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About Us
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DIVINE SERVICES:
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For New Apostolic Christians, divine services have a special
meaning. As an integral part of our Christian life, each service
offers an opportunity for fellowship with God and with our brothers and
sisters in faith. Those attending a divine service find the peace and
quiet that are necessary to listen to the word of God. This is where
they receive divine peace, obtain mercy and the forgiveness of sins, and
experience the love of God. |
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A divine Service in the New
Apostolic Church always begins with a prayer. The church
ministers subsequently called on to serve at the altar do not rely on a
prepared sermon: there is no manuscript, and nothing is read out to the
congregation. As preparation for all divine services, there is only a
brief letter, the "Divine Service Guide" published by the church
administration, which contains the text to be read from the Holy
Scriptures accompanied by some additional thoughts - the church
ministers commissioned to conduct a divine service put their trust in
the power of the Holy Spirit to provide the words that will be
spoken. |
| In the Bible we read that the Lord Jesus said to his
disciples, "Take no thought what you shall say: For the Holy Spirit
shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say." The
priests of the New Apostolic Church still rely on this age-old word
today. |
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Divine Services are a
Dialogue:
A divine service conveys new spiritual strength, brings joy and
describes the future of the Children of God: eternal salvation, eternal
redemption, comfort and safety with God. Divine services are a dialogue;
God, the Father, speaks to us, and we speak to Him. This intimate
fellowship offers comfort and hope, particularly for those days that do
not work out the way we imagine they should.
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At the same time, listening to the words spoken from the altar, we
come into a recognition of ourselves and the things we do and our need
for salvation. When we become conscious of this need, we can then
celebrate Holy Communion in faith. (For more information on our
Sacraments, click here.)
Divine Services are an Offer of
Grace:
Service may also be understood as an offer of grace. New
Apostolic Christians celebrate Holy Communion in every divine service.
They confess their sins to God and are thus able to receive forgiveness
in the name of Jesus Christ. They forgive their neighbours too, and open
their understanding to the divine benefits and blessings.
Text used with friendly permission of NACI: www.nak.org
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