On Sunday November 5, 2023, Apostle Alexander Poku-Akubia (Volta North Apostle Area) conducted the last of the Divine Services for the Departed at our congregation in Jasikan. This was his first Divine Service for the Departed since his ordination in March this year. Over 268 members participated in the service.

The Apostle based the divine service on a bible word from Revelation 1:17, 18 (excerpt): “I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. And I have the keys of Hades and Death”

Opening the service, the Apostle drew the attention of members to the different conditions of souls in the beyond. He emphasized the need to empathize with these souls and out of love draw them to salvation. He stated that some of these souls are victims of war, atrocities, abortions and accidents who through no fault of theirs passed on to eternity. “By virtue of the sinful condition of their souls, they find themselves in prison and today is a day for them to access salvation in Jesus Christ” the Apostle averred.

Expounding the bible word, the Apostle stated that, Jesus Christ has no beginning and has no end. Like the Father, He is all in all, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. His authority transcends time, distance and location. His salvific activity extends to the brethren in the beyond.

The judgement of God and death
No one can escape the judgment of God. However, God’s judgement is fair. He alone can determine the guilt of a sinner. He takes into account our actions and the motivation for same. Our thoughts and hearts He knows.  He holds the keys to salvation and He alone determines how and when to save one soul or the other. “The wages of sin is death” the Apostle stated. He explained death in three categories:

• Physical death – the separation of the body from soul and spirit of a human being;
• Spiritual death -  the separation of man from God as a result of the fall into sin;
• The second death – eternal separation from God as result of failure to believe in Jesus Christ.

Proximity to God
The Apostle intimated that, the departed souls are in a condition of proximity to or remoteness from God. Those in the state of remoteness from God require help. Jesus Christ, the Apostle stated, holds the key to set them free from their bondage of remoteness and offer them access to God.

Being part of the bridal congregation
“The Lord Jesus desires to integrate these souls into His bridal congregation. To this end, our dear brothers and sisters must believe in Jesus Christ, receive divine life through the sacraments, accept the nourishing word and long to take on the image of Christ”, stated the Apostle.

Concluding the sermon, the Apostle emphasized that, the Lord Jesus has the authority to redeem souls irrespective of their condition. Access to eternal life lies in His hands. “Let us look into the beyond with love, let us in one accord help our brothers and sisters to this life and we shall be joyous to meet them in glory.”

The service was supported by District Rectors Isaac Akulley (Kpando District) and Peter Akai (Krachi-Bimbilla District).