West Park Baptist Church

coronavirus

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Daily Dose of Faith (5/18/2020)

Over the past few weeks I’ve been noticing a trend developing. Thoughts are formed about this current covid-19 situation, trenches are dug, and the war of opinions is underway.

Should I wear a mask or shouldn’t I?

Do I really need to keep social distancing from people?

Can I trust the government to make the best decisions? How about the medical community? What about my church?

The other night I went to Kroger to pick up something, and 6 young people ranging in age from roughly 11 to 16 saw me in my mask. One of them asked, “What’s with all these people wearing masks?” Recently someone in my family wore a mask while shopping, and a man got right in her face, challenging her decision to wear a mask in public. He was aggressive and eventually walked away after making his point. His demeanor reminded me of people’s very deeply held opinions right now and in that case how people shouldn’t respond to others in our current situation.

But one of the questions that is most important is: How should we as followers of Jesus Christ respond to one another both in and out of the church right now?

To help answer that question in the days ahead I would like to continue my recent exploration of the Fruit of the Spirit, as well as other lists of virtues in the New Testament, to challenge us as followers of Christ to best represent Him and bring glory to Him in the reopening of the economy and the church. My goal will be to personalize each fruit, to figure out applications during this time of reopening, and to offer as much counsel as I can for myself, my family and for all of you who read along.

In close today let me share a link with you to an article on the Gospel Coalition website titled “Church, Don’t Let Coronavirus Divide You.” The author describes our need for patience with one another during this time. I will be back on the blog tomorrow with thoughts about love. Until then continue praying for our church leaders, our government leaders, our medical community workers and one another.

 

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Local Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 2

“Don’t Go There!” by Sam Polson

It has been a long time since my “glory days’ as an athlete … not that there was ever that much glory in any of my days in athletics! But one thing I did learn from those days that has helped me many times over the years is that it is the lines on the field or on the court that make the game understandable, measurable and enjoyable. Playing within the lines kept the competition from turning into chaos. The Bible is very clear that as we draw closer to the end of the age the chaos in the culture will increase. Paul said, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (II Timothy 3:1) In the verses that follow, Paul describes those days as filled with a spirit of self-indulgence and that this self-focused and self-absorbed philosophy of life will contaminate the church with teachings that are devoid of a focus on the gospel and on godly living. In fact, the greatest danger to the church will be a drift from the essential and timeless principles that are Savior-focused and Scripture-focused to man-centered and meaningless discussions that not only do not promote “sound teaching,” (v.3) but also cause believers to “turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (v.4).

What was the essence of Paul’s challenge to Timothy and faithful believers in such a culture of chaos? To summarize, in effect he said, “Don’t go there!” His warning was a personal one, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed…” (II Timothy 3:14). He directed Timothy, those early believers, and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he is directing us today back to the fundamental principles (the lines on the field and on the court) of gospel living. My friends, there exists right now a media-driven, social networking pandemic of unhelpful, unedifying and unbiblical discussions that do nothing to promote the cause of Christ. At best, they waste our time and at worst, they weaken our testimony. “Don’t go there!” Let’s resolve to spend much less time on Facebook and much more time with our faces in the Book. When we do participate in social networking, let’s make sure it is a spiritual discerning networking that is not a waste of our precious time and is also worthy of our precious Savior.

 

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Global Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 8

Yesterday I shared a portion of my interview with a contact in China. Today I’m sharing part 2. As I said yesterday, it’s helpful to take a step back from media coverage of China and see things through the eyes of believers there. One of the most helpful things I’ve heard in recent weeks is that the Chinese believer are praying for us here in America. Let’s get on with today’s Global Perspective to hear more from a family on the ground in Beijing.

Perspective from China, Pt. 2


How are Chinese believers responding to the virus?

Our church, and a couple of others in Beijing known to us, have gone online fairly smoothly. There are lots of social media groups (on WeChat, the ubiquitous platform in China) in which believers are sharing encouragements and prayers. Bible studies and prayer meetings are also happening via video-conferencing. We have been very impressed with how the more mature believers have continued to encourage everyone to keep being involved with one another even though we can’t meet. The teaching from our church has been solidly biblical, and neither dominated by the coronavirus situation nor minimising it. It feels like they really have done the best that anyone could do. The church also organised offerings in order to donate supplies to Hubei province in the early days of the virus, but the government has generally frowned on any civil society or charitable efforts and so we haven’t heard any more about further opportunities to give in that way since early February. Most recently people in our church have been praying for other countries and checking up with us about our friends and family back home, offering to send things to our families if needed.

