This is certainly not the first time that the church has encountered such circumstances. And that history can bring helpful perspective. With the Coronavirus, there is a mortality rate as high as three percent for those who are infected. In contrast, the great epidemic of the second century claimed roughly thirty percent of the total population. Dionysius served as the bishop of Rome during this time, and he described the terrible conditions. “At the first onset of the disease, [the heathen] pushed the sufferers away and fled from their dearest, throwing them into the roads before they were dead…”

In contrast, the Christians not only remained and cared for their own family members but they also cared for the those who had been abandoned. A century later, the pagan emperor Julian had to acknowledge, “The impious Galileans (aka Christians), support not only their poor, but ours as well…” Of course, many Christians died to perform these acts of service. But their selfless actions validated the gospel and drew many to Jesus. In his classic work, The Rise of Christianity, Rodney Stark suggests that the early church grew rapidly, in part, because of their selfless and sacrificial actions in the midst of those early epidemics.

It is certainly appropriate for us to take healthy precautions. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems should take steps to eliminate unnecessary exposure. For the good of the community, it might be wise to curb some of our normal patterns of greeting (i.e. handshakes). And as much as we are able, we should function under the authority of our governmental leaders and their guidelines.

But in the midst of all this, let’s not give way to paranoia and panic or isolate ourselves in the midst of suffering. We have the confidence of life after death and that allows us to love and serve without fear. The crisis before us is also an opportunity. In God’s providence, he has often caused his church to experience the greatest growth in the midst of adversity.

Pastor Jeff

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/1xT5Yz2Am0M

What is the nature of your relationship to the local church? Are you a member? Are you a contributor? Are you an attender? Are you a consumer? Unfortunately, many professing believers merely consider whether the church is meeting their needs rather than considering whether they are meeting the needs of others.

The “nones” are a statistical category for the religiously unaffiliated They don’t identify with Catholic, Evangelical or Mainline denominations. In the last thirty years, the “nones” have grown from 8% of the population to 23% of the population. Now some of these individuals have moved away from faith altogether. But many of them have simply embraced a private faith where they have no responsibilities to anyone but themselves.

In our current culture, this radical individualism has risen to new levels. I recently heard from a distant relative who indicated that they are now a “multi-church family.” In other words, they are not a vital contributing member of any one local church. They just go around leeching off multiple churches. Their relationship to the local church is that of a parasite to a host. They take without giving anything in return.

C.H. Spurgeon wrestled with the same destructive phenomenon in London over 150 years ago. He knew that many were interested in listening to his preaching but less interested in serving. His words of exhortation are good for us to hear in our day:

We want sinners to come – sinners of every sort; but do not let us have that sort of men whose ears are everlastingly itching for some new preacher; who are saying, “I want something else, I want something else.” Oh! do, I beseech you, for God’s sake, be of some good; and if you are running about from one place to another you can never expect to be.

Spurgeon knew that true service and real spiritual growth does not take place in a moment but over time in the context of long-term relationships. It is a great time to consider how you are contributing to Christ’s church. Some of you need the encouragement to know that your service is worth it. Others need the challenge to get off the bench and get into the game. I urge you, “Be of some good!”

Pastor Jeff

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/PGnqT0rXWLs

The words associated with gospel proclamation are strong. We are to preach, declare and herald. Now the message is inherently good news. It offers the forgiveness of sins and the opportunity to be part of an eternal kingdom of peace. But it is also confrontational and unavoidably offensive. It confronts personal autonomy and calls a person to lay down their weapons, to bow the knee and to submit to the reign of the rightful King. The King has sent us out into the world as his ambassa- dors. The task does not call for creativity or capitulation but for courage and clarity.

