Michael Antwi Ministries

1. Paul's Instruction to Titus on Crete (c 1-3)
2. Right Living in Society (c 3)
3. Message: (v 1-15)

Titus 3 Commentary

(3:1-8) Do what is Good - Most of chapter 2 covered relationships and responsibilities of believers. In this chapter, Paul discussed Christian behavior in the context of government and society. The quality of our earthly citizenship should reflect the confidence we have in our heavenly citizenship! Because we are citizens of the eternal Kingdom, we can live with hope and serve people in the earthly kingdom.

(3:9-15) Paul's Final Remarks and Greetings - As Titus proceeded with the task of planting and nurturing the church, Paul reminded him that he would encounter resistance. The aging apostle Paul had summarized the key points of the faith that Titus was to communicate. Titus must lead in such a way so that the truth would not be compromised by arguments, curious teachings, or conflicts over power. Some people in the church would not listen and follow even when they were patiently and repeatedly corrected. These people would lead others astray and cause divisions in the church. Titus was not to tolerate their divisive behavior. He would have to put those people out of the church.

Today we continue in the book of Titus with Chapter 3 and in our text we see Paul instructing the Church to live right in society by obeying Government, avoiding petty arguments, and maintaining good works being fruitful.

In making application we see a pattern for Christian living in society. To be the Church going outside the walls serving Christ while obeying government and avoiding petty arguments.

How about you? Do you see a pattern for Christian living? Let us learn from our text today and the reminder of Paul that we are to be the Church outside the walls and live in Society sharing the love of the Gospel as we share Christ to a lost and dying world.

Friday 18 February, 2022
Topic: Joy in serving
Text: Philippians 2:1-30

1. Paul Proclaims Truth to Strengthen
2. Joy Comes from Jesus Christ Alone (c 1-4)
3. Joy in Serving (v 1-30)

Philippians 2 Commentary

(2:1-4) Unity Through Humility - Verses 1-18 continue the thought from 1:27-28. Paul wanted unity in the Philippian church so they could carry on the ministry of the gospel; but such unity would only be possible by being united with Christ so that there would be harmonious relationships among the believers themselves.

(2:5-11) Christ's Humility and Exaltation - If anyone didn’t understand what Paul meant by acting out of humility (2:3) and looking first to others’ concerns (2:4), then Paul made it clear by giving an example to follow. The believers should adopt the same attitude or frame of mind that was found in Jesus Christ, their Lord.

(2:12-18) Shine Brightly for Christ - Believers ought to follow Christ’s example not only to bring unity and peace to the church, but also so that no one in the outside world would be able to find any fault with them. Philippi was a pagan city; Paul wanted these believers to be unified, morally pure, and filled with good works so that they could bring the light of Christ into their dark world. Is your light shining for Christ?

(2:19-24) Paul Commends Timothy - Paul had nothing but praise for two of his coworkers—Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:25-30). Both had proven themselves to be faithful in the ministry and sincere in their love for fellow believers. Because he could not go to Philippi, Paul would soon send Timothy.

(2:25-30) Paul Commends Epaphroditus - Timothy would come after Paul found out the verdict of his trial; but Paul thought it was necessary to send Epaphroditus along immediately. Paul explained that Epaphroditus had fulfilled the mission for which the Philippian church had sent him. While in Rome, he had become extremely ill (2:27, 30). After his recovery, Paul sent him back to Philippi, carrying this thank-you letter and news of Paul to share with them.

Today we continue in the book of Philippians with Chapter 2 and in our text we see Paul continuing with the theme of Joy. In this letter to the Church at Philippi Paul expounds on the Joy in Serving, explaining how we are to be humble like Christ and shine as lights in a dark world.

In making application we see that the world is still dark and we can let our light shine showing the love of Christ where God has placed us.

How about you? Are you allowing Christ to be seen in your life? Let us learn from our text today and the reminder of Paul that we are to allow the Lord to shine in us, for others to see and experience the love of Christ, while in return we will experience this Joy in Serving Others. God bless you.