I wish I knew more about rural congregations, or churches in other cities, but I can only really speak intelligently about a small section of the church in Beijing. There has been more fear than I believe is appropriate in the congregations known to us, but there are also very wise voices speaking into those situations, and the church leaders seem to be doing a great job.

What should American believers learn from China’s experience through the coronavirus?

Prepare for months of disruption to church life, and plan creatively and positively to support the lonely and vulnerable, even if you can’t go to visit them right now, and to strengthen the faith of all other believers. Get used to gaining what you can from online meetings, and from lots more phone calls, but hunger for the day when you can meet again in significant numbers to enjoy face-to-face fellowship and worship together in person.

Humility and patience are vital. This is certainly true inside the home — you’ll now be spending more time with a smaller number of people in a confined space, and that will test the quality of love and forbearance. As for outside the home, don’t insist on personal expression and freedoms in the moment if it would increase the risk of others catching the virus.

Exercise sober judgement when you hear conflicting things from politicians, medical experts, media voices, etc. When in doubt I recommend listening to the medics — they are much less likely to be lying to you or shooting off their mouths than the politicians, who tend to say something different depending which day of the week it is (clearly some politicians are much worse than others in this regard). Doctors here in China warned of the virus weeks before the local government in Wuhan was prepared to admit its severity. In America you have the opposite problem — not too few voices, but too many!

Cherish the fact that our treasure is not here on earth. And comfort those who are anxious using gospel truth, not with platitudes. It may well be that the Lord will open up conversations with unbelieving family members, colleagues or friends who are especially afraid, or who are grieving, and the good news of Jesus is what they need to hear, from a loving ambassador of Christ, whether there is a virus going round or not.

If there are people you see in need because they have lost their jobs, don’t hold back in generosity. If you are a landlord and your tenants are suddenly unemployed, don’t throw them out. I know of a few cases in Beijing where landlords have made a lot of trouble for out-of-town or foreign tenants, and the coronavirus itself is bad enough without cruelty and profiteering of any kind making it worse. Millions of people in China have already suffered economically because of the coronavirus, and their large savings accounts may tide them over for a while. But Americans tend to have less saved up than the Chinese, so in times of crisis, many people around you probably have very little buffer in place.

If no one hoards and panic buys toilet paper then there is enough toilet paper. Think very seriously when you load up your shopping cart about what the Lord would say to you. Are Christians here in this world to do as the world does or to live out a better way?

Don’t talk about praying more — just pray more.

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Global Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 6

Friends, I realize it’s been many days now of social distancing. I hope among many ways you are seeking encouragement that these articles with Global Perspective have served you well. Today we get a glimpse into the risks the Covid-19 virus has on the refugee community in Europe and ways believers need to focus no matter what challenges they face. Read on for today’s Global Perspective.

The Refugee Community and the Corona Crisis

Over the past several years, God has given me the privilege of working with the refugee community in Greece. Within this community, a minimum of 7-8 nationalities are all blended together at any given time.  Languages, cultures, religions and traditions swirl around me and watching these people work to find their feet in their daily uphill climb has impacted me in more ways that I will ever be able to write.

When the crisis of COVID19 began to reach Greece, its spread to the refugee camps became a major concern. They have lost so much already and often live in crowded conditions with lack of access to consistent proper nutrition, and a sickness like this could spread like wildfire. With great sadness, we proactively decided to close our day centers and gatherings during the last three weeks and limit our movements in and out of the camps to protect them from contamination.

Tonight, I sit here at home beginning week 3 of restricted activity, and, like so many of you, it feels strange to have so little control over my schedule, work, social activities and travel with no guarantee these conditions won’t last for many more weeks to come. Some moments this feels like a great chance to “catch my breath” or work through the growing list of things that always seem to be piling up. Other moments, it can start to feel like everything is out of control and things will never feel “normal” again.