Too often, we wait for the perfect opportunity to speak the truth of the gospel. We want to make sure that people are receptive and ready. We don’t want to offend or lose a friendship. But too often the result is that we don’t say anything at all. And that is because people are rarely ready—at least in the obvious ways we would desire. We must remember that our task is not to psychoanalyze people as to their readiness. Our task is to declare the gospel with authority and urgency—whether they are ready or not. And reality is that they might very well be ready—even if we don’t realize it. Jesus sent out his twelve disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God (Luke 9). It was a strong declaration of a new kingdom and a new King. And even though they had been endowed with power to heal, Jesus made it very clear that entire towns would stubbornly reject the message. We can’t manipulate the outcome any more than the apostles could. But we must be faithful to our mission.

Pastor Jeff

*Elliot Clark, “Don’t share it. Proclaim it.” Christianity Today (July/August, 2019).

Photo credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-wearing-white-top-in-front-of-woman-wearing-blue-long-sleeved-top-1181715/

Of course this is where we often find ourselves. We know that we are called to forgive. And in theory, we are all for it. But when we are mistreated, misrepresented, or betrayed, we find it very hard to actually release that anger and extend forgiveness. And so days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months and bitterness settles deep in the soul.

It was an agonizing moment as Corrie considered how to respond to this former guard and his outstretched hand. As she reflected on this encounter, several things became clear.

First, she couldn’t avoid the fact that she too was a sinner who needed to be forgiven. “And I stood there—I whose sins had every day to be forgiven…”

Second, she knew that forgiveness was a requirement of the gospel. “The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us.”

Third, forgiveness is a choice. “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”

Fourth, forgiveness results in joy. She willed herself to forgive and extended her hand. “And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being…” That harbored bitterness is a toxin that is expelled when we extend grace. Corrie reminds us that forgiveness is not an issue of feelings but of obedience.

Pastor Jeff

Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrie_ten_Boom

William Wilberforce was born in a bustling British seaport in the 18th century. He was a man of small stature but he exerted great influence. He was only 5ft. 3in. tall. But he had a sharp mind, a quick wit and an engaging personality. He was elected to British Parliament at the age of 20 and would work tirelessly to abolish slavery in the British empire. Wilberforce’s life is instructive for us as we too are living in an age of intense political and ideological division.

Wilberforce reminds us that we should live with a clear sense of calling. People commonly speak of choosing a career path. But as Christians we should seek to discern our calling. The question isn’t what I want to do but what God has created me to do. The apostle Paul wrote, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” (1 Corinthians 7:17). Wilberforce was from a family of merchants. His grandfather assumed that he would take over the family business. But God had wired him for a different sort of task. After becoming a Christian he considered leaving politics. He wondered if his new-found faith was consistent with a life in politics. He conferred with John Newton, the former slave trader. Newton encouraged Wilberforce to remain in Parliament. He was convinced that he had been placed in that influential position for that particular time in human history.

Wilberforce also reminds us of the importance of living a beautiful life. He was at the center of controversy. Many were passionately opposed to the anti-slavery legislation that he was advocating. But he earned their respect by his humility and gracious manner. He was devoted to his family and spent Sundays with his wife and six children. He developed a reputation for cooperating with other politicians with whom he disagreed. He did not attack their personhood or their convictions. He didn’t present himself as superior. On the floor of Parliament, he was known to say, “We have all been guilty.” And he was measured in the legislation that he proposed. He had no expectation that British culture would adopt the moral standards of the Bible. But he advocated for basic human dignity and the valuing of human life. By following Wilberforce’s example, we could more effectively speak the truth in love.

Pastor Jeff

Catch the podcast about William Wilberforce

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/qwe8TLRnG8k

Following Jesus is not a solo pursuit. We need each other—whether we realize it or not. God has purposed to use other people to accomplish our sanctification. One of the clearest statements about this is found in Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV) – And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Consider the implications here: 1) This will not come about naturally. It will not happen simply by attending a large group worship service. We will have to give thought to this. We will have to be intentional about fostering these kinds of relationships. We will have to make it a priority. 2) It will not be comfortable. “Spurring” means to irritate, prod, or stir up. Church is not simply about hanging out with people you like. The fact that certain people “push your buttons” is actually a good thing! 3) We will be tempted to pull back from relationships. There are hobbies to pursue. There are people to avoid. But God’s word says, “Don’t walk away! Lean in!”

