We thank God also for taking care of each of us.  Some have gone through difficult trials, small or big ones.  But we have all emerged and will emerge unscathed because the Lord watches over us: “He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber” (Psa 121:3); “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).   

The Lord has also provided for the ministry needs of this church: an additional premise, a faithful church administrator, and a team of leaders, our two elders and two deacons, who love the Lord.  Above all, the Lord has enabled you all to faithfully serve the Lord in small and big ways.  Your labour has borne eternal fruits.  Souls have been saved for eternity.  Lives have been built.  Praise the Lord.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58).

There is, however, much work to be done.  The urgency builds up as the return of our Lord Jesus approaches.  We cannot ignore the numerous signs as predicted by our Lord and the Bible.  Some signs include wars, earthquakes, famines which will intensify as Jesus’ return nears (Matt. 24:3-8).  The Lord may return five years later, next week, or perhaps next year.  No one knows (Matt 24:36).  One thing, however, is sure: the Lord will return to judge us:

For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10)

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. (2 Pet. 3:10-12)

Let us then not live our lives carelessly.  Rather, let us do the will of God.  Let today’s anniversary be a new milestone in your life.  Prepare well for this judgement.  Resolve in your heart to do several things: (1) On Sundays, you must be found in the Lord’s house, the church, worshipping God.  He takes priority over all people and all affairs.  Resolve never to miss Sunday worship service.  (2) Keep your Quiet Time.  Read your Bible and pray for yourself, the church, lost souls, and others.  (3) Above all, keep away from sin.  Do not love the world.  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33). 

As we celebrate the church anniversary, let’s thank and praise the Lord for His goodness both to the church and ourselves.  Above all, he has given us his life to save us from eternal destruction.  We must love him with all our heart, and soul, and strength, and mind (Luke 10:27).