Rev.Otiji Asks Christians To Be Courageous And Faithful In Serving God

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Awka

Priest Assistant. Church of The Holy Spirit Awka, Reverend Augustine Otiji has encouraged Christians to be courageous and faithful in serving God and humanity.

Reverend Otiji who spoke in a sermon with the theme: ‘Dare to Be Daniel” taken from Daniel 6:10–23; Hebrews 11:1–2, insisted that Christians must learn the courage of the biblical Daniel at all times.

He said the theme “Dare to be Daniel” challenges believers to live courageously and faithfully for God in a world that often rejects Him.

He further said that to dare means to have courage and integrity in the face of danger, pressure, or opposition.

Reverend Otiji informed that like Daniel, Christians are called to live by faith—being sure of what they hope for and confident in what they do not see (Heb. 11:1).

“Daniel’s faith was not just belief but a lifestyle of obedience, trust, and holiness. Despite the pressures of Babylon, Daniel stood firm by refusing the king’s food (Dan. 1:8) and maintaining his prayer life even when it was dangerous (Dan. 6:10)”.

He said further that Daniel’s integrity and faith influenced others to honor God even as he listed pray even when it is dangerous like Daniel prayed openly three times daily (Dan. 6:10).

He added that “Believers are to pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17; Eph. 6:18).

"Trust God for deliverance – God rescues those who trust Him (Dan. 6:16–23; Ps. 34:7; Ps. 121:4–8). Trials often reveal God’s glory".

“Influence your world for God – Live a holy and excellent life that points others to God (Matt. 5:13–16; John 17:15–17)”.

Reverend Otiji said that benefits of Standing firm in the Lord are numerous including divine favour and promotion – Faithfulness brings elevation and honor (Dan. 2:48; Matt. 25:21).

“Divine Protection – God delivers His faithful servants as He shut the lions’ mouths for Daniel (Dan. 6:22; Rom. 8:31).

“Eternal Life and Glory – Enduring trials for righteousness leads to eternal reward (1 Tim. 4:7–8; Matt. 5:10).

“Peace – God gives inner peace and courage to those who trust Him (Phil. 4:6–7).

He concluded that like Daniel, believers must choose obedience to God over worldly gain, adding that the temptation to conform is real, but it profits nothing to gain the world and lose one’s soul (Mark 8:36).

“True honor comes from faithfulness to Christ, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).

“Therefore, Christians are urged to stand firm, reject compromise, expose falsehood (Eph. 5:11), and live as agents of truth in a corrupt world”.