A new world: “Hey, that’s doable!”

“I build with you” was the motto of the Day of the Youth in Frankfurt (Germany) on 18 June 2017, which Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider celebrated. He based his sermon on Revelation 21: 5: “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’”

God builds in us

We believe in God. And this God is the great master builder.

• God, the Father made the Creation. He made heaven, earth, and man.
• God the Son, created salvation: through His incarnation, His sacrifice on the cross, and through His resurrection.
• God, the Holy Spirit is in the process of creating this new creature in us.

“God was active in the past and is active in the present,” the Chief Apostle said. “He also wants to create something in the future, namely the new creation. There will be no more death, no suffering, and no pain. Human beings will have fellowship with God and people will live together in peace and harmony.”

God builds with us

In the beginning, God made heaven and earth. And then He made man. This is how the present creation was made, Chief Apostle Schneider said. “For the new creation God has reversed things,” he continued. “He will begin with the creation of the new man. And once the new man is ready for the new creation, God will make the new heaven and the new earth.”

He wants to create a new creature in us, but this is something He can only do if we co-operate. “If we don’t, nothing will happen. God leaves this up to us. ‘It is up to you! If you want I will give you strength for it. But it is your decision.’”

We build with God

Those who decide for it are not idealists who dream of a better world, but are workers who are committing themselves to building a better world. “God has already begun this new creation in us. And this new creation can be already be perceived through us,” he said and then mentioned some concrete examples.

• When looking for a life partner the aim is not to find someone who can best satisfy our needs, but someone who will make us happy and vice versa. “His happiness is my happiness.”
• Our working life is not only about making as much money as possible. Important is that we fulfil the obligations we have towards society. “I have shared responsibility when it comes to my neighbour’s well-being.”
• Natural resources are limited. “If the Lord has not come by then, the coming generations will still need these resources. Let us treat the environment with care.”
• “If the future already illuminates our present lives today, then we will also treat others accordingly. Human dignity is not dependent on a person’s knowledge, ability, money, or origin.”

We build together

“This new creation can already be perceived by our fellow human beings through us,” the Chief Apostle explained.

• Let us build each other up and pray for each other. I build with you. You need me, I need you. We are in this together.
• This is the future: people live in peace and harmony despite all differences. God has provided everything we need for this: forgiveness of sins, grace, the power of love.
• All activities should reflect our priorities. “Our priority is: fellowship with God. Our priority is: love for the neighbour,” the Chief Apostle said.

A new world is created

The Chief Apostle summed things up as follows. God is in the process of building the new creation. Let us contribute our share by making it possible for this new creation to develop and by building each other up. “Hey, that’s doable!”