03.15.20am Christians and COVID-19

Sermon Outline: These are challenging times, but the church has survived famine (Acts 11:27-30) and persecution (Acts 9:23-25) by bonding together and keeping faith. With difficulty, there is always a chance for us to grow (James 1:2-4). So let us consider three ways we can demonstrate faith in these times. I. Faith, Not Fear A. We must remember that we are sons of God (Romans 8:12-17) who are loved by God (Romans 8:31-39). B. We are those walk who through the valley of the shadow of death without fear because we know Who walks with us (Psalm 23). C. Our faith is being tried, but if we cling to our Savior and His salvation we will know the realization of our hope (1 Peter 1:6-9). D. Trust God to see you through, no matter what. II. Selfless Love, Not Selfishness A. Love Your Neighbor. 1. The second great commandment is to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:34-40). Paul reiterates this commandment as the summation of much of Christian responsibility toward our fellow man (Romans 13:8-10). 2. The good Samaritan reminds us that all men are our neighbors and should be helped by those of us who have the means (Luke 10:25-37). B. Love Your Brother. 1. We love as Christ has loved us (1 John 3 :16-19). 2. We love, looking to the needs of each other above our own (Romans 12:9-13). C. Let love for the brotherhood and for all men be demonstrated as we act by faith. III. Light, Not Darkness A. When we walk by faith, not by fear, then we have the opportunity to shine the light of Christ. When we love we demonstrate Christ’s love in us (Matthew 5:14-16). B. It is these times when Christian love and faith ought to shine in a world that needs to see it! Let us act by faith, not by fear. Let us love selflessly. Let us be light, not darkness. How will you show your faith? How will you show your love? How will you shine your light? Church of Christ 3/15/20