In a recent article entitled “Small Groups Anonymous”, Kent Dunnington suggested that the church could learn a great deal from twelve step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.* Instead of thinking of our Adult Bible Fellowships as social gather- ings, we would do well to think of them as support groups for Christian practice. We could begin by going around and saying, “I am __________, and I am a sinner…”

AA meetings are also effective because their meetings are sustainably frequent. Touching base once a month is not going to cut it when you are trying to battle per- vasive and habitual sin. AA meets weekly and sometimes more than once a week. And they do not do a full meal. That would burn people out. There is simply coffee and maybe cookies.

Obviously twelve step programs have the unique dynamic of anonymity (i.e. you gather with strangers and only provide your first name) and desperation (i.e. your drinking is out of control). But we need to be reminded about the importance of oth- er believers in our battle with sin.

Pastor Jeff

* Christianity Today, May 2019.

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/-qBxeWf2SKU

Depression is a growing concern. It plagues young people as adults. And Christians are certainly not immune. For most people, depression can be traced to some difficult circumstances. But some suffer chronically and with no discernible cause (aka clinical depression). Every part of us has been affected by the presence of sin in the world. And many are able to benefit from medications. But depression also has a spiritual component. Scripture provides examples of godly people who suffered with depression and patterns for how to deal with it in our own lives. The Puritan, Richard Baxter, offered several insightful directives to the depressed.*

Directive I – “See that no error in religion be the cause of your distress.” Make sure that you have not bought into any lies regarding who God is or who you are.

Directive VII – “Avoid all unnecessary solitariness, and be as much as possible in honest, cheerful company.” Don’t isolate yourself to the point where you wallow in your own thoughts. Prioritize consistent friendships where you can gain perspective and encouragement.

Directive VIII – “When blasphemous or disturbing thoughts look in, or fruitless musings, presently meet them, and use that authority of reason which is left you, to cast them and command them out.” Stop listening to yourself and start talking to yourself. Don’t allow negative thought patterns to be replayed in your mind.

Directive XI – “Think and speak as much of the mercy which you have received, as of the sin you have committed…” It is easy to beat ourselves up over our sinful choices. Consciously remember God’s grace and forgiveness.

Directive XVIII – “Be sure that you keep yourself constantly employed (as far as your strength will bear) in the diligent labours of a lawful calling; and spend none of your time in idleness.” Stop sitting around thinking about yourself and get to work serving others.

Pastor Jeff

* Richard Baxter, The Christian Directory, 264-266.

Photo credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-man-young-lonely-48566/

Today is Pentecost Sunday—the birthday of the church. Forty-nine days after the resurrection of Jesus, God poured out his Spirit on those followers of Jesus (Acts 2). In an extraordinary and undeniable way, God affirmed that he was doing something new. He was calling out a people for his name (1 Peter 2:9). What does this event teach us about the mission of the church?

First, we are reminded of the difficulty of the mission. This work is impossible apart from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave his followers the Great Commission but then told them not to attempt it until they received the Holy Spirit. We often feel overwhelmed and inadequate when it comes to sharing our faith – and we should! Even the most gifted people cannot change the human heart. We need to get back to a radical dependence on God and a commitment to prayer.

Second, we are reminded of the scope of the mission. The Jewish feast of Pentecost was an agricultural feast. It marked the initial ingathering of the harvest. The first sheaves of grain were brought to the temple courts and offered in praise to God – in anticipation that he would provide the rest of the harvest. When we read the account in Acts 2 we are struck with the sheer volume – 3,000 people responded to the gospel! But the point is that was only the first handful of a vast harvest.

Third, we are reminded of the diversity of the mission. All of those present were Jews—but they were Jews who had gathered from all over the known world to celebrate the feast in Jerusalem. And they would be taking the good news of Jesus back to their countries of residence! The early church was serious about taking the gospel to every tongue and tribe.

