Sunday Bulletin-17 December 2023

Senior Pastor Daniel O. C. | Dec 17, 2023

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).

Dear Beloved,

When you are going through persecution, learn how to conduct yourself like Apostle Paul did in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10. It covers many areas how he kept himself when he was going through persecution. In 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 and Philippians 1:12-14, it also talks about how he handled persecution in a godly manner. Apostle Paul maintained Christ-like character throughout his ordeal. Having the right to do something does not necessarily make that action right.

Many people think that Apostle Paul was persecuted greatly because he persecuted the Church before his conversion. That is not true because God forgave him and bore no grudge against him after forgiving him. Paul was persecuted because he preached a non-compromising fiery message. His message destroyed the un-Christlike traditions and condemned the evil character prevalent then. We need men like Apostle Paul today to stand for God and declare the truth. His exemplary life was a testimony of the Gospel that he believed. There are many good preachers today, but their lives are far from depicting the Gospel they are preaching.

Paul’s message dealt a deadly blow to the Jewish theology, therefore the Jews persecuted him. His message revealed the foolishness of idolatry. Thus, the unbelieving Gentiles persecuted him. Still God stood by him. Read Psalm 34:19-22 and be encouraged.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned” (Psalm 34:19-22).

Yours for the kingdom of God,
Dr. Daniel O. C.

(a selected portion from my book, “THE POWER OF FAITH”)