The Lead Apostle being welcomed at the central church by a Sunday school child
4 May 2021

Lead Apostle Nwogu conducted a Divine service on Sunday 2nd May, 2021 at Ikeja central church, Opebi Lagos, with all the apostles and bishops in attendance.  
After reading the Text word:  John 17:11 “Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. “


He developed a few core thoughts on the text word namely:

No longer in the world.
Jesus Christ was with His Apostles after His resurrection when He made the priestly prayer referenced in the text word.  He told them He was no longer with them. He has foreseen His ascension on the appointed day. While working on earth, Christ subjected His will to that of His Father. He did what pleased God. He overcame the devil proving that Satan’s power is limited. Jesus is in the spirit and no longer in the world.

Living above the world
Christ placed Himself above the world in His attitude and He was able to ascend to the Father. He prayed for God’s children before His ascension and the effect of His prayers are still active in our time today. Jesus rose above all ills and was able to ascend.
In like manner we must also realize our own ascension by:           

How do we live above the world?
By resisting the devil so that He will flee from us.  Not allowing our earthly encounters to affect our relationship with God and our neighbors. The kingdom of God is to be attained through faith, perseverance, long-suffering, peace, Joy and love.  We should be united in the body of Christ and do not allow our individual differences bring division among us.  We must focus on the future and the imminent return of Jesus Christ and prepare ourselves for rapture. In the concluding part of the message, the Lead Apostle stated that the children of God should live in harmony and contribute to the oneness in the congregation, while waiting for the Lord’s return.  

The Lead Apostle was assisted by Apostle Ekpenyong of south-central area, Apostle Odili from south area, and Apostle Onwukwe from east central area of Nigeria.  In the divine service two Deacons and four Priests were ordained to support God’s work Lagos district.