The first Divine Service of the year 2021 came off on Sunday 3rd of January, 2021, with a visit by Lead Apostle Samuel Oppong-Brenya to the Kumasi Central Congregation. In attendance were other invited congregations and the attendance was One thousand one hundred and ninety eight (1,198). Some souls received the acts of Holy Baptism and Holy Sealing. He was assisted by Apostle Amos Osei-Du, the host and the District Leaders.

In his opening thoughts, the Lead Apostle expressed gratitude to God for His love over the past year and for bringing members together again at the Altar of Grace on this first Sunday in the year 2021.
 
“Nothing will remain forever except the word of God. Many would have wished we erased the unfortunate events of the last year from history, but in fact, it was a blessing to many especially when we consider the love of God towards us and the goal of our faith. I can say it was well with us and we are thankful to God.”

“I have no idea about what this year has in store for us but I am very hopeful that Our Heavenly Father will not fail us, He will always be with us as captioned in the theme of the year – ‘Christ  our future’”, Lead Apostle remarked.

The Bible text for the service was taken from Hebrews 12: 1b - 2a “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Beginning the sermon, He likened the cloud of witnesses who are watching us to thousands of spectators who watch a football match, with the eyes of the numerous spectators watching the 22 players on the pitch. He said our actions as New Apostolics are being watched by many and we must be an example to them in good works. The host of angels of God are also watching our attitudes and labour of work in the Lord.

Laying aside every weight that easily ensnares us
He admonished members to try and lay aside every weight of sin that will keep us away from the Lord. “Be mindful of the loud voices that seek to push us to kill, steal and engage in other evil acts. God speaks to us with the still small voice not to steal, not to kill and not to engage in whatever is sinful. The more we engage in sinful acts, the more enslaved we become in the chains of the devil. Keep your eyes away from situations which can easily lure you into sin.”

Run the race with endurance
The Lead Apostle said just as athletes do not run with heavy costumes in their races, so must we let go every weight of sin and unrighteousness that will not help us finish our race. “Clothe yourselves with the word of God, attend divine services and run the race with the rules set by Christ, who is our future. The adversary is seeking to destroy us; let us be watchful not to allow him. Do not trust in your own strength, your partner or material wealth, look up to the Lord and trust in Him.”

Concluding his sermon, the Lead Apostle advised the congregation to look up to Jesus Christ who is our future, the author and finisher of our faith, who laid down His life for us, ascended to heaven and seated at the right hand side of the Father from where He shall return and give everyone His reward. He assured members that when the Lord Jesus appears, He will not disappoint us.

Some members received the acts of Holy Baptism and Holy Sealing. Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya, together with Apostle Amos Osei-Du and district leaders also took time to visit some aged in their homes after the divine service.