Tuesday 15 February, 2022
Topic: Put on the armour
Text: Ephesians 6:1-24
1. Paul Proclaiming Unity in the Body (c 1-6)
2. Unity in the Church (c 4-6)
3. Fighting the Enemy (v 1-24)

Ephesians 6 Commentary

(6:1-4) Children and Parents - If our faith in Christ is real, it will usually prove itself at home, in our relationships with those who know us best. Children and parents have a responsibility to each other. The fact that Paul took the time to directly address those who were regarded by some as the “lower” and “less important” members of society (wives, children, and slaves) shows that he raised them to a level of importance and responsibility in the body of Christ. All Christians are to be responsible in their positions, living as Christ would have them live.

(6:5-9) Slaves and Masters - Slaves played a significant part in this society as well as in most societies of that day. No ancient government ever considered abolishing slavery as it was such an instrumental part of the Mediterranean economy. There were several million slaves in the Roman Empire at this time. People could become slaves by being born to a woman who was a slave, by being made a slave as punishment for a crime, by being kidnapped from another land, and by being conquered by another nation (slave dealers would buy captured prisoners and send them to the slave markets to be sold for a profit). Sometimes, however, parents would sell their children into slavery. And some would voluntarily become slaves in order to pay a debt. Usually those with financial means owned slaves. Slave owners had absolute power over their slaves. Because many slaves and owners had become Christians, the early church had to deal straightforwardly with the question of master/slave relations. Masters and slaves had to learn how to live together in Christian households. They were to be treated equally in the church. In Paul’s day, women, children, and slaves had few rights. In the church, however, they had freedoms that society denied them.

(6:10-20) The Whole Armor of God - In this letter, Paul explained the need for unity in the body of believers; here he further explained the need for that unity—there will be inevitable clashes with evil, and the church must be ready to stand and fight. In the Christian life, we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter, see 1 Peter 5:8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armor. Paul was not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you battle against evil, fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit. What can your church do to be a Christian armory?

(6:21-24) Final Greetings - Paul closed this letter to the Ephesians and the surrounding churches by sending greetings from Rome and the Christians there. The Roman Christians and the Ephesian Christians were brothers and sisters because of their unity in Christ. Believers today are also linked to others across cultural, economic, and social barriers. All believers are one family in Christ Jesus.

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of Ephesians with Chapter 6 and in our text we see Paul finishing the letter to the Church on Ephesus with instruction for the family, those in authority, and facing the enemy with the whole armor of God.

In making application we see that as Christians, we do face a battle everyday but our Lord will fight the enemy for us if we choose to put on the full armor of the Lord.

How about you? Do you put on this armor before you start your day? Let us learn from our text today and the wisdom of Paul to put on the whole armor of the Lord, letting the Lord fight the enemy which will deliver victory in our lives. God Bless You

Thursday 10 February, 2022
Topic: Designed to do His will
Text: Ephesians 1:1-23

Scripture Summary
1. Paul Proclaiming Unity in the Body (c 1-6)
2. Unity in Christ (c 1-3)
3. Spiritual Blessings (v 1-23)

Ephesians 1 Commentary

(1:1-2) Greetings from Paul - Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus and the surrounding churches to give them in-depth teaching about how to nurture and maintain the unity of the church. He wanted to put this important information in written form because he was in prison for preaching the gospel and could not visit the churches himself. Paul apparently received reports that the Ephesian church held up well against false teachers. However, perhaps the love, care, and unity Paul had called for were lacking. Thus, this letter speaks much of love and unity and the out workings of these in relationships in the home and in the church. Paul knew that such teaching was needed not only in Ephesus but in every church—again pointing to the probable circular nature of this letter. Indeed Paul’s words applied in Ephesus and in all the Asian churches—and they apply to our churches today.

(1:3-14) Spiritual Blessings - Here begins a lengthy passage that praises God for what he has done for us in Jesus Christ. Paul, writing in Greek, wrote one long sentence from 1:3 to 1:14 (which is not reflected in English). It forms the longest sentence ever found in ancient Greek. In this sentence, Paul introduced most of the themes he develops in this epistle. This complex sentence is very difficult to analyze. Paul heaped praise upon praise, one thought leading into another, which then would remind him of another. This section forms a blessing, in Hebrew called a berakah, frequently used in Jewish liturgy. It is a eulogy for God and for all the blessings he gives his people.

