Knowing the truth and living truthfully: this was the call made by the Chief Apostle and his new assistant during the 2025 Pentecost service in Wiesbaden, Germany.
This was the first collaboration in a new constellation: Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider and—as of this divine service—Chief Apostle Helper Helge Mutschler presented a series of spiritual truths to the worldwide congregation. The divine service was based on the Bible passage from John 16: 13: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
The truth about God
Who is God? God certainly already revealed Himself in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, many Christians today still have the image of a strict and punishing God in their minds. “That is not our God!” the Chief Apostle exclaimed.
Jesus Christ shows us the true God. “We recognise God in the words, actions, and nature of Jesus Christ,” the Chief Apostle emphasised. “We base our decisions and our lives on this truth.” However, we must understand that God’s truth always refers to eternal life, he said.
“Thanks to God, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes,” Apostle Mutschler added and went on to say, “God answers into your heart: ‘I am love.’” And: “I am here with you. I am unshakeable in My love and loyalty to you.”
The truth about us
“The Holy Spirit also tells us the truth about ourselves,” the Chief Apostle continued. “The Holy One makes us aware of our fallibility. Without grace we cannot be saved.” But he also shows us the way to grace, the Chief Apostle said, “Through the sermon, He holds up a mirror that reflects who we are today.”
However, the Holy Spirit also says, “God loves you just as you are,” the Chief Apostle emphasised. “Even if everyone rejects and condemns you, do not listen to them, listen to God.” Because you are a child of God and loved by God, the Chief Apostle said.
“God loves you and has always wanted to live with you,” Apostle Mutschler continued. “You are more precious than all the gold and treasures on earth. You are a somebody in the eyes of God. Do you still remember how beautiful you are in the eyes of God?”
Becoming our true selves
“We have made many a promise to God,” the Chief Apostle reminded the congregation, referring to the confirmation vow. “Let’s make sure that our yes remains a yes. Yes to God, no to evil.”
Referring to social media, he went on to explain that many people today spend a lot of time presenting themselves. The Bible already knows something like this: “People want to please people.” But: “True Christians want to please God. Let us use our time, strength, and energy to grow into the image of Jesus Christ.”
“Pentecost marked the end of the Babylonian confusion of languages,” Apostle Mutschler explained, as the listeners were addressed in their own mother tongue. “Pentecost is the beginning of the language of the heart,” he said, calling on everyone to speak to their neighbour in their own language: “In this divided world, let us do good and make peace—each in his or her place—through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Before Chief Apostle Schneider called on Apostle Mutschler to serve, he interrupted his preaching and announced that he would be retiring next year at the age of 66. He said that after much prayer and struggle he is now absolutely certain that he has found God’s chosen successor for this ministry: Apostle Mutschler will be ordained Chief Apostle on Pentecost 2026.
Photos: Simon Kisselbach