spain). 

KEY WORD –  

1. Love God 
2. Serve Him with trembling and Fear 
3. Love thy neighbors as thyself 
4. Be loyal to church, people, and nation 

Business and economic performance, including labor services is   

1. A CHARGE TO KEEP  
2. A NATION (PEOPLE) TO BUILD  
3. A GOD TO GLORIFY. 

• SOCIAL ENTERPRISE 

The call to serve God, neighbor, society, people, and nation is established in Divine Talents, Openings, Opportunities, and Resources in Society.  Each of us is a GIFT of God to family, society, people, and nation. The spiritual and social environment and plans of God for His peoples are enshrined and open and available in Natural Talents, Gifts, and Opportunities in Society. 

The Mandate: Do all as unto God: serve the Lord with gladness. 

CONCLUSION 

The practical translation of the Heaven Kingdom Vision for Ghana and Africa depend on the  

Acknowledgement, Worship, Obedience, and Observance—Respect and Responsible conduct concerning God and His Kingdom Order of Peace, Righteousness, and Joy on earth. 

We have found out that there are three realms of major activity for transformation, re-ordering, and reconstruction to witness and usher in the New People and New Ghana/Africa Under God. The most critical in the matter is the worship of God and the acknowledgment of Divine Reign, Rule, and the Knowledge and fear of Him in Politics and Governance. 

These two are credible, crucial, and critical areas of peace, righteousness, joy, progress, and prosperity, stability and security in the New Africa.  It is God who holds all authority and power over resources, life, and progress of people in His Hands. The transformation necessary will be deep and all-embracing in Africa of the Satan-man kingdom and the affairs of nations and world order in general. 

To know God, worship Him alone, and ascribe strength and Glory to Him is the most beneficial thing to do—pregnant as it is with Divine blessings and providence, goodness, and mercy and above all presence with and among His people. 

Many people are furious in this regard about our statement, that it is because of the Divine Vision for Heavenly Ordered, Established, and Glorious Africa of God Kingdom Order that God caused the removal of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah from office and thus the abolition of the Nkrumah Ghana/Africa model. We understand and appreciate their passion for Nkrumah and perhaps great expectations for “Nkrumah Africa.”   

However, we have been called and given privilege to know God’s Desire and Heavenly Vision of a New Africa restored to glory under Him. The Bible says, “Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Nkrumah labored in vain due primarily to his rejection of God and the God vision for Ghana/Africa. It is God who allowed him to gain access to the rein of governance. It is God Omnipotent who removed him. His spirit and his ideas are short-lived and, in any case, powerless before God, Father of Jesus Christ—the God and King, and Lord of Africa.  Nkrumah failed God, Ghana, and Africa including all who rejects God, Christ, and His Kingdom in the New Africa. 

Let us go out from here to build our lives afresh in the knowledge, fear, and honor of God.  Let us seek and vote in leaders that acknowledge, worship, and honor God in spirit and truth, men and women who cherish righteousness, judgement, and justice and share the vision of A New People, A New Africa under God.  Hallelujah!  

Second, let us re-order our homes, businesses, and social enterprises in the knowledge and fear of God and in understanding and acceptance of Life and Opportunity in service and stewardship under God for His Praise and Glory in The New Africa. 

We shall set in motion and bring to practical reality a New People, a New Ghana/Africa of peace, righteousness, justice, joy, progress, and prosperity in the Hand, Goodness, and Mercy of Jehovah God.  Amen! 

God bless You! 

God bless Ghana! 

God bless Africa! 

Wednesday, February 29, 2012