“I did not come alone; I am accompanied by all the District Apostles and their Helpers” said the Chief Apostle to the 3,000-member seated congregation as he began a powerful sermon on forgiveness.  The festive divine service was broadcasted on national TV and streamed on YouTube and Facebook from the Accra Central church auditorium. This historic festive divine service was held on Sunday November 24, 2024, with all Apostles and Bishops in the West African region also part of the service.

The Chief Apostle based his message on Matthew 6:12; “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Diverse people, one Father
Sharing this special joy with the congregation, Chief Apostle Schneider emphasized that while each District Apostle oversees their respective district churches and members in diverse countries and conditions, we all share one God, one Father who cares for us, and one Saviour.

Prayer for forgiveness
The Chief Apostle explained that:

• The phrase “forgive us our debts” acknowledges our status as sinners. However, forgiveness cannot be earned through human merit. Instead, it requires true repentance and turning to God. Only then can His grace flow into our lives, granting us forgiveness for our sins.
• Acknowledging our sins and receiving forgiveness through grace is essential for engaging in meaningful fellowship with God

Does God punish us for our sins?
The Chief Apostle continued:

• Sin is every thought, force, word, or deed that contradicts God’s will. The consequence of the sin (disobedience) in the Garden of Eden led to their expulsion from the garden—not as a punishment from God. “Despite their disobedience, God continued to love them”.
• When we collectively pray – “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”, we earnestly seek God’s grace and forgiveness; we solidify our intent to align with His will and ultimately enjoy eternal life with Him.

Forgive, and be forgiven
Continuing the sermon, the Chief Apostle highlighted the importance of the second part of the prayer: “As we forgive our debtors.”

• The forgiveness of others is a necessity for receiving God’s forgiveness. “While we can forgive those who wrong us, forgetting the wrongs is often impossible. True forgiveness occurs when we consciously let go of the hurt caused by others.”
• Forgiveness is a healing process that promotes oneness and fellowship with Jesus Christ. The Chief Apostle cautioned all against harbouring feelings of punishment towards those who have wronged us, as unforgiveness distances us from God and invites negativity into our lives.

Love God, love all
Concluding the sermon, Chief Apostle, Jean Luc-Schneider, emphasized the link between receiving forgiveness for our sins and extending that same forgiveness to others:

• “You cannot fully love God if you hate your brother,” he said. Genuine love for God compels us to forgive our neighbours, facilitating a closeness with Him that brings peace and joy into our hearts.
• Reciting the Lord’s Prayer collectively acknowledges our shared status as sinners before God, and with forgiveness symbolizing His love for mankind.

The Chief Apostle, Jean Luc-Schneider was assisted by District Apostles Stefan Poschel (West Germany) and Joseph Opemba Ekhuya (Kenya).

As part of the service, Apostles Moses Otchere Ayarkwa (Ghana) and Kodzo Amevoh (Togo) were placed into retirement. Esse Yovo (Togo), Jaques Tolno (Guinea), and Patrick Konadu Yiadom (Ghana) were ordained into the Apostle Ministry.