(1:15-23) Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom - As verses 3-14 are one long sentence in the Greek, so are verses 15-23. As verses 3-14 are and extended eulogy, verses 15-23 are an extended thanksgiving. Verses 15-16 are the thanksgiving proper: verses 17-19 are an intercessory prayer: verses 20-23 are confession of praise for God's Power.

Scripture Application

Today we start in the book of Ephesians with Chapter 1 and in our text we see Paul encouraging this Church at Ephesus with a message of Unity for both the individual and the body. In this chapter we see that we are designed to be saved and part of the body of Christ.

In making application we see that God's Design for us is to be Saved and Part of the Body of Christ. Today many reject the love of Christ and allow the enemy to keep them from being unified in the body of Christ.

How about You? Do you see God's plan in your life. Let us learn from our text today and the words of Paul who reminds us of God's Design for our lives - to be saved and to be apart of the unified body of Christ that does His Will in these last days before Jesus comes again to receive His Bride. God bless you, Amen.

Wednesday 9 February, 2022
Topic: Sowing and Reaping
Text: Galatians 6:1-18

1. Paul Refutes the Judaizers (c 1-6)
2. Theme: Freedom of the Gospel (c 5-6)
3. Sowing and Reaping (v 1-18)

Galatians 6 Commentary/Summary

(6:1-10) We Reap what we Sow - The flow of thought from chapter 5 to chapter 6 reminds us that the original letter that Paul wrote had no breaks. In the last verses assigned to chapter 5, Paul had already begun to urge the Galatians to express the “fruit of the Spirit” in their relationships. In 5:25-26, Paul offered practical counsel for living “by the Spirit: keeping in step with the Spirit on the one hand while avoiding pride and envy on the other. In this section, Paul spelled out in practical terms what a “life in the Spirit” should look like.

(6:11-18) Paul's Final Advice - We can hardly imagine how Paul felt as he dictated this letter. Perhaps he took up the parchment and reread his arguments and instructions. Some time may have passed since the original dictation. The letter was complete, but Paul decided to add some final thoughts, shaping the words in large and forceful movements of the pen and praying that this letter would be used by God to get his Galatian brothers and sisters to the truth. He left the Galatians with a strong word-picture of the cross of Jesus Christ. The decision that faced his readers was not really between two competing voices of authority; rather, the choice was between denying the Cross or finding through it the only true way of life.

Scripture Application
Today we continue in the book of Galatians with Chapter 6 and in our text we see the principle of sowing and reaping as Paul explains that what we invest in will reap a harvest of that investment.

In making application we see this same principle today as we too reap what we sow and the harvest is on God's time table. Today we want everything in an instant but we will reap what we sow in the Lord's timing.

How about you? Do you see the principle of sowing and reaping? Let us learn from our text today and Paul Reminding us of this Biblical principle that tells us that we reap what we sow whether it be of the Flesh or of the Spirit. God bless you.

Thursday 23 December, 2021
Theme: We are all sinners.
Text: Romans 3:1-31

1. What to Believe (c 1-11)
2. Sinfulness of Humanity (c 1-3)
3. All Are Sinners (v 1-31)

Romans 3 Commentary

(3:1-8) God Remains Faithful - Having firmly described the shared sinful condition of humankind, Paul turns to several thoughts about the unique benefits of being Jewish. He wants to remind his Jewish brothers that their lack of faith has not hindered God’s plan. Paul does not want his people to miss the significance of God’s faithfulness. In spite of their failures, God still allows them to be the people of the Messiah. In fact, the Jews’ lack of faith is a clear witness to the absolute need for a Savior. Neither they nor we can save ourselves. God’s faithfulness is our only hope.

(3:9-20) All People are Sinners - Paul applies the concept of depravity he taught in 1:18-32 to the Jews in these verses. Paul now brings to a close the lengthy introduction of the charges against humanity that he began back in 1:18. He continually maintains that everyone stands guilty before God. Every person must accept that he or she is sinful and liable for God’s condemnation. Only then can they understand and receive God’s wonderful gift of salvation.

