Those of you who follow my
regular offerings here may notice this one is in a different format. This is
intentional because of all that is going on around us. This piece is a
continuation of my offering last week which can be accessed via the link at the
bottom of the page,
COVID-19 continues to change our routines
and even more changes are in store. As we try our best to cope, even more questions
arise.
8. What is the Church?
For many of us, our local churches play a significant role in our lives. By
necessity, temporary suspensions of worship services including Sunday school,
Bible studies, and outreaches are now a necessity. I will honestly say that
this has impacted my life more than any other change. But there are two things
we can immediately learn from this. First, the church is NOT the building. Second,
the church is NOT simply a small group of people who gather on Sunday because
they worship in the same way. The church is the entire body of believers worldwide
with Christ as its head. The church is very much alive, and it is my prayer
that it may blossom as never before when the current threat of COVID-19 subsides.
Ephesians 2:19-20 (NET) - So then you are no longer
foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and
members of God’s household, because you have been built on the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
9. Has the Mission of the
Church Changed? No. The mission of the church has not changed. The
Great Commission remains unaltered. The world was in desperate need of hope
before COVID-19 became a part of our vocabulary. That need is even more
desperate now.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NET) - Then Jesus came up and said to
them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded
you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
10. Can We Pursue the Great
Commission Right Now? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is a resounding
“YES!” Congregations and individuals are meeting this challenge by spreading
the word in new and creative ways. They are becoming more technologically
adept. Pastors are delivering messages online. Individuals are turning to
things like social media to share their faith with others. God is there to help
us in these endeavors if we but turn to Him for guidance.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NET) - Now there are different
gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same
Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of
them in everyone.
11. What is Important?
The importance of prayer cannot be overstated. This was true before COVID-19.
It is true now. It will continue to be so as long as we dwell upon God’s earth.
Ephesians 6:18 (NET) - With every prayer and petition,
pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all
perseverance and petitions for all the saints.
12. Can Any Good Come of
This? YES! This answer should come as no surprise. But perhaps a
reminder would be in order.
Romans 8:28 (NET) - And we know that all things work
together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his
purpose,
13. Is How We LIVE
Important? The way we choose to live can speak volumes to those who do
not know Christ or need to know Him better. A student of mine once stated: “We
may be the closest thing to a Bible a person might encounter”. This is
especially true as people choose to live in fear. Our love for God and for our
fellow man should be plainly obvious to everyone right now. Especially those
whose lives are governed by fear and suspicion. While others “look out for
number one”, we should look up to God and out for our fellow man.
Matthew 5: 14-16 (NET) - You are the light of the world. A city located
on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a
basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same
way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds
and give honor to your Father in heaven.
14. Socially Distant?
One of the consequences of COVID-19 is that we adopt “Social Distancing” to
help reduce the spread of the virus. While we must (for now) adopt this for the
good of all, my greatest concern is that it may have unintended consequences. Broadly
speaking, we have already become socially distant from those less fortunate.
Moreover, we have all witnessed how people immediately turn to their phones and
devices rather than engage with those around them. Once the threat of COVID-19
subsides it might become even more tempting for us to remain socially distant.
My prayer is that this period of isolation will make us hunger for more social
interaction rather than less. Living in isolation is not what we were designed
for.
John 10:10 (NET) - The thief comes only to steal and
kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it
abundantly.
Our lives have changed in some
radical ways. Certainly the most in living memory. This will pass! Things will
get better! But until they do, let us remember how Jesus wants us to LIVE!
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on
Friday, April 3, 2020.
I’ll be back here on Friday, April
10, 2020
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