"See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you (Isaiah 60:2)." Quoting this verse during a recent Sunday service, Pastor C (anonymity for safety reasons) reminded the congregation that although modern society is marked by technological advancement and material abundance, many hearts remain burdened with anxiety, emptiness, and a sense of loss.
"Anxiety pervades today's society," he noted. The wealthy fear the depreciation of their assets, the poor struggle to make ends meet, the youth worry about employment, the elderly fear for their health, women are troubled by their appearance, and men are anxious about achieving success. It seems that few, if any, are free from the grip of anxiety. Yet, Pastor C emphasized that the church is not meant to follow the currents of the world but to serve as a light in the darkness, guiding people to Christ. With this message, he expounded on the church's responsibility in the current era from three key perspectives.
Citing Philippians 2:5-8, he emphasized that Christ's obedience was not passive but a willing sacrifice. Though he was in very nature God, Jesus humbled himself by taking on human form and even submitting to death on a cross.
Pastor C further urged the congregation to embody God's will. "When Christians follow Jesus' example of obedience and lay aside their ambitions, God can accomplish His redemptive work through believers," he said.
He also warned against two misguided attitudes toward faith. The first, which he referred to as the "hand of Uzzah," recalls the account in 2 Samuel 6:6-7, where God struck Uzzah for reaching out to steady the ark. Some believers, he noted, use this story as a justification, saying, "This is none of my concern." Such an attitude is a pretext for shirking responsibility, ultimately hindering the church's ministry.
The second misguided attitude, Pastor C explained, is what he called "Martha's busyness." He stressed that while Jesus did not dismiss Martha's service, He pointed out that "few things are needed—or indeed only one" (Luke 10:42), referring to the word of God. Pastor C emphasized that no matter how many activities a church may organize, they will ultimately be fruitless if not grounded in biblical truth.
Subsequently, citing Philippians 2:14-16, Pastor C urged the congregation to live as "blameless and pure" children of God in a warped and crooked generation.
He referenced the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness, noting that although their grievances were directed at Moses, they were in fact questioning God's leadership. In the same way, he warned that a church filled with complaints and disputes cannot effectively bear witness to God. He pointed to a sobering example: the U.S. Episcopal Church's division following the 2003 ordination of a homosexual bishop. The controversy sparked a fierce conflict between supporters and opponents, with both sides using the Bible to condemn one another. The prolonged six-year dispute ultimately resulted in the church's split.
Pastor C then shared a testimony from Nigeria, where a church suffered a suicide attack by the extremist group Boko Haram, leading to numerous deaths. In response, the survivors chose not to retaliate, but they sang hymns, prayed, rebuilt the church in the ruins, and even established a medical clinic to serve their Muslim neighbors. "This is the kind of testimony that shines like stars in the world," he said, "one that comes through transformed lives, not through arguments or disputes."
Finally, reflecting on Philippians 2:17-18, Pastor C emphasized that joy lies at the heart of the Christian faith. He explained that this does not ignore suffering but affirms God's victory amid hardship.
He again referenced the Nigerian church's response to the terrorist attack, quoting a survivor who said, "Our wounds are still here, but our singing is louder." Pastor C noted that such joy is not a fake smile but a deep hope grounded in the resurrection. He contrasted this with secular joy, which depends on external circumstances, while Christian joy is rooted in Christ.
In closing, the pastor reminded the congregation, "The church is not merely a building but a body of people illuminated by Christ, called to shine his light into the world. We are not the light ourselves, but God can dispel darkness through us—if we are willing to be used by Him."
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Poppy Chan