(3:21-31) Christ Took Our Punishment - Like the swelling waves of the tide, Paul’s argument rolls over the predicament of the human race. After each wave of the gospel, the waters recede to reveal a new aspect or depth of the problem of sin. This wavelike approach to Paul’s letter provides a number of views of the same issues, with slightly different emphases. Having stated such a strong case for our universal indictment under the law, Paul now turns to God’s gracious alternative plan.

SCRIPTURE APPLICATION
In our text today we see how God remains faithful to us as we are all sinners and Jesus-Christ took our punishment when he died on the Cross.

In making application we see that there is non righteousness as we all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory and Holiness of God. With the Good News of forgiveness of sin through Jesus-Christ.

How about you? Do you see yourself as a sinner? Let us learn from our text today and this Romans Road we see that we are all sinners and no one is good enough to go to Heaven except we go through the shed blood and forgiveness of sin that is in Jesus Christ. May Yah bless you.

Monday 13 December, 2021
Theme: Jesus is Your Reputation
Text: Acts 21:1-40

1. Paul's Ministry (c 13-28)
2. Paul on Trial (c 21-28)
3. Paul Ministers Powerfully in Ephesus (v 1-40)

Acts 21 Commentary

(21:1-14) Paul's Journey to Jerusalem - Upon making his way to Tyre, Paul was urged by the believers not to go to Jerusalem. Nevertheless, the apostle pressed on. At Caesarea further prophecies were given, warning Paul of certain imprisonment if he journeyed to Jerusalem. Unmoved, Paul adamantly determined to complete his mission. God’s sovereignty was at work. This becomes more apparent upon viewing how this Jerusalem visit ultimately paved the way for Paul’s trip to Rome!

(21:15-25) Paul Arrives at Jerusalem - At long last, Paul reached his destination—Jerusalem. He was warmly welcomed by the believers there. Aware, however, of the strong Jewish animosity toward Paul, James and the elders encouraged the apostle to participate in a public Jewish ceremony of purification at the Temple. Such an act, they felt, would quell the false rumors circulating about Paul—that he was actively undermining the Mosaic law.

(21:26-36) Paul is Arrested - Paul’s attempt to placate his enemies was an utter failure. A group of Jews from Asia spotted him in the Temple and incited a crowd to seize him. Dead set in their determination to reject the message of salvation in Christ, these opponents of Paul refused to look objectively at the facts. Instead, they whipped the mob into a frenzy by making a series of false and highly inflammatory accusations against the apostle. Only the quick action of a detachment of Roman soldiers saved Paul from being beaten to death.

(21:37-40) Paul’s defense before the Jewish mob in the Temple courts is a textbook example of how to communicate to a hostile audience. He disarmed the Roman commander by speaking to him in Greek. Then he established common ground with the Jews gathered below him by speaking to them in their own language. Presenting his credentials as a devout Jew trained under the highly respected rabbi Gamaliel, Paul then described his unlikely encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus Road. The crowd listened attentively until Paul mentioned “Gentiles.” At that word, the mob erupted in anger. Although Paul knew his statement would cause controversy, he refused to dilute the truth.

Scripture Application

In our text today we see Paul continues to Jerusalem to be arrested in the temple after Jewish leaders discredited him with slanderous words. In making application we see that when we serve the Lord we may have others that would speak against us bringing false accusations to hinder our Ministry. In response we should continue in our service to the Lord and allow Jesus to be our reputation. He is our shield, He will defend us, others will see the truth, and the Lord will be glorified. How about you? Do you have others discrediting you?

Let us learn from our text today and the example of Paul to see that others may speak out against us, and in response we need not defend ourselves, but rather, pray of our enemies and allow Jesus to be our reputation while we continue to serve our Lord. God bless you, Amen.

THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH-GHANA, BETHEL ASSEMBLY, AWOSHIE ACCRA
ANNUAL FUND RASING 2021
You're respectfully invited

Friday 22 October, 2021
Topic: Are You a Disciple?
Text: Luke 14:1-35

1. The Message & Ministry of Jesus, the Savior (c 4-21)
2. Jesus Teaches About Being a Disciple (v 1-35)

Luke 14 Commentary

(14:1-6) Jesus Heals a Man with Swollen Limbs - To illustrate how Israel rejected Jesus (13:31-35), Luke recorded another example of the Pharisees’ opposition to Jesus. In the face of repeated miracles, the Pharisees stood stone-faced. They did not rejoice with the healed man; instead, they accused and condemned Jesus, for having compassion and doing good.

(14:7-14) Jesus Teaches About Seeking Honor - Jesus wasn’t one to mince words; he didn’t wait for a discreet time to teach and preach. In the midst of his enemies (the Pharisees were carefully watching him to see if they could trap him in any way), Jesus admonished them for their arrogance.

(14:15-24) Jesus Tells the Parable of the Great Festival - The tie between this parable and the previous one is the resurrection. The host who invites the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind will be rewarded at the resurrection. Jesus went on to explain that God himself, the heavenly host of the messianic banquet, would offer the same invitation.

(14:25-35) Jesus Teaches About the Cost of Being a Disciple - This collection of Jesus’ teachings about discipleship suggests a turning point in Luke’s narrative of the journey to Jerusalem begun at 9:51. From this point to the end of this “Jerusalem section” around chapter 18, the Gospel contains materials that focus on discipleship.

Today we continue in the book of Luke with Chapter 14. In our text today we see Jesus healing a man, teaching on honor, and teaches about being a disciple or follower of Christ. What catches my eye is how we are all invited to be Saved and be Disciples but few respond to the call.

In making application we see that Jesus says that following Him will come with opposition but when we do we will be as salt and light influencing the World with the Gospel.

How about you? Have you been Saved? If so are you following Jesus as a disciple? Let us learn from our text today to see that the Lord invites us all to be saved and be a disciple but sadly few will respond to His call but those who respond will be like salt and light changing the World with the Gospel? God Bless You for being a disciple in His Vineyard

Thursday 21 October, 2021
Topic: Have You Turned to Jesus?
Text: Luke 13:1-35

1. The Message & Ministry of Jesus, the Savior (c 4-21)
2. Jesus Teaches About the Kingdom (v 1-35)

Luke 13 Commentary

(13:1-9) Jesus Calls the People to Repent - In Jesus’ previous exhortation, he admonished the people to realize their predicament, that judgment was around the corner. Here Jesus took the sudden and terrifying deaths of some innocent people to illustrate their tragic situation. Still stunned by the grisly murders, the people were, in effect, told by Jesus that they faced a similar fate—eternal death, much worse than physical death.

(13:10-17) Jesus Heals the Crippled Woman - The story of healing this woman is unique to Luke. It reveals the unfruitfulness of the nation of Israel to which Jesus’ parable of the unfruitful tree alludes (in the previous passage, see 13:6-8). Instead of finding love, justice, humility, and mercy among God’s people, Jesus found an arrogance that didn’t even allow healing a woman on the Sabbath, the day set aside for the God of mercy.

(13:18-21) Jesus Teaches About the Kingdom of God - First-century Jews expected the Kingdom of God to come all at once, in great glory and power. But Jesus corrected their perception, by the illustrations of the mustard seed and yeast. Both are small; but one grows into a huge tree and the other eventually permeates an entire loaf. Jesus’ ministry began small, but the gospel would eventually grow to cover the entire globe (a story Luke begins to tell in the book of Acts).

(13:22-30) Jesus Teaches About Entering the Kingdom - Jesus answered a person who asked whether only a few would be saved. Jesus turned this theoretical question into a practical question. Instead of letting the questioner analyze who would be entering heaven, and by implication judge the process and then those who would enter, Jesus asked that person: “Are you saved?”

(13:31-35) Jesus Grieves Over Jerusalem - Luke placed Jesus’ grieving over Jerusalem right after a discussion about salvation, those being first (the Jews who were chosen by God) being placed last (or excluded from God’s heavenly Kingdom). Jesus mourned Jerusalem’s rejection of God’s message and salvation.

