“Whenever I drove through Jacobu junction, you came to mind. It had been very long since my last visit and so I was very happy when your leaders scheduled for me to have this Confirmation service here”, a visibly delighted Lead Apostle Samuel Oppong-Brenya shared as he opened the Confirmation Service at the Jacobu Congregation on 8th May, 2022.
“Out of sight that does not mean you have been out of my mind and I am thankful to God for being with you today”, he said as he also commended the congregation for their sacrifices in upgrading their church building. He added: “This is great but that is not all. Let us also improve upon what we are called for and obliged to do as Christians. Our reward awaits us in Heaven.”
The Lead Apostle conducted the service based on Colossians 1:11-12, “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”
Jesus released us from sin
The Northern Ghana leader explained that through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, sin came into the world. We became bound to the effects of sin and were just as condemned as those in the days of Noah. However, God, through Jesus, has redeemed us from this damnation.
We have been released from the bondage and effect of sin through the grace of our Lord Jesus and we are now hopeful for a glorious future with the Father. “The understanding and effect of this grace is part of the reasons why we have our young brothers and sisters here to receive their blessing in their vow to commit and surrender themselves to this saving grace.”
Let us be thankful
The Leader further explained that in God’s love and wisdom, He gave us Jesus Christ. He served as the example, He showed us the way. He also has given us the assurance of returning to take us to a place He has specially prepared for us: home. For this, we must be eternally thankful to the Father. We can thank God by having faith in Him alone. We can show our appreciation in the sacrifices of our wealth, energy and time to advance His course.
God’s Kingdom awaits us
“We read from the Bible that after Jesus’ salvation work on earth, He returned to Heaven and is seated at the Right Hand of God. We can also have a part in Heaven if we listen to the Apostles’ teachings given by Christ. Being steadfast in the teachings of the Apostles, partaking in the cerebration of the Holy Communion and helping along Jesus’ work, will get us there. Let us prepare ourselves for the return of Christ as our confirmands today have also prepared themselves for their blessings”.
The Lead Apostle concluded: “My dear confirmands, always remember to give thanks to our Father who has helped you from your childhood to this stage. Not only have you come this far by your parents’ protection or your own efforts, but supremely by the ultimate grace of God. Do not forget to work, learn and listen to your elders’ advice and God will do the rest for you”.
Apostle George Anum Nortey, District Rector Kwame Agyakum and Congregational Rector of Jacobu, Priest Oppong served the congregation. Twenty-one (21) Confirmands were blessed to be active youth members for their congregations, district and the attire New Apostle Church.