How should the church in America respond to the Covid 19 Crisis?

#1. Let’s embrace this crisis as a sabbatical reset for the entire globe.

In the physical realm, the animals and the atmosphere are being renewed. This can be a season of renewal in the lives of individuals and communities in the spiritual realm as well. This can be the “year of the Lord’s favor,” this really can be “Jubilee!”

Read: Luke 4:18-21 and Isaiah 61

#2. Let’s recognize this crisis as a warning shot to get perspective for the end of this age.

In what is known as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus describes calamity on the earth as the beginning of birth pains. Birth is not something you want to stop…you want to move through the pain because of what you know is coming. The church exists to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. Jesus said, “Then the end will come.” We must wrestle with the question of how we might continue to be in mission when ministry structures that have existed for decades are closed down. What would our missionary endeavors look like if we believed that travel could be shut down worldwide?

Read: Matthew 24

#3. Let’s use this event as a catalyst to develop the two-winged ability that caused the first-century church to soar.

There is no doubt that the reason Christianity grew spontaneously and eventually conquered the whole Roman world was the power of corporate worship (one wing) and house to house worship (second wing). This dual experience in worship was not only necessary, but it was also effective. People really loved one another. The Body of Christ was activated in spiritual gifts instead of simply consuming as spectators. It is interesting that in John 16:32, Jesus describes a time when “you will be scattered each to his own home.” That is certainly a foreshadowing of what has already taken place in Asia and what certainly could take place around the globe. Small groups of people meeting in homes may not just be a reality imposed on us by persecution. We have seen a new reality in this global pandemic. We must make ourselves ready.

If ever there was a time when we should be willing to meet together for worship in home groups, it is clearly an essential move now!

Read: Acts 2:42-47; 5:42; 20:20; Matthew 18:20; Colossians 4:15

#4. Let’s believe and declare the absolute sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

When the promised land was being divided up, the Levites (the priestly tribe) did not receive anything. Why? God declared that He would be their portion. This pandemic is going to wreak havoc on the economy. This is a test for believers. Is Jesus really enough? Those who love Christ have become the “priesthood of believers.” We bring God to the people and bring people to God. In this economic pressure cooker, we are being tested as to whether Jesus really is enough. Do we believe in the Lord’s Prayer that we have been praying all of our lives? Is it enough to have “Daily Bread?” Are you OK with Jesus as your portion?

Read: Deuteronomy 10 & 18; Colossians 2

Steps for us to take right now:

#1. Receive renewal, be sanctified. Read: Galatians 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Peter 1:2-4

#2. Establish SCOPE in your home.

We’ve got worship songs with lyrics on Youtube, and a plethora of Bible Studies and sermons available to us. Do this with your family now and when you are able, invite some friends, neighbors, and others from your church family to join you. This is how the church will soar at the end of the age.

#3. Don’t allow yourself to ease back into what was normal before this pandemic.

If this warning shot from God is going to be effective, we will have to say “no” to things that don’t have eternal value and “yes” to things that will further God’s mission in this world. Practice the sufficiency of Christ.