Fourth, we are reminded of the nature of the mission. The Holy Spirit appeared as flames of fire. In the Scriptures, fire is associated with purification and judgment. The Holy Spirit has come as a consuming fire to purge and sanctify God’s people. Fire knows no bounds. John the Baptist baptized them with water. But Jesus came and baptized them with fire (Matthew 3:11). Jesus is not looking for people who will simply pray a prayer, observe a ritual or engage in some mediocre intellectual assent to the gospel. He is calling for a complete and total surrender.

Pastor Jeff

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/XOQJa4OC8P0

Several years ago we were on vacation, and one of our kids was upset with a decision that we had made. In the heat of moment, they blurted out, “I wish I wasn’t part of this family!” It was not one of our finer moments. Without any prompting they apologized and as a family we have chuckled about that episode over the years. That is the funny thing about siblings—you can’t get rid of them. You can get frustrated with them. You can ignore them. You might even be estranged from them. But none of this changes the reality. Regardless of your mood, whether you like it or not, your family is your family. They aren’t going anywhere.

There is a needed lesson here for us as believers. If you have turned from your sin and turned to Jesus as your Savior, you have been adopted into God’s family and given privileges as an heir. It is a wonderful reality. But it also means that you have spiritual siblings. You are not the only child in the family. In her recent book, Why Can’t We Be Friends?, Aimee Byrd pointed out the obvious, “If you are born into a family full of siblings, you can’t pretend you’re an only child. It just doesn’t work that way.”

But it seems that many professing believers are attempting to do just that. They have come to view their faith as a purely private endeavor. It is between them and God and involves no one else. I was officiating a funeral earlier this spring. One of the family members came up to me after the service and expressed appreciation for the message. I asked her about her story. She responded sheepishly, “I am a Christian but I don’t attend church.” Excuse me? How does that work? What would make us think that we can claim God as our Father while ignoring our siblings?

I see this played out in countless smaller ways—when we express worship to God on Sunday mornings but avoid deeper relationships with other believers, when we refuse to share in family responsibilities by not giving of our finances or engaging in ministry, when we don’t take an active interest in the welfare of our siblings, when we pray for ourselves but not for the family (i.e. “Our Father…”), and when we make decisions with no regard for our siblings. My brothers and sisters, we have not been given the option to live as only children. If you deny your siblings, you have to ask yourself whether you are really part of the family.

Pastor Jeff

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/VNjNtdu0yCw

While Edwards admired Brainerd greatly, he did observe one significant fault. Brainerd was given to excessive melancholy and dejection of spirit. Brainerd considered himself to be worthless and often talked down about himself. Undoubtedly he had a predisposition toward depression. But this was exaggerated by his isolation. He had no one to push back on him—not one to challenge his faulty ways of thinking. This malady of the soul went largely unchecked. And Brainerd would come to acknowledge this great need in his life.

God designed us to live in community and to speak truth to one another (Ephesians 4:15). At times, it can be difficult to speak truth. And it can also be uncomfortable to hear truth. But even when it hurts, truth is good for us and contributes to our welfare. We expect a doctor to tell us the truth about our condition. If there is cancer detected we want to know about it so we can treat it. If the doctor doesn’t tell us, that is a serious breach of medical ethics and constitutes malpractice.

Is it possible that we are sometimes guilty of spiritual malpractice in the church? In an effort to be nice, we remain silent and uninvolved. We don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings or lose a friendship and so we say nothing. We think this is being kind. But sin is much more destructive than cancer. And by avoiding the issue, we actually demonstrate a lack of love for a brother or sister in the family of God. Speaking the truth sometimes causes pain. But it is a good kind of pain. It is the pain that you feel when the dentist deals with that infection in the tooth. It is a pain that leads to healing and wholeness.

Pastor Jeff

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/ibAnXnpBxu8