Today we continue in the book of Luke with Chapter 13. In our text today we see Luke's Account of Jesus teaching about Heaven, who will enter, and how we must repent to see the Kingdom of God.

In making application we see a truth that many overlook today. We must repent or turn from our sin to receive Jesus free pardon of sin. Today many are not serious or sorry for their sin believing that a "Repeat after me prayer", Baptism, or a Church Membership will be enough to attain Heaven but Jesus is clear that we must be born again thru confession and repentance of our sin in the finished work on Calvary.

How about you? Have you repented from your sin and called unto the Lord for Salvation? Let us learn from our text today and the Words of Jesus to understand the truth about the Kingdom of God and how we are saved as we repent or turn from our our sin to Jesus, asking Him to forgive us and Save our Soul. God richly bless you, Amen.

Wednesday 20 October, 2021
Topic: Are You Making the Right Decisions?

1. The Message & Ministry of Jesus, the Savior (c 4-21)
2. Jesus Warns the Disciples (v 1-59)

Luke 12 Commentary

(12:1-12) Jesus Speaks Against Hypocrisy - After denouncing the religious leaders for hypocrisy, Jesus warns his disciples of the same pernicious problem. With the limelight of fame shining on them, they were beginning to follow the Pharisees on a path of hypocrisy—acting religiously superior and judging others, while harboring jealousy, greed, and pride within their souls. This type of hypocrisy was utterly repugnant to Jesus.

(12:13-21) Jesus Tells the Parable of the Rich Fool - Perhaps because of Jesus’ constant insistence on justice (11:42), a person from the crowd asked him to arbitrate a dispute. Instead of addressing the injustice, Jesus exposed the greedy motives of the man and revealed God’s perspective on the foolishness of greed. The simple parable Jesus told describes a person who is solely concerned with himself—his welfare, pleasure, and security. He possessed no gratitude toward God or a willingness to share with those less fortunate. His ingratitude invoked God’s anger and led to the man’s downfall.

(12:22-34) Jesus Warns About Worry - Luke placed Jesus’ teaching about believers and possessions right after the negative example of the rich fool (12:13-21). Instead of hoarding possessions, believers should give them away. Such generosity builds an eternal inheritance in God’s Kingdom. Christians should completely trust in God’s loving provision for them; this should free them to show generosity.

(12:35-48) Jesus Warns About Preparing for His Coming - The teaching about the end times in Luke does not entail a detailed description of what will occur, but it portrays a secure conviction that the Son of Man will return in judgment. This knowledge should motivate Christians to be faithful servants or stewards, to do what God has commanded them to do, and to use their talents and resources effectively.

(12:49-53) Jesus Warns About Coming Division - These verses introduce a section in which Jesus calls the Jews to accept him before their time runs out (12:54–13:8). It is a quick summary of Jesus’ earthly mission. Jesus came to earth to bring division, not peace. That is because Jesus confronts everyone with a choice. Will you side with him? There is no middle ground (11:23).

(12:54-59) Jesus Warns About the Future Crisis - “Hypocrites!” With this harsh word, Jesus tried to startle his listeners to the urgency of their plight, which was terrible. But Jesus, God’s only Son, was offering them a way out—the free gift of salvation to all who believe in him. In effect, Jesus was saying, “Wake up! Destruction is around the corner. Come to me for salvation.”

Today we continue in the book of Luke with Chapter 12. In our text today we see Jesus speaking against hypocrisy, tells the parable of the rich fool, warns about worry, warns about preparing for His coming, warns about coming division, and warns about future crisis.

In making application we see the Lord is concerned for us and want us to make right decisions. Today we have many decisions to make from being saved from our sin debt to trusting the Lord for our daily needs but we can rest assured that the Lord is here to lead and guide us.

How about you? Do you see the Lord's Direction? Let us learn from our text today and the word of Jesus to be Saved and then to trust the Lord and make Godly decisions according to the Word of the Lord which will guide us through every decision in our life. God bless you