Representing the Kingdom (May 2020)
The whole world is watching whether we want to believe it or not. It has been said the only Bible one may ever read is your life.
During the pandemic and the ongoing days of isolation, social distancing, and working from home, we will either have too much time on our hands or not enough time. If we have too much time on our hands, which I believe is the norm, media service providers thank you. Alcohol sales have increased 55% in the last month and pornography and drug use have skyrocketed. With the coronavirus still on the prowl, it is safe to say that the isolation in some situations is leading to greater dysfunction.
The issue for all of us is: How will I pass the time in this new norm? My actions may not leak into the statistics of the nightly news, but for the believer we must look deep within. It is in these idle times where the god substitutes of our past will embrace us and welcome us with open arms. It is also when Jesus whispers for us to come to Him (1 Peter 5:7-8). Another question to ask is: How we will treat those we love and how will we treat strangers, as well as represent the God we love?
Christians represent God to the culture through His church. In other words, what is communicated, right or wrong, by the church to the culture is of paramount importance. A church in the Cincinnati, Ohio area continues to meet despite the guidelines of social gatherings from area officials. “Everyone must submit to the authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those positions of authority have been placed there by God.” (Romans 13:1)
On Palm Sunday, a pastor and numerous members of this church exiting the parking lot echoed these words to the news reporter: “By the blood of Jesus, we as believers are immune and protected from the coronavirus.” Some churches even communicate that it is one’s lack of faith when one gets sick.
The whole world is watching. The truth is our theology matters. How we live matters. May we continue to pray. Pray for safety. Pray for Christians and those who do not believe to be healed from this virus. Pray for people to come to faith in Jesus. Pray for Christian churches (the redeemed) and ministries around the world touching lives in the greater public eye. (Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse). Pray that in our daily lives that we would reflect Jesus in these unsettling times.
5 Ways to Respond to the Pandemic (Pastor Matt Friend-Bible Center Church):
-Frequently check on the people in your life (Mark 12:30-31)
-Find creative ways to gather (Acts 2:42-47)
-Take time to rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
-Pray (Matthew 6:9-13)
-Know that Jesus is your hope! (John 11:25-26)
Praying we can soon meet as a family.
Pastor Rich Edwards