Tag: COVID-19

Psalm 126:1-3

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”

Psalm 126:1-3 (NASB)

It has been about 2,000 years since Jesus came to die on the cross. Before that, it was more than 4,000 years between the time that Adam sinned and Jesus was born. This means that for most of the time since creation mankind has been captive to sin. However, in our age, God has freed us from this terrible burden.

Because we are freed from sin’s captivity we are most blessed. Instead of taking this for granted, we should have a feeling of disbelief. God did not have to give us a way out of sin, but he decided to do so. In order to give us a way out he had to send his son to be put to death by the very ones who were to be saved. Most of us would not tolerate such circumstances, but God did it willingly. It is beyond our ability to fully comprehend, but when we realize it was specifically for us, it ought to make us the most joyful people on earth.

The world should look at us and see our joy. The world should see the fact that we are different. We know that all our situations here are temporary. Even if we are suffering now, it will seem like such a short time in the end; therefore we have every reason to keep looking ahead expecting the life that is to come. When the world sees how our joy carries us through life they will be reminded of the great things God has done for us. When they see how we live differently from them, because of the things God has done for us, they will glorify him (Job 8:20-22; Mt 5:16; Lk 8:39; I Pe 2:12).

Knowing the great things God has done for us, we are glad.

Hebrews 9:28

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await him.”

Hebrews 9:28 (NASB)

So many people are caught up in the current moment. They may not seem to be burdened with any care in particular, but are just living for now. It is a good thing to be content and many people struggle with being satisfied (Ph 4:11; I Ti 6:6, 6; He 13:5). But we must always remember why it is that we continue to live. The writer has said that mankind’s entire meaning is to respect God and obey him. Sometimes life can distract us; sometimes those distractions are pleasant or unpleasant. Nevertheless, the distractions can take our eyes off of our goal. We teach young ball players to keep their eyes on the ball. This is because we will instinctively grasp the thing we are looking at. We need to keep looking because someday Jesus is going to appear.

When Jesus appears again, if we are distracted, it will be too late. However, if we are ready and watching, we will be ready to meet him. When Jesus appears again he will bring salvation. Peter speaks about this in I Peter 1:3-5. In that passage he describes how we can have access to the salvation of Christ which will be revealed at the end. Again, we must be ready. We can’t stop living as some did in the past (II Th 3:6-13), but we must be ready no matter what we are doing; we can’t be so distracted that we let down our guard and drop the ball.

Peter is speaking about the hope that sustains faith through difficult times such as persecution. The writer of the book of Hebrews is speaking about avoiding apostasy. Apostasy can come during difficult times, but is just as likely to occur as a result of complacency. Things seem to be going along well and we can let our focus drift. Instead, let’s focus on the things we know will please God and the world, pleasant or unpleasant, will take care of itself (I Th 5:6). Let’s earnestly watch for Jesus so that we may be found in a state that will be ready for the salvation he brings.

Colossians 2:5-7

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”

Colossians 2:5-7 (NASB)

Faith is hard to describe in one or two words. Nevertheless, one of the best words to begin to describe faith is trust. Trust is the foundation of faith. For example, without trust in the character of a speaker it is impossible to believe what they say. Without trust in a system people will not willingly submit to that system. Trust in an outcome makes it much easier to do difficult things when confronted with adversity. During difficult times, trust in some authority is what keeps confidence up and prevents faltering.

In this passage the apostle Paul is pleased to see the Colossians focus on their faith. By focusing on Christ they have achieved stability and confidence. Notice the ways that Christ accommodates faith: He provides stability and discipline (vs 5); he gives the ability to firmly walk on stable ground (vs 6); he is a firm root and provides a foundation so faith can be built up (vs 7). Each of these things builds trust in other areas of our life. Stability and discipline foster trust in the family. Stable ground gives us the confidence to move quickly and without fear of falling. A firm foundation and structure allows us to trust that our house will not collapse on top of us.

We can have confidence, or trust, in our faith because our faith is in Christ. We know without doubting that the teachings of the Bible are dependable. Finally, we will be overflowing with gratitude. We are grateful because we know what it is to be lost. In the flesh there is no stability and certainly nothing to trust (Ph 3:4; I Ti 6:17-19). We know what it means to be abused and buffeted in the world without hope. We are no longer like them; instead we have confidence in our salvation because of the one who has promised. Our salvation is more than enough reason to rejoice.

Romans 1:11-12

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Romans 1:11-12 (NASB)

In the next verse Paul explains that even though he desires to be with his readers, he has been prevented from getting to Rome. I started this series of articles because of the present situation where we are prevented from meeting as often as we once did. Where we once would meet several times a week, now we are prevented. This situation should be distressing to us as if we have been forcibly separated from our closest family.

Paul wanted to come to them because he desired to participate in their edification. He did not want to be with them simply to check some command-box. Many treat the assembly as if it is some answer to a multiple choice question—a Christian only need to choose one answer, and usually the correct answer is Sunday morning worship, in order to pass the test. Others treat the assembly as a la carte where you can choose any one, but you can also have more if you like. The Christians in the New Testament were distinctly interested in keeping each other’s company and meeting face to face. We read of how they were so excited about the good news that many would even meet daily. It was not a sacrifice to them; instead it was a joyous opportunity.

