Author: jstchurchofchrist

Coronavirus Update

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2)

Dear Brethren, 

As you know there is a deadly virus that has spread across the world to the point that we are now under a “stay at home” quarantine order for the entire state of Oregon. Other states have similar lock downs in place and many congregations are prohibited from gathering as assemblies by state order for fear of spreading the virus.

The reason quarantines are in place is because the world now recognizes that it stops the spread of a contagion from passing from one person to the next. This should be no surprise to us as Bible students because it was God who issued the first instructions of a quarantine in Leviticus chapters 13 and 14. The world is practicing the same principle of quarantine God instructed over 3,000 yrs ago –– simply because it works. 

Even those who were exposed were restricted from observing the passover feast until the following month (Numbers 9:6-11). Some have already been in self-quarantine due to susceptibility or possible exposure situations. The good news is that currently none of our congregation have been found to be infected.

The state of Oregon has issued a stay at home order restricting assemblies until it is safe, in order to save lives. The men of the congregation were unanimous in the decision to postpone worship services and classes at the building, in order for everyone to worship from home, until the order is lifted or circumstances improve to allow assembly. This is not a government oppression of faith because it is an order enforced on all citizens, not just churches. It is unfortunate but necessary since one person could infect the entire congregation, which would force everyone to stay home regardless, but under much worse circumstances. This is the very reason God gave instructions for quarantine to Israel in the Old Testament. 

This Sunday will not be the same because we are unable to assemble together to worship and praise God together. However, God knows the heart, and we will each be able to worship from home, separated by distance but together in spirit. I will post a new sermon for each Sunday at: jstchurchofchrist.com under the sermon section of the website. I will continue working at the church building to prepare Bible class lessons and sermons. 

We are all in this together. Get your directories out and remember to phone, text, email or write to encourage one another. Spread the word if anyone needs any help. Please pray for one another, for those infected, for families affected and for the nation and the Church the world over. 

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you, 
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”  (Numbers 6:24-26)

Bill Turner

What Are Christians to Do in a Global Pandemic?

Text: Matthew 10:16

At the present time, everyone is talking about the Coronavirus. It originated in China and has been spreading throughout the world. The World Health Organization has classified it as a pandemic. The President of the United States has declared a national emergency. A lot of people are scared, there’s a lot of uncertainty, and people have a lot of questions. At a time like this, it is good to be reminded of some Bible principles that relate to this kind of issue.

First, Be Wise (Matthew 10:16)

  • Jesus was sending His disciples out to the world where they would face difficulties – they would face this for preaching, yet the principle applies to any difficult situation before us
  • We need to exercise wisdom in dealing with this difficult situation – exercise good judgment, wash hands, watch for symptoms, be prepared (food, supplies, etc.); if you’re immune system is weak or compromised, take extra precautions

Second, Be Harmless (Matthew 10:16)

  • Jesus told His disciples to be “innocent” or “harmless” (KJV) – don’t cause problems or bring harm to others
  • We should not bring harm to others if we can help it – if you’re sick, stay in; be especially careful with those who are vulnerable health-wise

Third, Be a Good Neighbor (Matthew 7:12)

  • We are to practice the golden rule – this is the essence of love; all that we do is to be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)
  • Treat others as you would want to be treated – limit contact, avoid visits, offer help if needed, etc.

Fourth, Don’t Forget to Pray (Philippians 4:6-7)

  • What requests do we have of God in times like this? – health, safety, cure, calm, wisdom, etc.; make these requests known in prayer
  • Do this with thanksgiving – this is vital; this is what enables us to have the peace of God

Fifth, Don’t Be Naive (Proverbs 14:15)

  • People often act irrationally out of fear – true of individuals and of society as a whole
  • Don’t be taken advantage of by someone claiming to help – most are sincere; a few may not be
  • Don’t be so naive as to believe every conspiracy theory out there – skepticism is healthy, but not this extreme

Sixth, Don’t Worry about Tomorrow (Matthew 6:33-34)

  • This doesn’t mean be unconcerned – it just means don’t worry; take one day at a time
  • Focus on what’s essential (spiritual things) – plan and prepare, but don’t worry

Seventh, Don’t Live in Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

  • We don’t know what will happen, how bad it will get, whether we will contract the virus, etc. – for someone in the world without God and without hope, this can be frightening; for Christians, the worst that can happen is “momentary, light affliction” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
  • We have God’s promise (Hebrews 13:5-6) – trust in Him; do not fear (Matthew 10:28)

Eighth, Live Every Day with a View to Eternity (Colossians 3:1-2)

  • This world is not our home – this doesn’t mean we want to hasten death or are unconcerned about potential dangers; instead, it means we should never lose sight of what’s truly important (Matthew 6:33)
  • No matter how long or short our lives are, no matter how difficult our time on earth is, all that matters in the end is reaching our eternal home in heaven

Conclusion

  • Regardless of what might happen, be wise and keep your trust in God
  • Be mindful of others and continue doing what God wants you to do
  • If you’re not a Christian or have fallen away, this is a reminder of the need to get right with the Lord  
                          

–ANDY SOCHOR, Eastside church of Christ, Morgantown, KY
from plainbibleteaching.com