Pandemic Life
Notes
Transcript
Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”
INTRO—
SO…You start preaching on “2020”…
…& immediately test positive for COVID-19!
It just doesn’t get any better…
…& worse than that.
AND…this experience has only solidified my resolve that we, as God’s people, have much to address to ourselves individually…and among ourselves corporately in these various areas of challenge we face in 2020!
SO…let’s pick it right up and address our attitudes and actions regarding the actual pandemic which has caused such upheaval.
Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”
“Lament/Lamentations”
Expressing feelings of sorrow, mourning, or regret—often done demonstratively. [Lamentations; Psalms (59)]
Individual Lament
Communal Lament
FAITH…Not Fear.
Fear = the irrational ideas I’ve seen online
Masks are conditioning for Islamic/Sharia law in USA.
The vaccine for COVID will be a means to track us all.
Masks are the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13.16-18)
…also, the unnecessary reaction to this virus...
FAITH! = the constant standard for us (God’s people)
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Faith-Life Pandemic Living is...
Flexibility amid uncertainty. (Lamentations 3.22-24)
Remembering that what was true about my life before March 2020 IS STILL TRUE TODAY!!! [I am His; He watches over me; His plan for me is perfect…The “we” of this statement is also true.]
Giving right consideration for the needs of others (above my own… convalescent plasma; masks and community-wide safety orders, etc.)
If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.
FAITHFULNESS…Not Recklessness.
Recklessness = the irresponsible things I’ve seen online. [especially churches/Christian groups]
Disregarding, even flaunting, city/county-wide guidance regarding pandemic mitigation
Claiming ‘persecution’ amid pandemic regulations.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
…also, succumbing to life paralysis.
FAITHFULNESS! = a required attribute of a Christ-follower.
For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’
FAITHFULNESS amid pandemic life is...
Showing our neighbors we understand we are all in this together (especially not the Christian persecution complex).
Interacting within the community…responsibly.
Continuing forward in regathering…& scattering for ministry (especially Great Commission & Great Commandment).
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”
CONCL--
We need to redouble our efforts. …at points in working through lament, we will be the strong one for someone else…at other points, we will need someone to be strong to help us.