On July 30, 1967,
at 17 years of age Joni Eareckson Tada misjudged the shallowness of the
Chesapeake Bay. And she dove head first into the water, suffering a terrible
fracture that left her paralyzed from the shoulders down. But she said these
sobering words. “We are pilgrims who are walking on a tightrope between earth
and heaven. We feel trapped in time, yet we have eternity beating in our
hearts.
Our unsatisfied
sense of exile is not to be solved or fixed while here on earth. Our pain and
longings make sure we will never be content, but that’s good: it is to our
benefit that we do not grow comfortable in a world destined for decay.”
My friends, we
must not be moved by the circumstances of this life. We need to allow this
current pandemic to make us homesick for a home that we have never been to. We
must never forget that we are just sojourners passing through this foreign
land. At the same time, how do we survive and thrive in this global pandemic?
Following the
pattern of the New Testament Church, we find five activities from Acts 2:42-47
that they were committed to. And thus, as Christians, we should likewise follow
their example.
First, the NT
Church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42).
The apostles’ teaching is a reference to Scripture. Yes, we can and should have
a time of personal devos. At the same time, in context, the NT believers were
untied together in order to receive the teaching of Scripture. Thus, believers
were teaching other believers the Word of God. On a normal basis this would be Sunday
morning worship services, small group Bible studies, and Sunday school classes.
However, given the current social distancing regulations, we are not permitted
to do this. Therefore, we as a church, like many other churches have been
forced to having our services online only. So I want to invite you to join us
at https://www.facebook.com/EugeneChristianChurch/.
Second, the NT
Church devoted themselves to fellowship. (Acts 2:42) Fellowship
can be a great source of encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The truth of
the matter is that we are going to take some shots as Christians, and
therefore, we need one another to help pick us and get through the challenges
of this earthly life.
The most common
way that fellowship was done in the NT Church was through small groups that met
regularly in people’s homes. While social contact is currently discouraged, we
can find a simple solution, which, in some senses is one strong aspect of our
society today. Over the past few years, social media has boomed more than most
would have ever imagined. And its way to stay connected with others without
having to physically be present. Therefore, I admonish you to be an
encouragement to others through sending texts, Facebook messages, tweets, phone
calls, etc. Let others know that you care for them and more, that you are
praying for one another.
Another element
of fellowship that we can see in the NT Church was that of seeking to
meet one another’s needs (Acts 2:43-45). The NT Christians did not give
out of obligation but they were motivated by love. Thus, if you see someone
else in need during these desperate times, I encourage you to follow the
example of the NT believers, and help one another. Some communities have asked
shut-ins to put a colored card (or piece of paper) in the window to indicate
that they have a need.
Third, the NT
Church was devoted to the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). In
context this was most clearly a reference to the Lord’s Supper, aka, communion.
While it will never fully substitute for partaking of the elements among the
body of believers, my family is partaking of it privately through this time.
This has been a
good opportunity for us to help educate our son Samuel who recently became a
Christian on the proper etiquette of partaking of the Lord’s Supper. This is a
good reminder for all of us. Thus, I encourage you to take some time to study
the following passages related to the Lord’s Supper: Matt. 26:26-30; Mark
14:22-26; 1 Cor. 11:23-34.
The fourth
activity that the NT Church devoted themselves to was prayer (Acts
2:42). The call and need for prayer has perhaps never been higher than what it
is now. Pioneer Bible Translators, an organization that we as a church have
supported for decades is urging everyone to be praying the following. Pray God
please:
· Intervene and heal our land and all the lands where this virus is
passing.
· Help researchers develop a vaccine.
· Help doctors to develop treatments.
· Empower the idea of social distancing to prevent the spread of the
disease and slow the rate of infection so that our medical systems won’t be
overwhelmed.
· Give our governments and healthcare industries the power to provide the tests we need.
· Protect our healthcare workers worldwide!
· Inspire believers to set the example of selfless courage during this
pandemic.
· Repair the economic damage and help workers and business owners to
overcome their loss of income.
· Help churches overcome spiritual and economic impacts that befall them
because they are not able to meet.
Just a side note, if the Lord lays it on your
heart to partner with the ministry of Eugene Christian Church, you can give by
sending check or money order to PO Box 126, Eugene, MO 65032.
Other prayer requests during this time of untied
prayer include praying, God please...
· Remove the infection from vulnerable countries that lack adequate medical
care.
· Remove this virus from the whole earth.
God’s Word
contains promises related to prayer. Take for example 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If
My people, who are called by My name, will
· humble themselves and
· pray and
· seek My face and
· turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear
from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Oh, how we need God’s healing touch at a time like this!
But note that it comes after one has a heart-to-heart with God about their
life. God is allowing this pandemic to take place in order that we might do
just that (see Lev. 26; Rev. 9:20-21).
The last activity
that we see the NT Church being devoted to is evangelism (Acts
2:43, 47). The NT Church had great awe and excitement that non-believers wanted
to know about and the hope that they had; and as a result growth took place.
This can be the way that it is with us as Christians today. We have a hope that
cannot be shaken regardless of the circumstances, because we know the end of
the story. We know that God will take care of us. Thus, we don’t need to fear
what tomorrow brings.
Therefore,
regardless of the global pandemic that we are currently experiencing, we can
still devote ourselves to the same practices of the NT Church.
In His service,
Matt
