Saturday, April 18, 2020

Opportunity in the time of COVID-19

People: COVID-19 will kill us all!
Me:...
People: The economy is going to tank!
Me:...
People: The government is infringing on our freedom!
Me:...
People: The government says we can't gather as a church! That's persecution!
Me:...
People: People won't be able to pay their bills if they can't go back to work!
Me:...
People: China is to blame!
Me:...
People: Trump is to blame!
Me:...
People: There's no toilet paper!

Me: All good points, but have you considered that by just a cursory look at Youtube and Facebook Live Statistics for Sunday mornings, more people are tuning in to church worship services and sermons than ever have.  And that, right now, it is very likely that more people have been exposed to the gospel in the last 4 weeks than in the last 4 years!

So yes, this whole situation is extremely concerning and we need to be on our guard and in prayer.  I don't want to make light of what is a rough time, but let's not miss that God might be using this situation to spread the name of Jesus and calling many sons and daughters to Him.

So...

Christian, share your church's services on your social media accounts. Personally invite friends and family to watch your church's service. Follow up with them afterward and invite their questions.  And when this is all over, bring them to worship with you in person! (Yes, eventually we want to gather as the church body. Online church is not a permanent solution.)

Pastor, don't just preach self-help sermons you hope will encourage people. Don't preach only to your congregation who already knows the Bible.  Use this time to preach the gospel (We should always be doing that anyway, but now it is especially important!).  Your reach has never been greater!  Warn people of their sin and call them to repentance. Urge them to turn to Jesus that they might have life.

Ephesians 5:15-16: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (ESV)