It was a poignant and deeply reflective moment for the rest of the congregation gathered at Koforidua, as the choir made up of ministers and their wives sang Give me more, Lord, of Thy Spirit. The hymn ushered in the theme and core thoughts of District Apostle Michael Ehrich, having read a text that spoke of the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

The text word for this special service, held on Saturday 10th September, 2022, was based on John 16:13, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”

Seeking, sharing the blessings of our Lord
The District Apostle expressed his joy and warmth at the congregants for coming out on a Saturday to seek the blessings of our Lord at the divine service: “This does not mean we seek these blessings for our personal and earthly gains.”

He continued: “The divine service should be a blessing for our spiritual lives, to make us more steadfast in our faith, give us peace for our soul, encourage us and also connect us more intimately with our Lord”.

The task of ministers, meaning of divine service?
“Nothing else than to preach the pure gospel of Jesus Christ! We cannot add anything else” he admonished the special gathering of ministers from across the country. “For all Apostles and ministers, we just have to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In that way, the Holy Spirit helps us to remember the teachings of Jesus Christ. Not new ideas, but the same doctrine taught by our Lord Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago.”

The gift of the Spirit and Gospel of Jesus
While we wait for Jesus’ return with expectant hearts, the Holy Spirit helps us not to forget His words by reminding us of the key message from Jesus: “Love the Lord your God above all and love your neighbour as yourself”.

• Love the Lord your God above all – The District Apostle asked provoking questions: “Do we really love God above all things? Do we put our will under His will? Do we ask God before we make decisions in our lives?” We need the power of the Son to be able to love God with all our hearts.
• Love your neighbour as yourself – “What does loving our neighbour as ourselves mean?” It means we do our best to share the Gospel with those around us. “To love them means we wish for Jesus to heal their souls and also for them to recognize Jesus as the Lord.”

Being led by the Holy Spirit
Citing the example of the Holy Spirit redirecting the missionary travel plans of Apostle Paul, he said; “We may have our own plans for lives and our future, but to be led by the Holy Spirit means to feel and heed to the counsel of the Spirit. Only then can the Holy Spirit help us to avoid a path of misfortune or destruction. Let us live in a way that would enable others to recognize that the Holy Spirit lives in us.”  

The District Apostle concluded that the Lord sent the Spirit to accompany and guide us into all truth. We must not speak of our own authority, but be guided by the Spirit and act as children of God. “And so let us remain steadfast in faith and wait for the Lord, so we shall also be accepted on His day of return. Amen.”