Shanghai Community Church hosted an evening Sunday service on March 30, where Rev. Yu Guangzhi, chairperson of the Shanghai Christian Council, delivered a sermon titled "How to Run With Perseverance the Race Marked Out," based on Hebrews 12:1-2.
Yu spoke about the burdens that Christians carry, referring to sin as a weight originating from Adam's sin. He emphasized that while Jesus resolved the problem of sin through the cross, believers still face the consequences of actual sin in the world. Citing John 16:33, he reminded the congregation that Jesus had forewarned of hardships: "In this world, you will have trouble." Some struggles arise from personal choices, while others stem from external circumstances.
Drawing from Hebrews 11:36-38, Yu highlighted how the ancestors of faith endured significant trials, with some even losing their lives for their faith. He contrasted their experiences with the present-day reality, where Christians in China can freely gather for worship every Sunday. However, nobody knows what tomorrow holds for them.
Referencing the recent earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday—claiming thousands of lives and impacting Ruili, a county-level city in Yunnan Province—Yu reflected on life's unpredictability. "You never know which will come first, tomorrow or the unexpected," he remarked.
He then outlined common burdens such as worry, anxiety, evil desires, and hatred. For example, he noted that material pursuits can lead people to become "slaves" to their possessions. Hatred, whether in personal disputes or international conflicts, can be deeply destructive. He urged the congregation to practice forgiveness, as Jesus has forgiven humanity. "Forgiving others is forgiving yourself," he said.
Rev. Yu also emphasized perseverance, describing it as both difficult and essential. "Perseverance may seem passive and pessimistic, but it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit," he explained. He shared the example of elderly believers who, despite physical limitations, make their way to church each early Sunday morning. Rather than complain, they see each new day as an opportunity to draw closer to God.
Finally, he urged the congregation to focus on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith." He cited Job, who lost everything in a single day, and King David, who endured curses from Shimei after being betrayed by his son Absalom. Despite their trials, they remained steadfast in faith.
Concluding his sermon, Yu issued a challenge to young people: "Don't ever lie flat! Our forefathers endured much harsher conditions than we do."
