Pandemic Life 2
SO, THIS IS 2020?!?! • Sermon • Submitted
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· 6 viewsSermon 4 in So This is 2020?!?! series--topics of concern in this challenging year.
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Transcript
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.
INTRO—
SO… Amid the aftermath of a tornado…Amid a forest fire…Amid an ice storm…HOW DO WE RESPOND?
ALSO…put yourself in this situation: when facing a situation impacting every component of your world…and everyone else’s, too. Which also stops you in your tracks and you’re not sure what to think or do about the information you are receiving. Others around you seem to have definite ideas about the best and right way to face this, but you struggle to find a good and right response—and action—amid the situation. To whom do you turn for help?
I hope our answers to these questions overlap in what I believe to be a Christ-honoring way—[ANSWER(S)!]
(1) "Wow! I sure hope everyone there is ok (no one is hurt, etc.).” … “What could I do to help?”
(2) I am looking for someone, specifically who first seeks to honor Jesus with all his/her life, with confidence, compassion, and patience.
As we are looking for help in the strength to stand, walking by faith and not by sight…first from the truth our Lord reveals in His word, WE MUST BE PREPARED TO FIRST AND FOREMOST BE ONE ANOTHER’S HELPERS, rather than critics and mockers. [I realize this puts me in a challenging situation as a pastor…and preaching on this…]
FAITH…Not Fear.
2 Corinthians 5.7; Hebrews 11.1, 6
Either irrational or paralytic thoughts.
Walking by FAITH =
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.) [Philippians 2.1-4]
So, continuing...
FAITHFULNESS…Not Recklessness.
Recklessness = the irresponsible things I’ve seen online, overheard, had conversations about…; recklessness in the other side of the coin, going from inaction to irresponsible, inconsiderate actions.
Disregarding, even flaunting, city/county-wide guidance regarding pandemic mitigation ["my rights,” “my liberties”]
Claiming ‘persecution’ amid pandemic regulations. [this is the corporate “my rights…my...”]
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 self-centered, self satisfaction.
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).
The “My Rights”…as a child of the Eternal King, surrendered through repentance of sin to His lordship, what rights do you have? NONE!
Interacting within the community…responsibly.
Continuing forward in regathering…& scattering for ministry (especially Great Commission & Great Commandment).
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
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—
Evaluate & Adjust...
Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.
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.”