28/03/2026
Worshippers at Sogavare Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gerehu Stage 6 were reminded of the depth of God’s love and the power of redemption this morning.
Delivering a Sabbath sermon, Senior Elder Keneku Evenaga said humanity was ruined by sin but Jesus redeemed us from the bo***ge of sin and death.
The sermon, which complemented the 13th Sabbath theme on the Lord’s Supper and foot washing, centred on the topic “Ruin to Redemption.”
It highlighted humanity’s fallen condition and the saving grace found through Jesus Christ.
Drawing from 1 Peter 1:18–19, Elder Evenaga emphasised that humanity was not redeemed by perishable things such as silver or gold, but through the precious blood of Christ, described as a lamb without blemish.
He further referenced Colossians 1:13–14, noting that God has rescued humanity from the dominion of darkness and brought believers into His kingdom, where redemption and forgiveness of sins are found.
Using the illustration of a car beyond repair that is restored to a new lease of life, Elder Evenaga explained that while humans may not recognise their own brokenness, God sees the full extent of sin’s ruin.
He said sin has caused deep spiritual, moral, and physical damage to humanity and creation.
Reflecting on Genesis 1:31, he described God’s original creation as “very good,” marked by perfect relationships, purity, and harmony, with no death or suffering.
However, he said sin entered through disobedience in Genesis 3:6–7, bringing immediate separation from God, broken fellowship, and fear, as Adam and Eve hid from their Creator.
Quoting Isaiah 59:2, he stressed that sin separates humanity from God, while a passage from Steps to Christ highlighted how sin darkens the mind and weakens human perception of God’s love.
Elder Evenaga outlined four dimensions of ruin caused by sin: spiritual ruin through separation from God; moral ruin through the corruption of human nature, as noted in Romans 5:12; physical and natural ruin as creation itself was cursed; and universal ruin, where all creation groans under the weight of sin, as described in Romans 8:22.
He also spoke on the “deadly conditions” affecting humanity, including debt, enmity against God, and the moral problem of sin, referencing Matthew 6:12, Romans 8:7, and 1 John 3:4. He stressed that no human effort can resolve these conditions.
“The only ransom is the body and blood of Jesus,” he said, pointing to Hebrews 9:22, which teaches that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
According to the sermon, the blood of Jesus pays humanity’s debt, cleanses sin, and restores life. Elder Evenaga explained that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross remains central to the redemption process, supported by scriptures such as 1 John 1:7.
He further highlighted the significance of the cross of Calvary, referencing Colossians 2:14, John 19:30, and Ephesians 2:16, which reveal the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice and reconciliation of humanity to God.
Looking ahead, Elder Evenaga spoke of the “blessed hope” found in Revelation 19:9, reminding believers of the promise of Christ’s return and the joy it brings to the faithful.
He linked the communion service to Christ’s sacrifice, saying it symbolises the power of the cross to break sin, heal broken hearts, and restore purpose and dignity in human life.
He also noted that Jesus continues His ministry as High Priest, making atonement for sins.
