Stay in Jerusalem
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· 407 viewsThe message responding to the state ban on more than 250 due to the Coronavirus
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Our theme for 2020 is , Courageous Followers” from
We chose a theme for the entire year. All our focus is to fulfill that theme. I prayed to God, in Jesus’ name, for over three months for a theme. I light of the global pandemic of Covid-19, I have no doubt Jesus Christ has called his church to be courageous.
In Massachusetts, grocery store shelves are bear. People are storing up food. Americans fear hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people will contract the virus and many will die. Vicious rumors about quarantining entire cities and towns throughout America. People cough or sneeze and think the worst. You can still catch and cold or even the FLU; it does not mean you are infected with the Coronavirus. Jesus commanded his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who the Father promised.
You can catch and cold or even the FLU; does not mean it is COVID-19.
Jesus’ disciples, sheltered in fear. The Jews conspired with the Romans to have Jesus crucified. but they must remain there. God would soon pour out upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave his disciples a command! Jesus encouraged his church not to panic or falter. God would meet them in Jerusalem if they stayed in place.
This was a crisis, yet Jesus encouraged his church not to panic or falter. God would meet them in Jerusalem if they stayed in place.
America is in a crisis.
Many states across the country have banned public gatherings of more than 250 people. The ban is there to mitigate the spread of the virus. (How many people affected?)
Many states across the country have banned public gatherings of more than 250 people. The ban is the mitigate the spread of the virus. (How many people affected?)
I’ve never experienced a time like this in my life. I have never seen a time of such world wide anxiety.
In Massachusetts, grocery store shelves are bear. People are storing up food. Americans fear hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people will contract the virus and many will die. Vicious rumors about quarantining entire cities and towns throughout America. People cough or sneeze and think the worst. You can still catch and cold or even the FLU; it does not mean you are infected with the Coronavirus. Jesus commanded his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who the Father promised.
Boston is use to cancelling Sunday services when we’ve had winter storms. The snow can shut down Northern cities. We’ve never cancelled public worship indefinitely. We have the assurance of Jesus’s words. I am also hopeful.
I am also hopeful.
Jerusalem was very dangerous for his disciples
Jerusalem was very dangerous for his disciples
Jesus’ followers faced the threat of death in Jerusalem unless they denounced faith in him. As of March 14th, The New York Times wrote, there have been at least 2,443 cases of coronavirus confirmed by lab tests and 50 deaths across the United States. 153,000 sick, 5,700 have died.
Jesus commanded his disciples to stay in Jerusalem, it was not for religious reasons, but for faith, obedience and commitment. Today, and back then, Jerusalem was the most religious city in the world. Jerusalem is also but is also the symbol of spiritual commitment. “We are in Boston, you are in your own city, but, as followers of Christ, we are in Jerusalem.
Today, and back then, Jerusalem was the most religious city in the world. But Jerusalem is also but is also the place of spiritual commitment.
STAY IN JERUSALEM!
“We are in Boston, you are in your own city, but, as followers of Christ, we are in Jerusalem.
Stay in Jerusalem means, DO NOT PANIC
The Coronavirus offers many lessons.
Good people, including Christians, can and will catch COVID-19 because the human body is the same and it is susceptible to diseases.
I understand the book of Leviticus much better. The Lord put great emphasis on touching unclean things.
“ ‘You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them.’ ”
We been introduced to social distancing. Everyone is being advised to keep 6 feet away from people. If someone cough’s or sneezes and their moister reaches you, you can be affected. This is why many states have banned social gatherings, sports leagues have suspened their seasons, conferences, conventions and concerts are all suspended. The lack of contact demands touching we touch each other in heart and mind: Jesus Christ gave us the assurance of His presence....
The lack of contact demands touching we touch each other in heart and mind: Jesus Christ gave us the assurance of His presence....
Stay in Jerusalem means, LIVE IN EXPECTATION OF GOD’S PROMISES
What can we expect from God?
God is merciful. God will heal the body of Christ and maybe the country through this reset. Here are some things to watch for...
Many prophecies, including doomsday prophecies
Mini acts of kindness from unknown sources (showing empathy, feeding, clothing people, baby sitting, running errands.
Activating unity throughout the world, even them on ostracized groups
A slower pace of life
A change in diet and less wasteful
Americans will be more frugal
The church is the perfect time for the Church because we operate by a different Ethos. We are best in the time of crisis.
Stay in Jerusalem, means BE ENCOURAGED
At this time, spiritual leader ship and sacrifice are important. Jesus guided the underground church in a critical time. He calmed their fears with his presence. He quickened their spirits with God’s promise and he instructed them in a time of great anxiety.
The church is the perfect time for the Church because we operate by a different Ethos. We are best in the time of crisis.
We have the Holy Spirit to encouraging us.
Jesus is encouraging us,
Do not panic. If you church is closed, it will open soon. You can pray at home...
Do not laps in faith... stay faithful (support the ministry. Pray for your pastor and church staff…)
The Church is not the building, but the body of believers. Wherever you are, you can be in Jerusalem...
You can count on God’s presence.
Wherever you are, you can be in Jerusalem...
You can count on God’s presence.
God promised us divine Fellowship
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
God will remain with us at this hour.
JESUS CHRIST will be in our midst. WHERE TWO OR THREE GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME, I AM IN THE MIDST OF THEM.
Even in death... some people you know may die; but they will live. “I am the Resurrection and the Life...
God is loyal and faithful.
if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
We must be faithful to God, even now. We must stay in Jerusalem.
Stay in Jerusalem also means STAY IN PRAYER.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
WE WILL SOON SEE THE HAND OF GOD.
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started.” So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.