Living to Declare God's Works: Experiencing Preservation and Deliverance Through Faith

Message Overview

### Introduction and Gratitude
The service opens with vibrant praise and worship, leading into the scripture reading of Psalm 102:1-14. Pastor Ratna Maitra addresses the congregation, expressing deep gratitude to God for His abiding presence, mercy, and grace throughout the year 2025. She welcomes both the local attendees in the main hall and those seated outside, encouraging everyone to focus their hearts on receiving the living Word of God.

### The Significance of Psalm 118
Pastor Ratna directs the congregation to Psalm 118, positioned uniquely between the shortest psalm (Psalm 117) and the longest (Psalm 119). She explains its rich historical and prophetic heritage:
- **A Messianic Hallel Song:** Psalm 118 is part of the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113–118) traditionally sung during Passover celebrations. It is believed to be the very hymn Jesus sang with His disciples before heading to the Garden of Gethsemane.
- **Historical Endurance:** Ezra 3 records the Israelites singing these same praises when laying the foundation of the second temple after 70 years of Babylonian captivity.

### Reverence for God and Divine Protection
Reflecting on Psalm 118:4 ('Let those who fear the Lord say, His mercy endures forever'), the pastor clarifies what it truly means to fear God:
- **True Reverence vs. Terror:** Fearing God is not an crippling terror, but a holy reverence for His divine authority and truth.
- **Angelic Protection:** According to Psalm 34:7, the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them from trouble.
- **Source of Wisdom:** Psalm 111:10 teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, which is personified in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30).

### Trusting God Over Man
Focusing on Psalm 118:8 ('It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man'), Pastor Ratna warns against relying on worldly power, human associations, or material wealth. While people may disappoint or fail, God's promise stands firm. When surrounded by trials or enemies, believers can declare victory in the name of the Lord.

### Overcoming Untimely Death and Living for His Glory
Preaching on Psalm 118:17 ('I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord'), the pastor issues a powerful declaration against premature death, sickness, and spiritual defeat. She highlights:
- **Turning from Wickedness:** Citing Ecclesiastes 7:17, she warns that persistent wickedness and folly can shorten one's life. True preservation requires turning away from sin and living in alignment with God's Word.
- **Holiness in Secret and Public:** A believer's private character must match their public profession. True spiritual maturity means rejecting hypocrisy, gossip, and division.
- **Physical and Spiritual Health:** True stewardship involves taking care of one's physical body—choosing wholesome nutrition and healthy habits—while guarding one's mind with scripture.

### Conclusion and Holy Communion
Pastor Ratna concludes by calling the church to enter 2026 with renewed commitment, holy confidence, and deep unity. The congregation then participates in the Holy Communion, remembering the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of healing, redemption, and victory.