you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
This is frightening. God’s Word, the Bible, declares we are “dead.” This does not refer to physical death but a life that is controlled by the sinful values of this world and by Satan. You may disagree: “What? You say I’m dead?!” But this is not only the Bible’s honest evaluation of you, but there is also evidence. As Jesus correctly says, a tree if known by its fruit. What is inside you is made clear by your outward behaviour. If we are honest, we would acknowledge that our life is one that is “disobedient” to God, one that is “gratifying” the sinful desires of our body. The Bible says, “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23). The consequence is terrifying: “The wages [consequence] of sin is death,” death now and then in eternal hell. Our heart is beating, but our life smells of death and feels like death—there is deep emptiness, deep frustration, and deep dissatisfaction in us. We are not happy. This kind of “dead” life is the result of sin. After this life, we will die in hell eternally because we have sinned against the holy God. But the Lord Jesus Christ loves us very much. He proved that by dying on the cross for you.
Hence, many of us today in this church (and in many other true churches of Jesus Christ) can praise and thank: Jesus has changed our lives from darkness into light. Not perfect, but definitely and fundamentally new. It is as Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full [abundant, meaningful, satisfying]” (John 10:10). Broken lives have been made new, not sinless, but definitely repaired. More importantly, we have eternal life and Jesus to walk life with us daily. For this, we thank God in this church anniversary.
Second, the past few years of Covid did not merely threaten our lives. It also threatened our mental and spiritual well-being. The letter to the Hebrews was written to Christians who were facing persecution some 2000 years ago. To survive, the biblical author urged them in 10:24-25:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Christian fellowship is critical for survival. Covid took away the freedom of worship (unavoidable due to the Covid situation). We replaced that with online worship. The fact, however, is we were easily distracted during online worship and classes. Whether or not you attended online worship, no one knows. There is no accountability. Without fellowship (godly Christian friendship), we cannot handle life adversities. Thus, the biblical author told the suffering Christians to meet regularly because there is life and real safety in church. For that, we thank and praise God. The danger that comes with not be able to meet is now alleviated. We can once again meet as a church to love, encourage and comfort each other. We can find spiritual nourishment and godly strength through Sunday worship and Sunday School classes by the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.
Third, the Lord has kept everyone and the church safe during this difficult time and in the past year. There were many uncertainties and difficulties related to finance, health, family, etc. But we have emerged, not without danger, but unscathed. The hymns writer says, “Great is Thy Faithfulness O God my Father.” Jeremiah the prophet says, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lam 3:22-23). Life is uncertain, but Christians need not fear. Every day, God promises you strength sufficient for that day. It has been true in the past. It will be so tomorrow. I believe every Christian in this church has experienced God’s amazing faithfulness daily. For that, we thank and praise God today.