The Hope of Glory: Repositioning the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for Growth
Introduction: Grace and peace be with you all, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today, we gather together with a common purpose in our hearts—to explore the hope of glory and how it can reposition the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for growth.
As we embark on this journey, let us turn our attention to the inspired words of God found in the Scriptures.
Our readings for today come from Ezra 1:1-8, Colossians 1:24-29, and John 10:1-4. These passages will guide us as we seek to understand God’s plan for the growth and renewal of our beloved church.
I. Understanding the Biblical Foundation for Church Growth
A. Ezra 1:1-8: This passage describes the decree of Cyrus, the king of Persia, allowing the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple of the Lord. It highlights how God moved the heart of Cyrus to make this proclamation, and how the Israelites were supported by their neighbors and provided with resources for the temple’s construction. It also mentions the return of the articles that were taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar and brought back by Cyrus.
• The Call to Rebuild and Restore In the book of Ezra,
• we encounter a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.
• The people of God had been in captivity, but through divine intervention, King Cyrus issued a decree for the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
• This decree was a call to rebuild and restore the worship of God in their midst.
• The rebuilding of the temple signified the restoration of their relationship with God.
To the Church
a) Today, we find ourselves in a similar position. The Presbyterian Church of Ghana is called to rebuild and restore the spiritual foundations that may have been weakened.
b) We are called to renew our commitment to the worship of God and the proclamation of His Word.
c) As we rebuild, let us remember that God is with us, guiding and empowering us every step of the way.
B. Colossians 1:24-29:
• The Mystery of Christ in Us In this letter to the Colossians
• , the apostle Paul reveals a profound truth—the mystery of Christ in us, the hope of glory.
• Paul writes of the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ dwelling within believers. This indwelling presence of Christ transforms us from the inside out and brings hope of eternal glory.
For the growth of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, we must embrace this mystery fully.
• We must recognize that Christ is not a distant deity, but rather a living presence within us.
• As we surrender ourselves to Him, He empowers us to live lives of faithfulness, unity, and service.
• The hope of glory resides within each one of us, and it is our responsibility to let that hope shine forth and impact the world around us.
Transition: Now that we have established the biblical foundation for growth, let us consider how we can practically reposition our church for growth.
II. Repositioning the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for Growth
A. Recognizing the Need for Spiritual Rebuilding To embark on a journey of growth,
we must first acknowledge the areas within our church that require spiritual rebuilding. We must humbly examine ourselves, our practices, and our priorities.

Questions:
• Are we placing God at the center of all we do?
• Are we fostering a genuine atmosphere of worship and reverence?
Let us seek the Lord’s guidance as we identify and address any areas that need His restorative touch.
B. Embracing the Mystery of Christ’s Presence As we rebuild,
• we must never forget the mystery of Christ’s presence within us.
• We need to cultivate a personal relationship with Him through prayer, Scripture study, and the sacraments.
• The more we surrender to His leading, the more His presence will be evident in our lives and in our church.
Let us invite Him into every aspect of our individual and corporate church life, knowing that His presence is the source of our strength, wisdom, and growth.
C. Cultivating a Culture of Discipleship and Service Discipleship lies at the heart of the Church’s growth.
• We are called to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded us.
• Within the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, we must foster a culture of intentional discipleship.
• This involves mentoring, teaching, and equipping one another to grow in faith and maturity.
• Moreover, as disciples, we are called to serve one another and our communities.
• We can embody Christ’s love through acts of service, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.
D. Fostering Unity and Inclusivity
• A united church is a strong and vibrant church.
• To experience growth, we must prioritize unity and inclusivity.
• Let us celebrate our diversity and recognize that every member has a valuable role to play in the body of Christ.
• As we embrace one another with love and grace, we create an environment that fosters growth and where all feel welcomed and valued.
Transition: As we reposition ourselves for growth, let us remember the words of Jesus in John 10:1-4.
III. Listening to the Voice of the Good Shepherd
• He calls His sheep by name, and they recognize His voice.
o As members of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, we must attune our hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd.
o His voice brings direction, guidance, and protection.
o Let us learn to discern His voice through prayer, study of His Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
B. Navigating Challenges and Opposition
• The journey towards growth is not without its challenges and opposition.
• As we seek to reposition our church, we may encounter resistance from within and outside our community.
• However, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that the Good Shepherd goes before us. He leads us through the valleys and protects us from harm.
• Let us trust in His unfailing love and rely on His voice, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion: My dear brothers and sisters, as we conclude this time together,
• let us reflect on the hope of glory that resides within us—the indwelling presence of Christ.
• Let us reposition the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for growth by recognizing the need for spiritual rebuilding,
• embracing the mystery of Christ’s presence,
• cultivating a culture of discipleship and service,
• and fostering unity and inclusivity.
• Above all, may we listen attentively to the voice of the Good Shepherd, trusting in His guidance and protection as we move forward.
• May the hope of glory be revealed in our lives and in our church, as we seek to honor God and make His name known to all nations. Amen.

Preacher: Ernest Agyakwa Ansah