In the preceding week to every divine service for the departed, members of the New Apostolic Church, are asked to prepare fervently in heart and spirit to specially intercede for souls in unredeemed states in the yonder world that they may come to salvation. Across the globe, these services occur three times each year. Apostle Timothy Akubia (Volta North Apostle Area) officiated the first divine service for the departed this year on Sunday March 1, 2020, at the Vakpo Todzi congregation.

The Apostle read a text from John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”.

“My dear brothers and sisters here physically gathered, and those from the yonder realms, I bid you a hearty welcome to this special day. It is a day of deep feeling of love, a day of liberation and joy”, the Apostle remarked as he began his sermon.
 
He continued: “Sin has caused a separation from the love of God, but self-recognition, remorse and repentance reopens the gates of God’s love to us here and our brothers and sisters in the beyond. Many, however, attempt to blame others for their own shortfalls and such attitude further derails our relationship with our heavenly father. Let us come before the Lord with a repentant heart today; salvation is here!”

In his elaboration, the Apostle stated that, the salvation is obtained through belief in Jesus Christ. “There are many ways open to us today, but not all roads lead to God. There are ways that seem right before men, but the end thereof is destructive”, he explained. The Apostle further stated that there are many souls who have gone on the ways which led them into captivity in the beyond. “Christ is the only way. He is Lord over the living and the dead. Both the living and the dead would have to live by the words of Jesus Christ if we want to get to God”, the Apostle stressed.

The Apostle further elaborated that, “It is not all things that we hear that is the truth. There are some teachings of today that are half-truths and lasts only for a period of time. The words of our Lord Jesus Christ is eternal, it is the whole truth. It leads to eternal life”. The Apostle admonished the members to believe and put into practice the words of Christ for He is the way, the Truth and the Life.

 “No one, irrespective of His works and good deeds shall see God except he believes in Jesus Christ and follow Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life”, concluded the Apostle.

The Apostle was assisted by District Rectors Christopher Xa (Hohoe District) and Deputy District Rector Edmund Ayivi (Nkwanta District).