Hundreds of thousands of New Apostolic Christians experienced this year’s Easter service at home – transmitted via the Internet. This is because the fight against the corona virus does not allow for any gatherings at this time. It is the desire of the Chief Apostle himself to be able to celebrate Easter together globally. An important event in church history has taken place today.
Continue to trust in God
This year’s Easter is a special one because this pandemic has caused so much suffering and hardship in the world. “This corona pandemic only adds one more line to the very long list of plagues.”
The Chief Apostle remembers those in Africa, Venezuela and Asia. For example in Africa last year there were 140,000 children who died as a result of the measles outbreak that hit the region. “We pray for all those who are suffering. And we are grateful to many people who are committed to helping those who are exposed to this virus. “
This corona crisis is is neither a sign for the imminent return of Christ nor is it a punishment by God. For God is a God of love and not of punishment. And: “Our hope in the return of Christ is not based on signs, but on faith in Christ through the act of the Holy Spirit.”
Our future
Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, is something so powerful and so momentous that we have many reasons to be grateful to this day, the Chief Apostle said.
He uses the Bible text of Revelation 1: 17b-18
“Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
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- Jesus Christ was the first to receive a resurrected body and thus enter the kingdom of Heaven. Those who remain loyal to him can experience the same thing.
- Through water and spirit baptism, the Son of God gave man of His life. Those who believe in it can experience life force in the future and thus the peace and joy of God in Christ.
- Christ’s power over the keys of death and the kingdom of death. Physical death is not an obstacle to salvation. The activity of the Holy Spirit continues in the beyond.The work of the Holy Spirit continues in the world of blessings. Jesus Christ can redeem souls that are far from God and lead to Him.
“He will return,” Chief Apostle Schneider emphasised. “Those who remain faithful will resurrect. That is our future, that is our joy, that is our assurance.”
About Holy Communion
In conclusion, the Chief Apostle directs our hearts to the Holy Communion which cannot be celebrated at this time. “Let us use the time to prepare ourselves for the first Holy Communion that we will be able to celebrate again,” the Chief Apostle appealed. We also remember the great supper in Heaven, where Jesus spoke to the disciples: “And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table” (Luke 22:29: 30). “This promise is not a promise from the church leaders, but this promise comes from God. This is our joy.” The Chief Apostle closed his sermon.
