The Church of Pentecost has declared the church’s stance against creating and selling things that are bad for other people’s spiritual, mental, or physical health.
In a new set of guidelines released by its General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi Larbi, the Church emphasized that its followers shouldn’t trade in dangerous goods like alcohol, cigarettes, and narcotic substances, among others.
“In your business, seek to make all your interactions and transactions Bible- grounded, honest and transparent (Prov. 16:8; 21:6; 22:13,16; Jer. 17:11; 22:13). (Prov. 16:8; 21:6; 22:13,16; Jer. 17:11; 22:13). A genuine child of God shouldn’t deal in things that are known to be bad for other people’s spiritual, mental, or bodily wellbeing, such alcohol, cigarettes, or illicit narcotics.
The Church also reiterated that it frowns on premarital sex and marital infidelity, and that, persons found culpable be punished by suspension and or withdrawal from fellowship.
“Marital fidelity and chastity before and during marriage are the hallmarks of a true Christian and are, therefore, strongly urged upon every child of God. Pre-marital and extra-marital relationships have no place in the Church of God; members found in such relationships should be punished by suspension and/ or withdrawal from fellowship (1Cor. 5; Heb. 13:4)”.
According to the declaration, the Church is God’s family and has been cleansed and sanctified by the blood of Jesus, making it more than just a social organization but a family of saints that is being raised and equipped until everyone is of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
The full statement from the church is reproduced below:
RULES OF CONDUCT FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST
• The Church is the household of God, redeemed and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ.
• The Church is therefore not a mere social institution, but a family of saints being trained and equipped until we all attain the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:13).
• The following guidelines are therefore intended to help you walk worthy of your calling as a child of God:
1. Set aside a period daily for a personal quiet time in prayer and meditation on the Word (Matt. 6:6; Eph. 6:18-20).
2. Always endeavour to adequately prepare yourself through prayer and meditation before coming to the house of God (Heb. 4:15-16).
3. Be in your seat in good time before the commencement of service and participate fully in every aspect of the service.
4. Endeavour, by word and deed, to bring up your children in the fear of the LORD, and bring them with you to the house of God. Supervise and monitor the active participation of your children in Sunday School and Youth Ministry, as the case may be. Do not neglect the spiritual well-being of the other relatives and house- helps under your care; they also need salvation (Gen. 18:19; Jos. 24:15; 2 Tim. 1:5, 6; Prov. 22:6; Deut. 6:4-7).
5. Take the pastor as your own friend. He needs your compassion, help and advice as you also need his. Pray for him always (Heb 13;17, 18; Rom. 15:30-32; Mal 2:7).
6. Make the Church your spiritual home. Love the brethren with brotherly affection and, if you are able, contribute to the needs of the saints (Phil. verse 7; Ac. 2:46).
7. During casual conversation at home or at work, do not speak disrespectfully or disparagingly about the Church and God’s servants. Make your concerns and grievances known to the appropriate authority for explanation or redress (3 Jn. 9,10; Num. 12:12).
8. Endeavour to study the Bible diligently on your own and take it with you anytime you go to the house of God (2 Tim. 2:15; Act. 17:11; Jos. 1:8).
9. Enter reverently; pray fervently; listen attentively; give praise from a grateful heart, and worship God in the beauty of holiness (Ps. 118:27-29; Eccl. 5:1; Rom. 7:12; Jas 1:19). “Enter into His gates with thanks-giving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him and bless His name” (Ps. 100:4)
10. Marital fidelity and chastity before and during marriage are the hallmarks of a true Christian and are, therefore, strongly urged upon every child of God. Pre-marital and extra-marital relationships have no place in the Church of God; members found in such relationships should be punished by suspension and/ or withdrawal from fellowship (1Cor. 5; Heb. 13:4).
11. In your business, endeavour to make all your dealings and transactions Bible- based, honest and transparent (Prov. 16:8; 21:6; 22:13,16; Jer. 17:11; 22:13). A true child of God should not deal in items known to be detrimental to the spiritual, mental and physical health of others, e.g., alcohol, cigarettes and narcotic drugs.
