On July 19, Kuala Lumpur Immanuel Church held its third Sunday service of the month. This was the first Sunday service held by each church after Serdang Revival Church held its dedication service.
During the service, presided over by leader Dorcas Lim, Pastor Maryon Kim offered an intercessory prayer, and Pastor Samuel Chang delivered a sermon titled “Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted Because of Righteousness, for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven,” based on Matthew 5:10-12.
Pastor Samuel Chang defined “righteousness” as the active pursuit of the Kingdom of God and explained that those who dedicate their lives to this mission will inevitably face opposition in this world.
Pastor Chang challenged the conventional understanding of suffering, urging believers to “rejoice and be glad” when they encounter persecution. He argued that such trials are not signs of failure, but rather powerful testimonies that one is living a life distinct from the world as a true child and servant of God.
The sermon offered deep reassurance to those walking the path of faith, emphasizing that God never abandons His people during times of hardship. Referencing the imagery of footsteps in the sand, Pastor Chang reminded the congregation that when believers feel they are walking alone, it is often because God is carrying them through their deepest sorrows.
Beyond mere comfort, the preacher highlighted the transformative power of suffering. He noted that experiencing trials allows believers to engage in thorough self-reflection and fosters a deeper, more sincere faith, ultimately bringing them into a more profound understanding of the suffering and love of Christ.
Pastor Chang further encouraged the congregation not to let their hearts grow hardened or bitter when facing adversity. Instead, he urged them to remember that God reigns over all aspects of their lives—from the smallest details to their eternal future—and that persecution should be met with sincerity, gratitude, and steadfastness.
The message included a stern warning against the temptation to persecute others, even those with different perspectives. Drawing from the account of Gamaliel in Acts 5, Pastor Chang taught that believers should avoid judging others and instead entrust all final judgment to God, maintaining a spirit of gentleness and respect regardless of the circumstances.
In closing, Pastor Chang challenged his congregation to make these paradoxical blessings a familiar part of their spiritual lives. By embracing the truth of these beatitudes, he argued, believers can discover genuine peace and joy, allowing them to effectively reveal the glory of God to a world that often cannot see the value hidden within suffering.
Meanwhile, on this day, Brother Yong Hei, who is studying the Bible as a Jubilee World applicant, attended the Sunday service for the first time and had a time of graceful fellowship while having lunch together after the service.