Jeremiah 6:16; 1 Corinthians 15:58
Beloved in Christ, peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be unto you... Amen!
Our reflections today will focus on the very special day in the life of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, "Heritage Sunday." It is a time to pause, look back, give thanks for where the Lord has brought us, and renew our resolve to keep growing in faith through our rich Presbyterian heritage.
"This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" (Jeremiah 6:16)
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Introduction
Let me start by asking this question:
“Which year was the Presbyterian Church of Ghana founded?”
Yes! 1828. That was when the Basel Mission established the church’s work on the Gold Coast. Almost 200 years of faithful service and witness to Christ!
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) traces its roots to the arrival of missionaries from the Basel Mission Society of Switzerland. They landed at Christiansborg (Osu) on December 18, 1828. Despite challenges, diseases, harsh climate, resistance, and death, they persevered.
They set up schools to teach reading, writing, and the Gospel. Printing presses to translate the Bible into local languages. Health centres to care for the sick. Vocational training for skills development. Agriculture is to feed the hungry and for economic growth.
These, combined with evangelism and development, became the hallmark of Presbyterianism in Ghana.
As a church, we believe in discipline, education, community life, and social responsibility. Our motto has been “That They All May Be One” (John 17:21), a vision for unity and holistic development.
Considering today's Bible texts, let us reflect on these few points on our heritage.
1. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it." Jeremiah 6:16
The prophet Jeremiah calls God’s people to look back and rediscover the “ancient paths,” the ways that honour God and bring peace.
Child of God, "ancient paths" do not mean old-fashioned, primitive traditions just for tradition’s sake. They mean the ancient values and truths that are timeless. Faith in Christ, holiness, discipline, and community service.
“What are some of the values you remember from your experience or knowledge of the people called Presbyterians?”
Presbyterians are basically known for their morning devotions, singing of hymns, discipline in worship (lifestyle), respect for all, especially the elderly, commitment to community work, Bible study groups, devoted life to Christ, etc. These are not just activities; they shape our Christian character, mindset, and heart condition.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “A good heritage is like a lighthouse - it guides the ship of life through stormy seas.”
Our Presbyterian heritage is that lighthouse.
2. “Let nothing move you…” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Paul tells the Corinthians to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Our heritage should not only be celebrated, it must indeed propel us to keep growing into maturity.
How Can We Grow Through Our Heritage?
a. Growing in Faith
Hold on to the Scriptures as our ultimate authority. For the Presbyterian, it is all about the centrality of the Word of God.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”(Psalm 119:105)
b. Growing in Service
The Basel missionaries worked not only for souls but also for society’s welfare. They groomed the society with a focus on the head, hands, and heart.
Let us be useful agents of development in our communities today. We must be productive and add value to people's lives.
c. Growing in Holiness and Discipline
The Presbyterians trace their background from the pious Christians of Basel, which has become their strong heritage: piety. Our focus should be morally and ethically decent, ordered by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Holiness in our private and public lives.
d. Growing in Love and Unity
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
Love and unity have always been the flag of Presbyterianism. Let us keep this heritage dearly.
3. Learning from Our Forebearers
Our ancestors left us examples of sacrificial giving, passion for education, community spirit, and resilience in hardship.
Consider the Basel missionaries and Ghanaian pioneers like Andreas Riis, who worked so hard in Akropong. Johann Gottlieb Christaller, who translated the Bible into Twi. David Asante, the first Ghanaian Basel missionary. Samuel Otu, who was martyred in Techimantia. Many ministers, catechists, presbyters, teachers, and the young ones laboured tirelessly. They did not have much material wealth, but they left us a legacy richer than gold.
Permit me to share a story with you.
A grandfather took his grandson to the old chapel where he grew up. He pointed to the wooden pews, the pulpit, and the hymn boards, etc.
The boy asked, “Grandpa, why do you keep coming back here?”
Grandpa smiled and said:
“This place reminds me whose I am, who I am, and how far God has brought me. And it helps me keep going.”
Beloved in Christ Jesus, that is what Heritage Sunday is about. We cast our minds back to know where God took us from, what He is doing in our lives, and keeps us growing in faith without giving in or up.
Let us celebrate our heritage with gratitude. Let us grow through it, not merely repeating the past, but building on it for God’s glory.
This reminds me of William Carey, who said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”
In our expectations, let us boldly step into greater heights for God.
Conclusion
Beloved, our Presbyterian heritage is not an old dusty book on the shelf. It’s a living testimony of faith, discipline, service, and love. Let us heed Jeremiah’s call to walk in the ancient paths where the good way is found, and let us be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
May the Lord bless the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and may we, the living stones of His Church, carry forward this glorious heritage for generations to come.
Amen!
Shalom aleikhem...
