A holy church, administered by unholy people. How possible? Lead Apostle Samuel Oppong-Brenya explained this in a YouTube divine service conducted on 14th June 2020, from the Osu Congregation premises, Accra.
The service was based on the text 1 Peter 1:15-16, ‘...but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”’
“Holiness is a characteristic of God, in His being, nature and activity.” It is not the only characteristic of God, however, as the Lead Apostle further highlighted the eight other attributes of God. According to him, our God is:
* One. “Moses affirms the solitude of God in Deuteronomy ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!’”
* Almighty. “Everything comes from God, and everything goes back to God.”
* Omnipotent. “He can do anything, nothing is above God.”
* Omnipresent. “Our God is everywhere and can go anywhere.”
* Omniscient. “Our God knows everything. Nothing can be hidden from Him.”
* Eternal. “He has no time limitation, He has no beginning or end. He is yesterday, today and forever.”
* Gracious. “He forgives our sins, and draws us ever nearer to Him”
* Perfect. “He does no mistakes. His plan of salvation for us is intact.”
The Lead Apostle continued: “Our Heavenly Father does not conceal Himself from us. He inclines Himself to us every day, speaking to us and allowing us to speak to Him.” The human mind cannot logically discern the holiness and might of God except through faith.
The church, as established by God through Jesus, is led and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Thus, the church is one, universal and holy. The Lead Apostle further explained:
* Jesus appointed the Chief Apostle (Peter), and instituted the Apostles’ ministry. He continues to appoint the Chief Apostle today, and still commissions the Apostles’ ministry.
* Salvation is proclaimed at the altar of grace
* The holy sacrament of baptism is professed and dispensed
* We receive the forgiveness of our sins
* We celebrate holy communion signifying oneness and fellowship with God
Concluding the sermon, the Lead Apostle said: “Holiness is not an application to our lives or a special kind of blessing. We must actively participate and seek holiness. We must allow ourselves to be holy.”
The Lead Apostle was assisted by Bishop Charles Asare (Accra Apostle Area).