Today, I welcome you to embrace and celebrate the Lord’s Day. Our gathering is a testament to our shared journey in faith and our collective yearning to delve deeper into the life of Christ. As we reconvene at 2 o’clock for our study this afternoon, I hope you will join us to further our understanding and discussions on God’s profound words.

The essence of our gathering today revolves around a concept that is as inevitable as it is challenging—change. Specifically, I want to explore the monumental shift from the Old Testament to the New Testament, the transition from the old law to the law of Jesus Christ. This transition, embraced by many, also faced resistance. It’s a reflection of the human disposition towards change, a disposition that I, too, find myself wrestling with as I navigate through the complexities of life and faith.

Change is not just a historical or biblical phenomenon; it is deeply personal and present in our daily routines. My weekly schedule, for example, is a testament to the routines we find ourselves ensnared by, yet it also highlights the transformative change Jesus brings into our lives. Change, through Jesus, is not to be feared. In Ephesians 2, Paul reminds us that through Jesus, we are brought from death to life—transitioning from being ensnared in sin to being alive in Christ. This is not merely a metaphorical change but a fundamental transformation of our status, conduct, and destiny.

Consider our conduct, which is influenced by the world around us and often leads us astray. Yet, as Paul elucidates in Ephesians 2, through Jesus, we are called to a higher standard, one that might set us apart and make us seem ‘strange’ to those not on this path. This change in conduct is a testament to our faith, a visible sign of our allegiance to Christ and His teachings.

Furthermore, our destiny is radically altered by Jesus’ intervention. Through grace, we are saved, not by our deeds but by faith—a gift from God. This salvation is not just a promise of a life beyond this one but a calling to envision and work towards a kingdom of heaven here and now. The richness of God’s grace, as revealed in the scriptures, is a promise of what lies ahead for those who believe and adhere to Jesus’ teachings.

As we reflect on these changes—our status, conduct, and destiny—I invite you to introspect: Has Jesus changed your life? If you find yourself distant from these truths, know that the path to transformation is through hearing the gospel, repenting, confessing Jesus as Lord, and being baptized into a new life. This journey doesn’t end at baptism; it requires us to remain faithful, continually cleansed by Jesus’ sacrifice.

Let us embrace the changes that Jesus offers, letting them reshape our lives and guide us toward the eternal grace promised to us.