God is using this time, though, to remind me of the lessons He’s taught me as I’ve had a front row seat to witnessing human response to crisis within the work and ministry He’s called me to…here are just few lessons that are hitting home right now:

Lesson 1 – Hospitality and sharing with others is not only possible, but actually an essential part of life even during times of crisis. Yes, we may have to be careful with our resources, learn to waste less, and streamline our spending to what’s truly essential, but at the end of the day, finding a way to share something of ourselves or a portion of what we have with someone else brings true joy…to all involved.

Hebrews 11: 16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Lesson 2 – A positive outlook and proper focus may not change your circumstances, but it will change how you experience them. When times are hard, it can take a lot of energy and emotion to process even the simplest of daily activities…and there’s no shame in that.  But as we are walking through difficult circumstances, it is crucial to find ways to still find things that we are thankful for and create ways to laugh and enjoy moments with those around you (at a proper distance, of course!). My friends here have taught me that when all else fails…ending the day with music and a bit of dancing can always put a smile on your face.

Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

Lesson 3 – When life seems out of our control, what we truly believe will be tested. In times like these, life’s distractions fade away and what or who we are truly trusting in becomes evident. If our faith is grounded in Christ, then these times can work to refine us and deepen our belief. But if our faith has been in something or someone other than the God of the universe, we can find ourselves feeling lost and in search of what truth we’ve been missing. God very well may be using this time of crisis to affect many for eternity!

1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Lord, help us to see these days through your eyes. Give us peace that you are in control, and always have been. Give us compassion for others and use us as salt and light in these trying times. Show us how to not just survive the weeks ahead only to return to “normal life” but help refine us and change us for your glory.

Written by S.

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Global Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 4

Have you been following the news lately? Admittedly it’s hard to put our devices down and turn off our tv’s for fear of missing the latest developments. But truly the best news comes as we look back in faith instead of ahead with fear. David, today’s author, takes us back in history to learn how God’s people trusted Him and how we still must trust Him today.

Be Strong and of Good Courage

As the world faces the current pandemic, I am reminded that the nation of Israel is no stranger in responding to crises. This goes for the small, yet strong body of believers as well. In 2014 Israel found herself having to respond to the daily barrage of rockets coming out of Gaza that were aimed at her civilians. The situation had deteriorated to being more than a thorn in Israel’s side. The daily disruptions had shut down schools and was causing an entire population to live in fear. The government was considering sending a ground force into Gaza to root out the source of this terror. It would certainly be messy and cost innocent lives. Those on the front line consisted of Israel’s youth—the 18-year-olds who are conscripted for 3 years after high school. These soldiers included the sons and daughters of our friends that we served alongside in ministry. Many were calling for a strong, hammer-like response to the terror.

In contrast to the outcries for blood, our pastor in Jerusalem, along with the elders, drafted a letter to the Prime Minister. In this letter, they assured the Prime Minister that they were aware of the heavy burden he carried on his shoulders. The elders let him know that this wasn’t the first time that the Jewish people faced a crisis that demanded a response. They assured him that there was a group of Jewish believers in Jesus who were praying for him. They implored him in the letter to turn to the One who would fight for them and not trust only in the weapons of war.

Our pastor wisely admonished us to pray. Pray for the Prime Minister. Pray for the soldiers and the army. Pray for the believers who live in Gaza. And pray for the terrorists who were behind the rocket attacks. Our focus was turned from one of fear leading to revenge, to one of faith leading to hope as we prayed for our enemies.

Today, we face a new enemy. COVID-19 is creating global uncertainty and panic. The world is watching how we as believers respond. On one level, we need to heed the advice and cautions of our government and medical professionals. Prudence regarding social-distancing and cleanliness is required. However, we must also respond as people of faith in the One whose hand is mighty to save. As fear and anxiety rise up in the hearts of those around us, we have the opportunity to give assurance that the One we serve cares for us and is in control. We have the opportunity to love our neighbors.

Joshua faced a critical situation after the death of Moses. The Bible tells us that the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel. Joshua in turn reminded Israel of all that the Lord had done for them as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty AND that they may fear the Lord their God forever. We need to remind ourselves daily of the great things God has done for us in the past so that we can be assured of his care for us in the future. Pray for your enemies; pray for those who don’t yet believe; pray for those who disagree with you politically. The hand of our God is mighty and his love for us is great.

David has served in the Middle East for the past 15 years, along with his wife. They have three grown children.