On Sunday 27th of June 2021, Apostle Chima Ibekwe conducted a divine service at Ndiakata congregation in Obingwa district Mid-East Apostle working area Aba.
After reading a text word from Psalm; 146: 7-8 "He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous."
The Apostle express His gratitude to God Almighty for His grace and mercy in bringing the congregation together in worship, he explained that the Divine Service is a preparatory Service for the departed.
“God Liberate the Captive"
Since He has overcome evil, Jesus Christ can liberate human beings from sin here on earth and in the beyond. He does not simply do this across the board, but rather turns His attention to each and every individual. In order to be free, a person must not only consent to God’s offer of help, but also do his or her part. The apostle used the liberation of Peter (Acts 12: 4 -10) as an example: An angel came to tell him to get up, get dressed, and follow him. Peter trusted the angel and did as he was ordered. The Apostle said: in order to be liberated by Christ we must believe in Him, follow His instruction (by accepting the sacraments He has instituted), and follow Him. Our spiritual liberation will be perfect and final when Jesus Christ takes us unto Himself in His Kingdom.
"God heals"
While using the example in the gospel according to Mark 8:14-21, the Apostle said: those believers who only expect help from Jesus in the here and now are suffering from blindness. The Apostle said that Jesus once reproached His disciples for their blindness. They had attached too much importance to earthly cares and did not understand the spiritual scope of His mission. The Holy spirit teaches us that Jesus Christ’s true objective is the salvation of our souls.
“God comforts”
The Apostle said in order to raise those who are bowed down, God first of all makes sure that they hear the preaching of the gospel as inspired by the Holy spirit. Those who accept it draw comfort, hope and confidence from it.
District Elder Samuel Achor and Priest Roland Nwachukwu were called to serve along, ten souls received Holy sealing, a priest and a deacon were also ordained in this divine service.