01/12/2025
"Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed"
The visit of the Chief Apostle to South Africa culminated with a festive divine service in Nelson Mandela University Missionvale Campus on Sunday, 30 November 2025, the first Sunday of Advent.
The Chief Apostle was accompanied by the Chief Apostle Helper Helge Mutschler, District Apostles Peter Lambert, John Schnabel and Tsh*tshi Tshisekedi, along with all the Apostles of Southern Africa and local District Rectors and Rectors.
The Bible text for the divine service was Romans 13:11, "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed."
During the sermon, the Chief Apostle emphasised the certainty of Christ’s return. Jesus taught that no one can know or calculate the time of His coming. The signs of the times have existed since the early church, so they cannot be used to predict the date of His return. Belief in Jesus' return rests solely on God’s promise.
Because Christ will come at a fixed time which has already been decided by God, believers are called to stay spiritually awake. People can “fall asleep” through tiredness, discouragement, boredom, or sadness. Spiritual sleep leads to unresponsiveness to God, self-focus, and a lack of growth, which is why the Holy Spirit urges vigilance. God will intervene in human history just as He did at Jesus’ birth. Nothing on earth will change God’s plan or delay the day He has set to return. Each day brings us closer to that moment, and God’s work continues to progress as He prepares His people.
As believers, the Chief Apostle encouraged the congregation to reflect on their own spiritual development. Mature faith shifts from focusing on earthly blessings to centering on Jesus—His love, His sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life. As our faith deepens, love for Christ and for one’s neighbour grows, which leads to actions motivated by genuine love rather than reward or recognition.
As part of the conclusion of the sermon, the Chief Apostle urged the congregation to remain spiritually awake and keep Christ’s return at the centre of our lives.
District Apostle John Schnabel and Chief Apostle Helper Helge Mutschler were also called upon to serve.
Before the conclusion of the divine service, three Apostles from Mozambique and one Apostle from Botswana was placed into retirement. In his address to them, the Chief Apostle mentioned that they had often worked under very difficult conditions, yet served steadfastly because they believed in God’s word and in their calling. He expressed his gratitude for the many blessings God’s people received through their ministry and also thanked their wives and families for their support and sacrifices. Thereafter, the Chief Apostle ordained four new Apostles for the Mozambique area.
As the Chief Apostle exited the church building, the congregation joined in singing the exit hymn, “Forever with the Lord”, marking an end to his visit to Gqeberha.