During this present situation, while we are limited in how often we meet, it should feel like a radical change. Sadly, for many it is not. Even worse, many more are entirely unconcerned with not meeting at all and indefinitely. For us, however, it is distressing. To relieve that distress, I write this, as Paul wrote, to keep each of us connected both to each other and to God. Because Paul could not be with them in person, he wrote to them to let them know he was concerned about them. However, Paul desired to be among them because that is the most effective way to edify those we love. Words from afar cannot long replace the assembling of the saints.

Even though Paul could not be among them, it was not because he was at home being idle. He needed to take the gospel to those who had never heard it (Ro 15:18-22). Let us remember to be about the work of God even more during these challenging times. We can talk to those who do not know our God and are living in fear. We can lift up spirits by writing or calling the brethren or even relieve their physical needs if necessary.

As I write this it is Friday. It has been almost a week since we have last assembled. Our hearts should be filled with anticipation knowing that we will very soon be back together.

Psalm 139:1-5

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”

Psalm 139:1-5 (NASB)

During this challenging time we are separated from each other. It is easier to feel more distant from God when we are separated from his people. This is one important reason to assemble with our spiritual family, not for a few minutes on Sunday morning, but whenever the opportunity is offered. Even though, at times, God may feel more distant than usual, he is still where he has always been. Thankfully, no matter how close to him we are now, we can always get closer.

God has sought to know us and has found us. He knows us even when we go about our daily business; he knows us when we are distracted by the world around us. He knows everywhere we go and where we shelter at night. He pays attention to every word we say—even the idle words that do not edify. During this time we are assaulted by fear from every direction. People, who do not know God or the peace he gives, live in terror of a physical disease. It is easy to feel shaken by the craziness all around us. But we know that he has put a protective wall around our spirit so that we will not be distressed. He has both clothed and fed us and comforts us with his hand.

God is still there and he understands. Draw close to both him and his people and he will be near. Turn to him and he will be near while the cares of the world will flee from you.

I Peter 3:8-9

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.”

I Peter 3:8-9 (NASB)

Because of the present situation, I’ve heard a lot of people talking about how difficult it is being home full-time with their children. I am sure that some of them are joking, but it certainly seems like some of them are not. This worries me because it sounds like there is friction in the family. It could be that it is inconvenient to be around other family members, or it could be that the stress level is very high and there is more conflict than usual. However, the Bible teaches us that we should live in harmony in the family.

Earlier in chapter 3, Peter speaks about how husbands and wives are to behave themselves toward each other. Similar to Ephesians chapter 5, Peter speaks of how wives should respect their husbands and husbands should treat their wives with love. After this he instructs the family to be harmonious, thoughtful, and humble. The devil would like to turn the family home into a battle ground, but Christians will not give in. Even when provoked, we will remain humble in spirit and return a soft word (Pr 15:1).

All of this is because we understand that we have been called to inherit a blessing. Each of us desires that God will remember our good and forget our bad. We know that we could not bear it if God returned to us what we deserve for all the evil we have done. Instead, he showed us mercy, and while we were still sinners, he sent his only son to die for us (Ro 5:6-10). Realizing this, we ought to return blessings to our brethren—physical and spiritual.

James 1:5-8

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:5-8 (NASB)

Many of us did not expect to be in a situation where the government is restricting religious assembly. As a result, there have been a wide range of responses from Christians. Additionally, there has been much discussion surrounding how Christians should respond when told they cannot assemble. These discussions are based on each of our individual convictions and conscience; our convictions and conscience being directed by God’s word.

As we discuss, and even debate, the current situation, let us remember to do so with much prayer. In prayer we should begin by asking for wisdom. Our first assumption should be that each of us lacks wisdom and could use more from God’s word. When we sincerely ask for wisdom, with the humble realization that we can always use more, God will supply it generously. Furthermore, we must not question whether God can or will provide wisdom. God does not want us to be ignorant about how to behave.

God is immovable and so should be our faith. The current situation has revealed that many doubt the “why” for what they practice, but we have not forgotten. God has told us that the spiritual health of Christians is dependent on assembling with other Christians. These difficult times have made it more important than ever to remember our spiritual health. Those who are physically able should seek to assemble that they may provoke one another to love and good works.

Psalm 138:7-8

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

Psalm 138:7-8 (NASB)

These are definitely troubled times we are experiencing. The government is attempting to stop religious expression. At the same time, those same government orders classify liquor stores as essential businesses. Would we rather have people visiting a liquor store or visiting each other to sing praises to God?

Many brethren have conceded that the assembly of each local church is optional. Those who maintain the need to assemble run the risk of either being threatened by the government, rebuked by other Christians, or both. However, remember that the Lord will stretch out his right hand and save those who depend on him. He will accomplish his work concerning us when we trust and heed his instruction. We may endure affliction, but there is a greater work that is accomplished.

Throughout these troubled times both God’s care and love are unending. We may feel afraid, alone, or confused, but God is always there for those who trust him. We can put off those negative feelings because we know both they and this world are only temporary. After all of this passes, God will still be in control. He will not forsake the works of his hands—neither us nor the things we accomplish with him.

Let us stay strong, confident, and always be busy with the things of God.