Accra, Ghana – December 31, 2024
In a momentous CrossOver Service at the packed arena of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Christ Temple East, Teshie-Accra, Pastor Mensa Otabil proclaimed 2025 as “The Jesus Year,” urging believers to embrace a Christ-centered life in the coming year.
Reflecting on God’s enduring faithfulness throughout 2024, Pastor Otabil inspired the congregation with messages of hope, victory, and a renewed focus on the essence of Christianity—Jesus Christ.
“The Same Goodness and Mercy”
Addressing the congregation, Pastor Otabil reminded attendees of God’s sustaining grace throughout the past year. “Today, we acknowledge that God has been with us; He delivered us through many afflictions,” he declared. “When we stand here, we don’t stand in our own might but by the goodness and mercy of the Lord.”
He assured worshippers that the same divine attributes would carry them into the new year. “The goodness and mercy of God in 2024 will be the goodness and mercy of God in 2025. Because we serve a God who doesn’t change, He is an endless God from generation to generation.”
Proclaiming 2025 as “The Jesus Year”
Pastor Otabil revealed the church’s theme for 2025, emphasizing its Christ-centered foundation. “In 2025, our theme is Jesus—Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus is the center of Christianity,” he said.
The church leader outlined a two-fold mission for the year: to follow Jesus closely and to proclaim His message boldly. “May we follow Him well, and may we proclaim Him well to the rest of the world. In 2025, we want Jesus to be exalted,” he emphasized.
Key Teachings of “The Jesus Year”
Drawing from the Scriptures, Pastor Otabil unpacked four key “I Am” statements of Jesus that would shape the church’s approach to the new year:
1. Alpha and Omega – “Jesus says, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end,’” Pastor Otabil stated, reassuring the congregation of Christ’s presence from January 1 to December 31, 2025. “The same Lord who brings us to the beginning is the Lord of the ending.”
2. The Door – Quoting John 10:9, Pastor Otabil declared, “Jesus is our access. He opens the door to 2025 and to every new month, day, hour, and moment.” He prayed, “May the Lord give you access to abundant life in 2025.”
3. The Good Shepherd – Pastor Otabil spoke of Jesus as a protector, guide, and provider. “The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep,” he explained. “May He lead you into still waters and guide every step you take in 2025.”
4. The Bread of Life – “Jesus is our sustainer,” Pastor Otabil proclaimed. “He satisfies the deepest needs of our hearts and guides us where we should go. May the Lord Jesus be your health, strength, and wisdom in 2025.”
A Call to Commitment
As the countdown to the new year approached, Pastor Otabil urged believers to deepen their relationship with Christ. “If it’s a Jesus year, what better way to start the year than with Jesus in our hearts?” he asked. “Tonight, I don’t just want you to say a prayer; I want you to really mean it to follow Jesus, commit your life to Him, and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour.”
In a powerful closing moment, he declared, “Next year by this time, you will be here. And in the name of Jesus, He will carry you through safely.”
The service concluded with a prayer of commitment and a jubilant celebration as the congregation crossed into 2025 with renewed faith and hope in “The Jesus Year.”
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