CHRISTIANITY IS NOT 'MA TRY MA KWƐ’ – METHODIST BISHOP

Story: Emmanuel Ashong, Accra

Christians have been told that the faith is not ‘ma try ma kwɛ’, a popular Ghanaian parlance that loosely translates ‘let me try and see’.

Making the pronouncement at a Church Service held at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Palladium – Accra on Sunday, January 01, 2023, the Methodist Bishop of Accra Diocese, the Rt Rev Emmanuel Borlabi Bortey indicated that, “You cannot call yourself a Christian and say, ‘ah well, I’m trying’. No no no, salvation is a gift of God. He, who has the Son, has life. So if you have believed in Jesus, and reckon Him as your Lord and your Saviour, then you are saved”, adding “other religions will say ‘ma try ma kwɛ’. Christianity is not ‘ma try ma kwɛ’. Christianity is assurance that in Jesus, my sins have been forgiven”.

Explaining the essence of the new covenant God establishes with His people, Bishop Borlabi Bortey revealed that, “Under the new covenant when Jesus takes away our heart of stone and gives us a heart of flesh; when He performs that miracle, that surgery; and renews us from within, our wants and desires are changed. Obeying the law of God is not something we are forced to…what we enjoy is to do the will of God”.

“All human beings need this spiritual surgery by which we are given a new heart and a new nature which is able to live in holiness and righteousness. Not in our own strength because in our own strength we are all wicked people…but when Christ comes to dwell with you, He gives you that grace to forgive and to love all men, even your enemies”, the Methodist Bishop reiterated.

The first Sunday of the New Year is a special occasion among Methodists across the globe, where members renew their covenant with God and pledge to live a dedicated Christian life in keeping with their vows to the Lord. Christened Covenant Sunday Service, the occasion also presents a unique opportunity to thank the Lord for ushering members into a New Year.

The Superintendent Minister of the Accra Circuit, the Very Rev Victor B. B. Boyetey led members to take the covenant vows which partly read, “I am no longer my own. I belong to You. Your will, not mine be done in all things. Associate me with whom you will. Let me be of service, even if it means suffering”.

Members also declared that, “I lay my whole life on the altar and yield myself and all I have to your pleasure and disposal. And now, O Gracious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I am yours and you are mine”.

The Service saw members, who were mostly clad in white apparel and their organisational uniforms, sing and praise God for the gift of a New Year.

The Circuit Minister for the Accra Circuit, the Rev John G. Bortey Jnr led members in prayers of thanksgiving, confession and intercessions.