Does everyone have toilet paper?
There is no doubt that we are living in some strange and difficult times. • There is uncertainty. There is confusion. And there is fear. Today we will take a break from our series in Romans to address our/the church’s response to what is happening with the Coronavirus and similar forms of Crisis. No, Covid19 is not in the Bible, yet God has plenty to tell us regarding trouble in our world.
Today we will be reading out of John’s Gospel Chapter 16. In this passage we find Jesus Giving his disciples encouragement as he forewarns them about some upcoming events and how things will be in the future. Jesus is talking about leaving them and going to His father, but He’s also informing them that there will be trouble as they go through life. In fact, He is giving them instructions along the way.
My prayer today is that through God’s word we as the Body of Christ will be better equipped to live out our faith in Christ Jesus and encourage others to set aside panic and hysteria and put their faith in Jesus.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 – New International Version
I have broken this down into 3 points for you. Let’s check it out…
Jesus Has Prepared Us In Advance
In this passage Jesus tells his disciples, “Hey I got you!” Just so that you are prepared… I’m giving you godly wisdom that you may not go off track. In the history of our world we have faced many great and terrible things. Wars, Disease, Natural Disasters, & Unrest in our communities. And never once did God ever say, “Wow! I did not see that Coming.” It never took him by surprise. Because he holds our entire human condition in his hands. All time, All Space, and all matter. It’s all under his command.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – New International Version
This is why we have His Word and this is how faith is strengthened.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16 – New International Version
As believers, we do not have the luxury of following along as the unwise do. Because Jesus already told us that we would have trouble, we can know that trouble is on its way and we can know what to do when it arrives.
Today in the here and now, I believe that God is calling us {the Body of Christ at Living Water Assembly of God} to lead our community through these evil days. He has equipped us by His Spirit to shine a light of hope into the darkness and panic of the time. We do this first by demonstrating wisdom. On the practical side, Our medical and science professionals have given us some guidelines to help keep us safe and to help keep this virus from spreading unnecessarily. On the spiritual side, there is a compassion opportunity here. People are sick, some are afraid, and these people will be looking for answers to questions that only Jesus has. Its our job to help them.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 – New International Version
This is what the world needs. We have an opportunity to be agents of Power, love, and soundness of mind that will strike a blow to fear in our community, In Jesus’ name!
Let’s move to my next point.
In Christ Jesus We May Have Peace
We know that God can use doctors and medicine and test kits to bring about healing, but it is only by Jesus Christ can we have peace in the storm. With Jesus/The Prince of Peace we can have peace while we are waiting. As ambassadors of Christ we can administer hope and peace to those who do not know Jesus. This is our moment to bring the hope of Jesus Christ in Crisis.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 – New International Version
If we will begin to intercede in prayer for our community, we can bring about change in our city. If we will begin to intercede in prayer for our officials, we can bring about change in our state/country. God is waiting for His people to pick up our mantles and meet Him on the spiritual battlefield.
In times of trouble, fear and uncertainty will drive people to church. They will begin to seek God for answers. For some It will be the first time they have considered God as a viable option. We have the opportunity to Restore to them and each other to that which the enemy has stolen. It’s the Peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. The way we do this in real-time today is simple. Check on your neighbor, bring them a meal. Help them with their shopping, If their sick you know they cant go out and do it themselves. Jesus tells His disciples this…
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40 – New International Version
Give them an encouraging word. Lead the with the Love of the Lord.
Let’s move on to my last point.
Be Encouraged, Jesus Has Overcome the World
He have something truly unique. We have faith in Jesus. We know that he is capable of protecting us. We know that he can heal us. We know that he is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords And even though he slays me I will still trust him.
Truly there is nothing on this earth that can separate us from His love. Because I know His great love, I am encouraged to Deny myself. Because I know His great love, I am encouraged to pick up my cross. Because I know His great Love, I am encouraged to Follow Jesus. Hope in Crisis, Hope in Christ
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 – New International Version
God has promised he will be with us. In Jesus Christ we don’t have to be afraid. In Jesus Christ we have a purpose, to display His Love, His mercy, and His Grace. I’m talking about the Heart of the Father of all creation.
If you take home anything today, let it be these two things:
First, You need not be afraid; The Spirit of the Living God is in you. Fear is not your natural state in Jesus. It is a lie from the pit of hell. There is a situation out there, but God has given you wisdom to follow • And he will never leave you nor for sake you. Second, You are an ambassador of the most high God, and you are on a mission to bring others to Christ in the midst of this panic. We cannot display the light of Christ if we are behaving like the world. Take care of each other and love your neighbor through this difficult time.
Remember today the words of our Lord…—
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 – New International Version
He has already overcome the world. All the sickness, All the fear, All the uncertainty, He has defeated death, Hell, and the Grave. His name is Jesus and he is Mighty God!
Some of you already know the Lord, but maybe you have been afraid and you need a fresh touch from God today.
This is just you and God here. Now someone here may not have that relationship with Jesus and today you’ve felt him tugging at your heart, you’ve been thinking about all the panic and hysteria and you’re here today because you have questions that only God can answer.
In this crisis, You need hope today, you know that you need Jesus! Are you ready to ask Jesus into your heart today?
If you’ll say Pastor, I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior.
Will you acknowledge Him today.
Nobody is looking around its just you and God.
Will you pray with me today, Well pray here as a family and you can repeat after me.
Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I ask you today for your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. Guide me and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
Numbers 6:24-26
25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’