A different way of celebrating Easter due to a global pandemic, yet the spirit and true meaning of Good Friday was never going to be lost on New Apostolics around the world.  District Apostle Michael Ehrich shared the special message of Good Friday with members of the South Germany District church in a divine service conducted on 10th April 2020. He was supported by Apostle Jürgen Loy of the Stuttgart Apostle Area, in a service that was streamed live and watched on 752 connected devices by families and friends via the English channel on YouTube.

The bible text for the service was taken from John 10:17–18, “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

The special bible reading for this special day was read from the book of Mark 15: 22-39.

We can now go to the Father. District Apostle Michael Ehrich expressed delight and was thankful for the special day for all Christians in remembrance of the sacrifice made by the Lord to mankind, of which Jesus Christ was afflicted and crucified. He made mention of the fact that the importance of this sacrifice is unknown to unbelievers and also has been undermined by most believers. He reminded believers that God created mankind in His own image and we shall return to Him. Therefore the sacrifice of Jesus Christ completes the salvation that God offers mankind by giving us access to it. Jesus has made it possible for human beings to come to God.

The Father’s love, the sacrifice of Jesus. The District Apostle explained that, Jesus Christ came into the world to save us from guilt and consequences of our sins. Jesus’ love for the Father gave Him the power to triumph over death, He willingly died. God, through Jesus Christ showed the love He has for mankind. God’s love is for all; He gave the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus, for all mankind even for, His enemies. No one is excluded from salvation.

The Father’s purpose fulfilled. In concluding, District Apostle Ehrich further enlightened that, the being and nature of Jesus Christ was accepting the Father’s will and denying Himself through all the sufferings for mankind. Jesus Christ accepted everyone no matter their sins committed. As Christians, we should be accepting and willing to denounce ourselves and follow Christ. “Let us turn fully to God on this Good Friday and say that we will fully follow Jesus, no matter the circumstances.”