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Faith Amidst Tragedy: A Lesson from Taiwan’s Earthquake
Friends, I want to talk to you today about something that happened on September 21, 1999. Taiwan was hit by a shallow earthquake, magnitude 7.3. It was a day of tragedy, with 2,415 lives lost, 29 missing, and over 51,711 buildings collapsed. During that darkness, search and rescue teams from all around the globe came together, bringing light and hope to the affected. They brought their dogs and worked tirelessly, saving countless lives. It reminds me of Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
Now, you might be wondering, does the Bible talk about being saved? Absolutely, my friends. Being saved, in the biblical sense, carries profound meanings. In the Old Testament, it often meant being rescued from physical dangers or enemies. Think about Moses, how he stood up for the Midian priest’s daughters, or David, whose Psalms reassure us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). It’s about God’s deliverance, whether it’s from the hands of our foes or from the chains of our sins.
The New Testament takes “being saved” to another dimension, emphasizing the salvation of our souls, the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ. It talks about being saved not just from earthly troubles but from eternal separation from God. Jesus walking on water to save Peter, who cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30), isn’t just a story about physical rescue; it’s a powerful metaphor for spiritual salvation.
And how many can be saved? Jesus told us, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24). It’s not about numbers, my friends. It’s about the quality of our faith, our commitment to walk through that door. Jesus didn’t just open the way; He showed us how to walk it—through faith, repentance, and living a life that reflects His teachings.
Jesus also taught us with the parable of the narrow door that knowing Him, hearing His words, isn’t enough. We need to live by those words, to truly embody the spirit of Christ in our actions, our thoughts, and our hearts. Remember, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). It’s a call to live a life that honors God, to be the light in the darkness, much like those rescue teams in Taiwan.
In closing, let me remind you, God is our rock, our salvation. It’s not just about being saved from the trials of this world but being saved for eternity, through the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Let’s not just seek the Lord in times of trouble but walk with Him every day, striving for that narrow gate, for at the end of that path, my friends, is the promise of eternal salvation, a promise that is open to all who choose to believe, to hope, and to love.
We warmly invite you to come to the True Jesus Church’s bi-annual Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation. See details below.
18-21 April, 2024 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation
Thursday, 18 April, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 19-20 April, 2023 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, 21 April, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.
For regular service hours, please click here.
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org