District Apostle Edy Isnugroho opened the year 2022 with a divine service in Pucangan congregation, Purworejo Sub-district under the motto: “Together in Christ”. The sermon based from Acts 2:44: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.”

Our goal has not changed: Christ’s return

The early Christians lived in difficult situations, so they pooled their resources to meet the needs of each individual. Since the first human fall into sin, God has a very beautiful plan: for all people to be saved and come to the eternal fellowship. God’s plan will not change, cannot be postponed, and cannot be hindered by anyone. God is working so actively for our salvation. We are actively preparing for an event that is certain to occur in the future: the return of Jesus Christ. He does not come to us as individuals, but as members of an assembly of believers who come united in Christ. He comes as the Bridegroom who will meet the bridal congregation and bring us to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.

Don’t walk alone

The District Apostle quoted what has been said by the Chief Apostle Richard Fehr, “Those who walk alone will not reach the kingdom of heaven.” To be together in Christ means to be in the fellowship. The fellowship with the triune God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and the triune God is in perfect fellowship. We want to achieve unity with the triune God: God in us and us in God.

Today we also attend divine services together because that is where Jesus Christ blesses us with His word, grace, body, and blood. We are happy together because we share the same faith, goal, and fight. This is the fellowship in the divine service.

We also experience fellowship with one another: serving, helping, and comforting others. We need to accept the fact that other people are different. We don’t have to change our personality, so that we can be accepted by others or vice versa. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). To live together in Christ means to agree to give to others and to receive from them.

The Holy Spirit comforts us by reminding us that the fellowship in Christ is stronger than death. The living and the dead prepare together for the return of Christ. They remain active and attend the divine services together, receive the same spiritual food, and they pray for each other. When Christ returns, we will be united and always be with Him by putting on a new body. “This is not a dream or cheap consolation,” said the District Apostle.

Apostle Samuel Hadiwidagdo served along in the divine service. In the divine service which was attended by 152 souls, the District Apostle performed Holy Sealing for 2 souls. The service ended with a video address of the Chief Apostle and angklung music performance.

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