The Christian
Believer & The Coronavirus
We are THE CHURCH!
Presented by Edward Bender – 2021-12
Introduction:
So, we are in the middle of a
Coronavirus outbreak. How to we traverse
the obstacles in our way? First and foremost, we must remember that WE ARE THE CHURCH! “19 So then you are no longer strangers
and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the
household of God, 20 built
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as
the cornerstone.[e] 21 In
him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together
spiritually into a dwelling
place for God.” Ephesians 2:19-22, NRSV. So, what does that mean? We must act like THE CHURCH even when times
are tough and it
isn’t easy to “BE THE
CHRUCH!”
Remembering, that “14 You are the light of the world. A
city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No
one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the
lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In
the same way, let
your light shine before others, so that they may see your good
works and give
glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16,
NRSV.
WE ARE THE CHURCH!!! Yes, we are providing online
services, emails, phone calls and texts and that is necessary and essential,
however, that is not the only thing WE AS THE CHURCH must be ACTIVELY DOING!
I believe that we should obey the authorities as much as
possible. “1 Let
every
person be subject to the governing authorities;
for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist
have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority
resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur
judgment.” Romans
13:1. 2, NRSV. Also, keeping in mind that, “29 …“We must obey God rather than any
human authority.” Acts 5:29, NRSV.
I.
We
must look at Paul & Silas’ Example: No
fear, be positive…
Even though they were in prison, they
prayed, praised and sang hymns to the God of Creation.
“25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and
the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake,
so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken [we may feel like
our foundation is shaking]; and immediately all the doors [the door of
prayer is always open] were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the
prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since
he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But
Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Acts 16:25-28,
NRSV.
Christians and
non-christians are enduring this trial however, how
we react to it shows we are
of the Light! WE ARE THE CHURCH! “12 Beloved, do
not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test
you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But
rejoice insofar as you are sharing
Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his
glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13, NRSV.
“1I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. 2 He
removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit
he prunes to make it bear more fruit. [Are we allowing God to prune us today?] 3 You have already been cleansed by
the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide
in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless
it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the
branches. Those who abide in me and I in
them bear much fruit, because apart from
me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5,
NRSV.
“2 My
brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing
but joy, 3 because
you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance [patience]; 4 and
let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4,
NRSV.
II.
Not
by Bread Only…
One does not
conquer trial by his own efforts, but by the Power and Spirit of God! “4 But he answered, “It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every
word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4,
NRSV. Again, if we take credit for the
spiritual strength that God gives us, we are taking credit for something we do
not have of ourselves. We need HIS
STRENGTH, COMFORT and UPLIFTMENT so that we can be THE CHURCH to OTHERS!
III.
Don’t
forget the Widows and Orphans…
Let us be sure that we do not forget those who
are truly isolated!
“27 Religion
that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in
their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27,
NRSV. They are the ones that walked the
faith before us and we MUST NOT FORGET THEIR EXAMPLES AND SACRIFICES, remember,
THEY
ARE THE CHURCH ALSO!
Many of our elderly in the Faith do not
have access to modern technology, so we need to make a special effort to call
them on the phone, personally visit them keep the proper distance and lifting
them up by pray and Bible reading. DO
NOT FORGET THE ELDERLY, THEY ARE THE CHURCH ALSO!!
IV.
We
are still Disciples;
the Great Commission is still ACTIVE!!
“19 Go therefore and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, 20 and
teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am
with you always, to the
end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20, NRSV.
THE
CHURCH should
still be growing! Are we still
witnessing? The
early CHURCH grew the best under persecution; we have that same opportunity in
today’s climate. “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to
judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I
solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim
the message; be
persistent whether the time is favorable
or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will
not put up with sound doctrine,
but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit
their own desires, 4 and
will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure
suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5,
NRSV.
Conclusion:
Never
forget that WE ARE THE CHURCH, no matter
the condition we are living in. It
actually may be easier to witness now than we thing
are “normal”?
