On May 30, the Shanxi Linfen Church held a worship service of thanksgiving to celebrate Ascension Day in the city church. More than 100 people from all the meeting cell groups and fellowships in the city participated.
Along with the long chime of the bell, the piano played the music in the church. The choir, the person in charge of the service and the pastor lined up and walked into the sanctuary as the choir sang hymn #392 "Ode to Glory". The moderator of the service, Elder Yang Guohua, welcomed those in attendance and announced the beginning of service. He quoted from Psalms 47:5, proclaiming that "God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD, amid the sounding of trumpets". The congregation sang hymn #114, "Proclaiming with One Voice" and then recited the Apostles' Creed.
Preacher Wang Shuai shared on the topic of, "The Ascension and Advent of the Lord Jesus", which clarified that Jesus' ascension to heaven was an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus' ascent into heaven was witnessed by people, had evidence through things, and was manifest by signs. Preacher Want used vivid metaphors to explain the meaning of Christ's ascension for us as Christians today, encouraging God's children to commemorate the Lord's ascension, to preach the truth of the Gospel, and to be alert to prepare themselves and to look forward to the Lord's return. Grow continuously in your spiritual life, promote the church's revival, and honor the name of the Lord.
Following this, everyone responded by meditating on this theme, sang hymn #119, "Be alert," and then received the benediction. After singing the "Amen Song" in four-part harmony, everyone blessed each other and the worship service was concluded.
- Translated by Ze Wang
