The Bible clearly teaches: “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10.25). However, Church is not a place; Church is people. Especially these days so filled with fear and human realities, we will be more than the church we were before.
The Chinese words 危機 (crisis) has a double meaning. It might be a danger, but it is also an opportunity.
Now is an opportunity for innovation.
Be innovative as we gather for worship. We will live-stream and/or provide pre-recorded sermons that are accessible online.
Be innovative to be transformed as disciples of Christ. For instance, online fellowships, Bible studies, praying and caring for one another, through Google Hangout, Facebook, Zoom, Discord, OBS, etc.
Be innovative to holistically share the Good News of Jesus Christ and care for those who are sick, lonely, disconnected and vulnerable. (Here is one example, and one more).
Multiply (MB Mission) has this in their most recent newsletter: “Let’s pray for those in our communities working in the health-care spectrum, and for those ill and shut-in who could really use a word of encouragement from us or some groceries dropped off. Let’s serve our communities and serve our health-care leaders just as Jesus would.”
In the end, this is a time of fear, but it is more so a time for Hope. The Day is drawing near as mentioned in the Hebrews passage above. We really do not know how this exponential growth will turn out in days or even hours. Yet, as Christ-followers, as those who have the anchor of the soul, let us communicate in season and out of season the faith and hope and love (Hebrews 6.19; 2Tim. 4.2; 1Cor.13).
Let us deploy all means in all places to help all people to see the all-security in Christ!
Let us have faith and trust in the Creator of Heaven and Earth!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
– Psalm 91.1-6, ESV