The Christian Journal, Newark New Jersey – The launch of the Newark-New Jersey Circuit at the Ramada Hotel in Newark was a remarkable occasion for The Methodists in the Tri-State area.
In his sermon Rt. Rev. Benjamin K. Asare the supervising mission coordinator for North America Mission. He said Jesus gave Peter the role to his church. Peter in his first letter is reminding believers that, they are the church.
The nation Israel refuses to listen to the prophets and persecuted them and them the son finally came and they killed him. The victory of his death has made the church what it is today. Peter tells us we are the foundation of the church. We can only become a community church if we work together. We are a circuit build together. As Christian we are a chosen nation.
Quoting Ex 19:5-6 God entered a covenant with Israel, Israel was to keep their part of the covenant and obey God. But they refuse. God offered the blood of Jesus as the seal of the new covenant. This is the new Israel, and you and I are the new Israel. It is a new privilege and each privilege comes with commitment. God wants us to be responsible. Now we have a new circuit and it is our responsibility to let this circuit grow. We should focus on Christ who strengthens us.
Christ victory has change the pattern of the Old Testament where priest goes to the holy of holy once a year but Christ death has changed that. Now we all can go to the presence of God.
We go to work every day and we believe that the work belong to somebody else. As Christians we should thank god for everything we do. Even at our jobs we should give our best as Christians.
We should use all our resources to help this circuit to grow. We are happy today because we are celebrating a new circuit and it should not end there. Jesus is the president of this new nation.
Though we cannot achieve Christ like life at once but we should try one day at a time. We are ambassadors of Christ. We represent Christ so our life should project Christ.
Christ is the only light that leads us to eternal light. That’s why Christ said he is the light of the world. Christianity brought the light.
Sometimes I feel very sad when politician say the church have failed the nation but they politician have rather failed the nation with bad policies. The circuit is to show the great work of Christ and to evangelize and win souls for Christ.
In his closing remarks, he said we as we sang the song rescue the perishing care for the dying so we have a duty and responsibility to send the message to those who are perishing and dying.
In attendance were other ministers Mr John E. Kweku Lay President, Ver Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asre Kusi Mission Secretary, Very Rev. Dr. Casley B. Essamuah Assistant Mission Secretary, Very Rev. Moses Antwi Superintendent, Very Rev. Ansah Arkoful Circuit Minister, Very Rev. Samuel Edubate Nketsia Circuit Minister, Rev. Joseph Osei Amankwaah Circuit Minister, and Nana Aboagye Agyemeng Mission Lay Movement Council Chairman. Other invited guests were community leaders and traditional Chiefs. Representing Asante was Nana Otimpie Aben II Otumfour Sasaamopayin hene. (Makola Market)
