Once a year, the congregation in Singapore eagerly anticipates the visit of the District Apostle. Despite some delays, the faithful in Singapore rejoiced as they were blessed with a visit from the Apostles. On Sunday, October 15, 2023, District Apostle Edy, accompanied by Apostle Fred Wolf and Apostle Samuel Hadiwidagdo, delivered a powerful message based on John 3:17: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save it through Him.”
In the Old Testament, there have been misconceptions about God, often portraying Him as a stern judge who punishes those who disobey Him. Natural disasters like floods, droughts, famines, diseases, and plagues were sometimes interpreted as forms of divine punishment. However, the Lord’s purpose in sending His Son was not to condemn but to save mankind.
In the New Testament, people looked to Jesus for various reasons. Some hoped He would free them from Roman occupation and restore the kingdom of Israel. However, Jesus’ mission was special. He came to liberate people from the shackles of sin and to draw them closer to God, offering the eternal fellowship with God.
The salvation offered by Jesus consists of three aspects:
- Forgiveness of sins. This forgiveness is possible through Christ’s sacrifice. Baptism with water takes away original sin. In every service we hear the absolution that takes away our sin.
- Sanctification: The Holy Spirit, through the act of Holy Sealing, empowers and transforms us, guiding us towards becoming more Christ-like. This process continually shapes the new creation within us.
- Glorification: When the Lord returns, our body, soul, and spirit will be glorified, enabling us to partake in perfect communion with God and others.
It is important to remember that just as Jesus was sent to save the world, we are also commissioned to express God’s love through our actions. We do this by sharing love with our neighbors and maintaining the purity of the gospel as taught by the Apostolate.
A total of 53 souls attended this divine service, and one soul received the gift of the Holy Spirit through Holy Sealing. It was a day of spiritual nourishment and growth for the congregation in Singapore.
