In the month of November, the old church year comes to an end and a new one begins. The divine services this month will focus on our hope in Christ’s return and try to give a small glimpse of the glory of God.
God helps everyone everywhere
The Bible text that Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider used last year on the same occasion is the basis for the divine service for the departed on 6 November: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121: 1–2). Both the living and the dead need help. And God wants to and can help the living as well as the dead. Jesus defeated death; it longer poses an obstacle to salvation. If the living and the dead look up to Jesus, in other words, if they believe in Him, hear His word, and receive the sacraments, then they can all experience God’s help and attain eternal fellowship with Him.
Be ready for the Lord’s return!
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24: 44). The Bible text for the second Sunday service is not meant to instill fear, but to make us aware that Jesus Christ could come at any time, regardless of the circumstances in society and the state. The service aims to prepare the faithful for the return of Christ. This includes believing in Jesus, showing remorse and repentance, and acting according to the will and nature of Christ. Furthermore, New Apostolic Christians believe that they will be called to serve as the royal priesthood in the kingdom of peace. They are already preparing for this today by praying for the church of Christ, by serving Christ, and by professing Him.
When the Holy Spirit reveals mysteries
The third Sunday in November is also the last Sunday in the current liturgical year. The divine service will explore divine mysteries: “He answered and said to them: ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him’” (Matthew 13: 11–12). The Holy Spirit reveals mysteries to believers, in other words, divine truths. He reveals what a wonderful future awaits them: to be with God forever. In order that this mystery can continue to be revealed, Jesus gave His church Apostles and entrusted them with the power and mission to proclaim His will and to interpret the Bible in the proper manner. The Apostles also continually remind the congregation that Jesus Christ is in its midst in every divine service. Also in this one.
Open your hearts and lift up your heads
The divine service on the fourth Sunday in November, which is the first Sunday of Advent, revolves around opening our hearts. With a sermon based on Psalm 24: 7–8: “Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle,” believers look to the future, to the coming Jesus. In order to receive Jesus, we can prepare ourselves by widening our hearts and minds. The divine service will give insights into how this can be done: through being grateful to God and by learning to love like Jesus. It’s worth it! The service will also give us a glimpse of our future with God: it will be unimaginably beautiful!
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