27/04/2026
Today Sunday 26/4/2026 Divine Service in Auchi Congregation conducted by Priest Henry Usunobun (Fugar District Rector), 2 Souls were Baptised and a total of 13 persons in attendance.
The District Rector Priest Henry Usunobun base his text on *1 Peter 3: 13:*
“And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?”. Topic: *Works of faith*
He admonished the congregation and said, “Let us be diligent in doing good”. That as Christians, we too experience suffering, injustice, persecution, natural dis asters, and uncertainty. As children of God, we are not spared such experi ences. However, we have the assurance that evil can do no harm to our relation ship with God if we continue to follow God’s will (Romans 8: 31–32).
The District Rector lay emphasis on the following:
1. *Overcoming evil with good:*
We acknowledge that it is not always possible for us to escape evil and the conditions it produces. However, let us continue to believe in Jesus Christ and live in accordance with our motto for this year: “Don’t be afraid. Just believe!” He overcame the world (John 16: 33) and gained the victory which He gives us (1Corinthians 15: 57). The promise we made at our baptism and sealing was to take up the battle against evil.
The significance of divine service
On the one hand, divine service is a work of God, where we encounter divine reality and encouragement. On the other hand, divine service is also our work because we bring our concerns and prayers along. And we humans plan and lead the divine service. We should also remember that the good things we do for others are also part of our service to God (Romans12:1).
■ By attending the divine services, we are equipped with things that help us to overcome evil and remain steadfast. The Holy Spirit guides us through God’s word. He helps us navigate through life in faith, and to recognise evil.
■ We have the opportunity to have our sins forgiven. Through repentance, the desire to change, and our willingness to forgive others, we are sancti fied and prepared for Holy Communion.
■ We can participate in Holy Communion, in which Christ is present. In doing so, we receive the body and blood of Christ, through which we receive the strength to overcome evil and can develop into the nature of
Christ.
■ In fellowship with the triune God, and together with our brothers and
sisters, we are strengthened. We join in fervent prayer, which is to fortify our relationship with God and one another.
Let us look to the church in Jerusalem as our model and remain steadfast in the breaking of bread, in fellowship, and in prayers (Acts 2: 42).
1. *What good can we do for others?:*
■ Let us fulfil the commandment to love God and our neighbour, and let all people feel the love of Christ in our words and deeds.
■ Let us contribute to the unity of the church of Christ and the congre gation.
■ Let us be of one mind and be united with one another (1Peter 3: 8; John17: 20–23).
*Conclusion:* Jesus Christ is and remains our example. Even when we are confronted with evil, we continue to trust the Lord and remain confident that He will finish the good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1: 6). Nothing will separate us from the love of God (Romans 8: 38–39), and we will continue to follow the path of goodness by doing good.
*All glory belongs to God*
